Colgate Perfumes

Colgate & Co. was located at 55 John Street New York. Established 1806. Richard M. Colgate, Gilbert Colgate, Sidney M. Colgate, Austen Colgate.

Key Dates:

• 1806: Company is founded by William Colgate in New York to make starch, soap, and candles.
• 1857: After founder's death, company becomes known as Colgate & Company.
• 1873: Toothpaste is first marketed.
• 1896: Collapsible tubes for toothpaste are introduced.
• 1898: B.J. Johnson Soap Company (later renamed Palmolive Company) introduces Palmolive soap.
• 1910: Colgate moves from original location to Jersey City, New Jersey.
• 1926: Palmolive merges with Peet Brothers, creating Palmolive-Peet Company.
• 1928: Colgate and Palmolive-Peet merge, forming Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Company.
• 1947: Fab detergent and Ajax cleanser are introduced.
• 1953: Company changes its name to Colgate-Palmolive Company.
• 1956: Corporate headquarters shifts back to New York.
• 1966: Palmolive dishwashing liquid is introduced.
• 1967: Sales top $1 billion.
• 1968: Colgate toothpaste is reformulated with fluoride; Ultra Brite is introduced.
• 1976: Hill's Pet Products is purchased.
• 1987: The Softsoap brand of liquid soap is acquired.
• 1992: The Mennen Company is acquired; Total toothpaste is introduced overseas.
• 1995: Latin American firm Kolynos Oral Care is acquired; Colgate-Palmolive undergoes major restructuring.
• 1997: Total toothpaste is launched in the United States; Colgate takes lead in domestic toothpaste market.
• 2004: Company acquires European oral care firm GABA Holding AG; major restructuring is launched.

Colgate Company of Jersey City, NJ from 1879 to 1959.

Colgate & Company had been a pioneer in establishing international operations, creating a Canadian subsidiary in 1913 and one in France in 1920. In the early 1920s the firm expanded into Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Mexico. Colgate or its successor firm next created subsidiaries in the Philippines, Brazil, Argentina, and South Africa in the late 1920s. In 1937 the company moved into India and by the end of the 1940s had operations in most of South America. By 1939 Colgate-Palmolive-Peet's sales hit $100 million.

Richard D. Young Perfumery Co.

The History of the Richard D. Young Perfumery Company, New York

Founded in 1888, the Richard D. Young Perfumery Company was a quintessential example of late Victorian entrepreneurial ambition and innovation in the burgeoning fragrance industry. Initially located at 100 William Street, New York City, the company was strategically positioned in the heart of the city’s financial and commercial hub. In the 1890s, this area was a bustling center of trade, characterized by cobblestone streets teeming with carriages and pedestrians, and lined with stately brick and cast-iron buildings that housed merchants, importers, and manufacturers. This locale provided an ideal setting for a company seeking to attract affluent clients and establish itself among the elite purveyors of fine goods.

By 1890, the company’s perfumes were steadily gaining prominence, with their "staying qualities" becoming a hallmark of the brand. The fragrances were celebrated not only for their longevity but also for their exquisite craftsmanship, which ensured their appeal to a discerning clientele. In subsequent years, the company relocated to 351 Broadway, another prestigious address. Broadway during this era was synonymous with cultural sophistication and commerce, offering proximity to theaters, luxury shops, and other perfume houses, which further elevated the brand's image.

Later, the company operated out of 45 Leonard Street, an area increasingly recognized as a hub for specialty manufacturers and artisanal trades. These locations mirrored the company’s evolution and ambitions, aligning with its commitment to quality and its pursuit of innovation in fragrance production.

Flair by Yardley c1952

Flair by Yardley: launched in 1952. First created by Yardley, then traded to Lentheric in 1964. Since 1999, it has been distributed by Mayfair Perfumes.

Reve D'Or by LT Piver c1889

Reve D’Or by LT Piver was originally launched in 1889 as a woman’s cologne.

