Cleopatra's Boudoir: Poujol

Poujol, founded by Gustav K. Poujol, was a prominent name in the fragrance and cosmetic industry. The company was renowned for its imported French perfumes, which were carried in the United States by Mandel Brothers. This partnership helped Poujol’s luxury products reach a broader American audience, underscoring the brand’s appeal and quality.

In addition to its distinguished line of perfumes, Poujol offered a wide range of personal care products. The company’s offerings included sachets, soap, talcum powder, and toilet waters. Poujol also extended its product line to cosmetics, featuring face powders and compacts, lipsticks, rouge, and cleansing tissues. This comprehensive range demonstrated Poujol's commitment to beauty and personal grooming, catering to various aspects of daily care and elegance.

Gustav K. Poujol, born in France in 1835, moved to America in 1868, initially settling in Philadelphia before relocating to Reading, Pennsylvania, about five years later. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen and worked for 43 years at the TA Willson Spectacle Company before retiring three years prior to his death. Poujol was also recognized for his work as a perfumer. He passed away on February 3, 1913, at the age of 78, at his home on Court Street in Reading. His death followed complications from an illness that had lasted several months. Poujol was survived by his widow, a son named Charles H. Poujol of Hunt, Missouri, and a daughter, Mrs. Chester Gery of Reading. Additional relatives included Mrs. George Beal of Mt. Penn, Pennsylvania; Mrs. James Prior of Trenton, New Jersey; and Mrs. Jacob Greenbaum of Lorraine. His funeral service was held at his residence, with Rev. H.C. Lilly officiating, and he was privately interred in an Alsace cemetery.

By 1935, Poujol’s perfumes were still available, indicating the brand’s continued presence in the market. It is believed that after Gustav Poujol's passing, the company may have been acquired by Mandel Brothers. This acquisition possibly led to the rebranding of Poujol’s products as "Mandel's Poujol" in early 1930s advertisements, marking a new chapter in the legacy of Poujol's esteemed fragrances.