Cleopatra's Boudoir: Jennings Perfumery Company

Welcome!

Welcome to my unique perfume blog! Here, you'll find detailed, encyclopedic entries about perfumes and companies, complete with facts and photos for easy research. This site is not affiliated with any perfume companies; it's a reference source for collectors and enthusiasts who cherish classic fragrances. My goal is to highlight beloved, discontinued classics and show current brand owners the demand for their revival. Your input is invaluable! Please share why you liked a fragrance, describe its scent, the time period you wore it, any memorable occasions, or what it reminded you of. Did a relative wear it, or did you like the bottle design? Your stories might catch the attention of brand representatives. I regularly update posts with new information and corrections. Your contributions help keep my entries accurate and comprehensive. Please comment and share any additional information you have. Together, we can keep the legacy of classic perfumes alive!

Friday, May 17, 2019

Jennings Perfumery Company

The Jennings Perfumery Co., established in 1872 by Charles W. Jennings, was a significant player in the perfume and flavoring industry based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Located at 19-21 So Ottawa Street, the company operated from a strategic position in the city, which was known for its burgeoning industrial sector during that era. Jennings, a visionary in the field, laid the foundation for a business that would grow and evolve over the decades.

In 1899, a pivotal change occurred in the company’s structure. As reported in Interstate Druggist, the firm known as Jennings & Smith of Grand Rapids dissolved, with Charles W. Jennings continuing the business under a new name: the Jennings Flavoring Extract Co. This rebranding marked a shift in focus towards manufacturing flavors and perfumes, consolidating Jennings's reputation in these specialized fields.

By 1904, the business underwent another transformation. According to The Spatula, the Jennings Perfumery Company was incorporated as the Jennings Manufacturing Company, with a capital of $50,000. Despite the change in title, the management remained consistent, ensuring stability and continuity in the company's operations. This incorporation reflected the growing success and expansion of the business, solidifying its place in the industry.

Charles W. Jennings's leadership continued to guide the company until his passing on January 9, 1929. As noted in The Pharmaceutical Era, Jennings, at the age of 74, was the head of Jennings Manufacturing Co., which was well-regarded for its production of flavoring extracts and perfumes. His death marked the end of an era for the company, which had been a significant contributor to the perfume and flavoring industry in Grand Rapids.