Wrisley Perfumes

Allen B. Wrisley Company: A Legacy of Fragrance and Toiletries

Allen B. Wrisley Company, established in 1862 and incorporated in 1895, was a prominent name in the world of toiletries and fragrances. Based initially at 477-485 Fifth Avenue in Chicago, the company quickly expanded its reach and influence. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wrisley had established a notable presence not just in Chicago but also with a branch in New York, reflecting its growing prominence in the American market.

The company was renowned for its comprehensive range of products, catering to various personal care needs. Its offerings included an array of toiletries such as soaps, colognes, and perfumes, alongside specialized items like bath tablets and bath crystals. This broad spectrum of products showcased Wrisley’s commitment to providing a complete personal care experience. Additionally, their selection of face creams, tooth powders, and dusting powders highlighted the company's dedication to both luxury and practicality in everyday grooming.

Wrisley’s fragrances, in particular, were a notable part of their product line. The company's ability to offer a diverse array of scents reflected an understanding of the evolving tastes of the time. Their perfumes were crafted to cater to a wide range of preferences, from subtle and classic to more contemporary and bold options. This diversity allowed them to appeal to a broad audience, ensuring that their products remained relevant and desirable.

The company's New York branch further cemented its status as a key player in the personal care industry. Having a presence in such a significant market as New York allowed Wrisley to reach a wider clientele and compete on a larger scale. The dual-location strategy not only enhanced their distribution capabilities but also reinforced their brand's reputation for quality and innovation.

Allen B. Wrisley Company’s legacy is marked by its early establishment in the personal care industry, its broad range of products, and its successful expansion into major American cities. The company's long history reflects its significant role in shaping the toiletry and fragrance market, with a legacy that continued to influence personal care trends well into the 20th century.

Allen B. Wrisley Company of 477-485 Fifth Ave, Chicago.

 Established 1862. Incorporated 1895.

• Allen B Wrisley, President 
• Myron M Drury, Vice President and Treasurer 
• Richard B Oleson, Secretary 
• George F Merrill, General Manager of Perfume Department 

 Wrisley Perfumes:

• 1887 Alpine Rose 
• 1997 Bouquet of Roses
• 1887 Bouquet of Violets
• 1887 Carnation Pink 
• 1887 Ess Bouquet 
• 1887 Fleur de Alba 
• 1887 Florentine Bouquet 
• 1887 Flowers of Italy 
• 1887 Florentine line of Toilet Waters
• 1887 Heliotrope
• 1887 Jockey Club 
• 1887 Lily of the Valley 
• 1887 Musk 
• 1887 New Mown Hay 
• 1887 Paris Aumale
• 1887 Patchouly 
• 1887 Roman Bouquet 
• 1887 Rose Geranium 
• 1887 Santa Lang 
• 1887 Stephanotis 
• 1887 Violet 
• 1887 West End 
• 1887 White Rose 
• 1887 Ylang Ylang 
• 1887 Yosemite Bouquet
• 1895 Colonial, reintroduced in 1901, and again in the 1940s
• 1900 Peau d'Espagne
• 1903 Sandalwood
• 1903 Ambrosia
• 1903 Colonial Dame
• 1903 Florentine
• 1903 Aria
• 1903 Flowers of America
• 1903 Flowers of Italy
• 1903 Gypsy Pink
• 1903 India Violet
• 1903 Lorelei Bouquet
• 1903 Florentine Rose
• 1903 Florentine White Rose
• 1903 Lorelei Cologne
• 1903 Gypsy Rose
• 1903 Marie Antoinette
• 1903 Vicereine Rose
• 1903 Vicereine Violet
• 1903 White Alpine Rose
• 1903 Alpine Violet
• 1908 Gold Fire
• 1908 Magnolia Bloom
• 1908 Princess
• 1908 Queen
• 1908 Regal
• 1908 Royal
• 1908 San Toy
• 1910 Wildwood
• 1912 Mione
• 1918 Trailing Arbutus
• 1918 Jasmine
• 1922 Wistaria
• 1922 English Lilac (notes of lilac, heliotrope, vanilla, jasmine, musk, ylang ylang)
• 1922 English Lavender
• 1922 Rose Pom Pom
• 1922 Wild Crab Apple Blossom
• 1926 Narcissus
• 1926 Lilac Bouquet
• 1935 Rose
• 1935 Pine
• 1936 Fez
• 1936 Queen's Guard
• 1936 Gardenia
• 1936 Lilac
• 1936 Violet
• 1936 Lavender
• 1936 Siberian Pine
• 1939 Gaiety, reintroduced in 1962
• 1940 Apple Blossom
• 1940 Hobnail Cologne
• 1940 Hobnail Apple Blossom Cologne (lilac with touches of gardenia and violet)
• 1940 Hobnail Lily of the Valley Cologne (notes of rose, jasmine, lily of the valley)
• 1940 Carnation
• 1940 Spring Garden
• 1941 Pink Coral
• 1941 White Flower Cologne
• 1941 Blue Fern
• 1941 Gold Tassel
• 1942 Apothecary
• 1942 Old Fashioned Bouquet
• 1942 Scentiments
• 1942 Wild Flower Cologne
• 1943 Frill Cologne
• 1943 Beau Rose
• 1944 Reservation For Two
• 1945 Spruce
• 1948 Ambrosia, reintroduced
• 1950 Saddle Club
• 1951 My Heart, reintroduced in 1960
• 1958 Flore
• 1958 Golden Rose
• 1958 Blue Vlevet
• 1958 Pink Mink
• 1961 Magnetique
• 1966 Lemon Twist (notes of mint, French lime oil, bergamot, lemon oil, French petitgrain, Paraguayan petitgrain)
• 1966 Goldfire (aldehydic oriental)
• 1968 Antique Spice Cologne (notes of oriental spices, lavender, rosemary, celery seed)
• French Lilac (heliotrope, vanilla, ylang ylang, musk, ambergris, jasmine)
• Honeysuckle
• Martha Washington

Ad from 1903:

1911 ad

Ads from 1941

Ads from 1953