Theodore Ricksecker, a trailblazer in the American perfume industry, was born in 1846 in Dover, Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The Ricksecker family established themselves in the area, and Theodore received his early education in local public schools. By the mid-19th century, Ricksecker had relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where he embarked on a career that would leave a lasting impact on the perfume and toiletry industry.
Early Career and Establishment of a Perfumery
In 1863, Theodore Ricksecker began his business career in New York City. Five years later, in 1868, he partnered with Mr. Waters to form Waters & Ricksecker, a druggist's sundries business at 28 Beekman Street. This venture marked the beginning of Ricksecker's journey into perfumery. When Mr. Waters retired in 1876, Ricksecker shifted focus exclusively to manufacturing perfumes and toilet goods, relocating his business to William Street.
His success necessitated expansion, and by 1890, he moved to a six-story building at 58 Maiden Lane. In 1896, the company was formally incorporated as The Theo. Ricksecker Co., with Theodore serving as President, A. Ward Brigham as Vice President, and Frank B. Marsh as Secretary and Treasurer. The company's headquarters were at 74 Reade Street, New York City.