Its French name translates as “dream of gold” or "Golden Dreams" and was named after the particular breed of roses with butterscotch and cream petals.

In 1905 it was slightly reformulated and incorporated methyl aldehyde to give it a sparkling top note. The parfum extrait was reformulated in 1926 by Louis Armingeat.

Early American Old Spice for Women by Shulton c1937

Most of us know the famous men’s fragrance Old Spice, but very few know that this was originally intended for women to wear. It was launched under the name Early American Old Spice in 1937 by Shulton.

Parfums Charbert

Parfums Charbert, Inc., was a New York-based company located at 730 5th Avenue. The firm was established in 1933 by William Gaxton, Charles Einfield, and Herbert Harris, under the name Parfums Charbert. The company's focus was on creating perfumes and cosmetics tailored to the American middle market, offering products that combined accessible luxury with affordability.

The name "Charbert" is believed to have originated as a blend of the names Charles Einfield and Herbert Harris, with "Char" derived from Charles and "Bert" from Herbert. This naming approach highlighted the partnership and personal connection between the founders, which was a common branding strategy during that era.

Charbert's products reflected the growing demand for elegant and fashionable cosmetics that resonated with the aspirations of middle-class American consumers. Positioned as a domestic alternative to European luxury brands, Parfums Charbert played a significant role in the American beauty industry during the mid-20th century.

Dermay Perfumers, Inc

Dermay Perfumers Inc. was an American company established in 1924 by Jerome "Jerry" E. Baum at 347 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Specializing in a diverse range of personal care products, Dermay sold bath salts, perfumes, creams, toilet waters, face powder, talcum, bath and dusting powders, manicure sets, and soaps. The name Dermay was officially filed for trademark in 1924, solidifying its brand identity. Jerome Baum served as the president, secretary, and director of the company, playing a pivotal role in its operations and development.

Escapade by Shulton c1954

Escapade was launched by Shulton in 1954. It's manufacturer's promised that it would "shake your world a little."

Teak by Shulton c1965

Teak was launched in 1965 by Shulton.

White Mist by Countess Maritza c1950

White Mist was launched in 1950 by Countess Maritza.

Black Magic by Bombi c1945

Black Magic by Bombi Perfumer, a New York-based perfume distributor, was introduced in 1945, a pivotal year in world history. The name Black Magic was likely chosen for its aura of mystery, allure, and seduction—qualities that have long been associated with the phrase. The term itself originates from Middle English, deriving from the Old French magique and ultimately the Greek magikos, referring to supernatural or occult practices, the phrase conveys an air of forbidden enchantment, drawing upon deep cultural associations with the unknown, the exotic, and the dangerously irresistible.

The words Black Magic evoke powerful imagery—moonlit rituals, hypnotic spells, and the bewitching gaze of a femme fatale. It suggests something both forbidden and captivating, a force that cannot be resisted. Emotionally, it stirs feelings of intrigue, seduction, and perhaps even danger. In the context of a perfume, the name implies an intoxicating, almost spellbinding scent—one that lingers on the skin like a whispered incantation, drawing admirers closer with its irresistible charm.

The year 1945 marked the end of World War II, a time of both devastation and renewal. The world was transitioning from the hardships of war into an era of hope and reconstruction. Women, many of whom had taken on roles in factories and offices during the war, were now expected to return to more traditional domestic roles. However, they carried with them a newfound sense of independence and confidence. This period would soon give rise to the ultra-feminine, glamorous aesthetics of the late 1940s and early 1950s, characterized by nipped-in waists, voluminous skirts, and structured silhouettes. Hollywood's golden age was at its peak, with stars like Rita Hayworth, Lauren Bacall, and Marlene Dietrich setting trends with their sultry, sophisticated personas.

Wild Meadow by Shulton c1971

Wild Meadow by Shulton was launched in 1971. It was marketed towards young women.

Butterfly Blue by Shulton c1971

Butterfly Blue by Shulton: launched in 1971. Introduced as an aerosol spray cologne.