Ernest Lederle established the Lederle Antitoxin Laboratories on 99 acres in Pearl River. Ernest Lederle was the

Chief Chemist of the NYC Department of Health, and twice NY Health Commissioner. During his tenure he curtailed the spread of diphtheria in the late 19th century and used this new location in Rockland to produce diphtheria antitoxins and other formulas for both humans animal use.

https://nyheritage.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/search/searchterm/lederle%20laboratories

https://www.aai.org/About/History/History-Articles/Diphtheria-Antitoxin-and-the-Growth-of-Biologicals