Nelson, Baker & Co.

Nelson Baker & Co. of 61 Brooklyn Avenue, Detroit, Michigan. Subsidiary of Penslar Stores.

Parfumerie Diaphane

Parfumerie Diaphane, established in 1881 by Mr. A. Reverchon, carved a niche for itself in the world of cosmetics and fragrance, starting with a breakthrough product he had developed earlier. In 1879, Reverchon introduced La Diaphane, a sheer face powder that captivated consumers and quickly gained popularity. Inspired by the success of this product, he named his company after it, marking the beginning of a legacy that would span decades. The establishment was located at 48 Avenue Parmentier in Paris, a site that would become significant in the realms of beauty and perfumery.

Parfumerie Diaphane became a prominent name in the cosmetics industry, renowned for its sheer face powder, Poudre Diaphane. The powder was notably endorsed by the illustrious actress Sarah Bernhardt, whose endorsement lent the product an air of sophistication and glamour. As the company expanded, it gained international recognition, exporting nearly two-thirds of its products throughout Europe and as far afield as Indo-China, Japan, the Caribbean, and the Pacific coast. This extensive reach highlighted the brand's commitment to quality and innovation, allowing it to establish a solid foothold in diverse markets.

Parfumerie St. Denis

Parfumerie St. Denis of Paris France. (also known as Perfumery St. Denis). The American part of the company was located at 452 Fifth Ave., New York. The company produced perfumes, toiletries and cosmetics. But they were famous for their bath salts and powders.

Dr. Anthony T. Frascati (b. July 7, 1892 in Italy) composed the perfumes for Perfumery St Denis in 1922-1925 and again as the chemist in charge of production and perfumery in 1926-1929.  Frascati had also compounded perfumes for other companies such as Tokalon (1922-1925), Ungerer & Co (1929-1932), and Givaudan-Delawanna (1925-1926) before joining Max Factor in 1933. Frascati worked in the Max Factor labs until 1936, when he was appointed head of the perfume laboratory for Firmenich in New York City until 1949. He even whipped up private perfumes for screen stars, but did not manufacture them.

In 1940, Baum acquired St. Denis.  St. Denis Toiletries, Inc., has acquired the business of the former Parfumerie St. Denis, Inc., New York. Jerome E. Baum. originator of Dermay Perfumes, Inc.. who retired and sold his interest in Dermay after fifteen years' association is president of the new organization.


The perfumes of Saint Denis:

• 1923 "Rainbow" Bath Salts
• 1925 Birch
• 1925 Birch Buds
• 1925 Blue Carnation
• 1925 Narcisse D'Auteuil 
• 1926 Eau de Cologne Royale
• 1926 Jeunesse Vivante
• 1928 Turandot
• 1928 Vigorettes
• 1931 Pine Rest
• 1932 B18
• 1932 De Tout Mon Coeur
• 1932 Auf Wiedersehen
• 1932 Liebestraum
• 1933 Gardenia Royal
• 1933 Non-At-All
• 1933 Yankee Doodle
• 1934 Lily of France
• 1934 Royal Guard
• 1934 The Grenadier
• 1934 Parlez Moi D'Amour
• 1934 Valse de Champagne
• 1935 Au Revoir
• 1935 Rose Geranium
• 1935 Les Fleurs de Jasmin
• 1936 Candle Light
• 1936 Gay Nineties
• 1936 Votre Beaute
• 1936 Orchid
• 1936 Loyalty
• 1936 Hyde Park
• 1936 Old Fashioned Bouquet
• 1936 Madonna
• 1936 Syncopation
• 1936 La Royale
• 1936 Saints Release
• 1936 Chivalry
• 1937 Affection
• 1937 Tyrolean Pine
• 1937 Dirnd'l
• 1939 New Mown Hay
• 1940 Zombie
• 1941 Blue Sapphire
• 1941 Jaunty

The Pharmaceutical Era, Volume 59, 1929:

"Les Fleurs de Jasmin is the name of a new bath crystal package which is soon to be placed on the market by Parfumerie St. Denis, specialists in toilet requisites. The package will retail at $2 and $3.50."

Solon Palmer Perfumes

Solon Palmer: A Legacy in Fragrance and Toiletries

Solon Palmer, an influential figure in the world of perfumery and toiletries, established his company in 1847 in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a perfumer and chemist, Palmer's venture quickly became known for its high-quality products. His early offerings included Palmer's Invisible, a ladies’ face powder, and a selection of handkerchief extracts and toilet soaps. These initial products set the stage for Palmer’s subsequent success, helping to build a strong foundation for his business.

In 1870, Palmer expanded his operations by opening a branch in New York City at 12 Platt Street. This move was a strategic step to tap into the vibrant and growing market of New York. Shortly after, he relocated the branch to 372, 374, and 376 Pearl Street, reflecting the company's growth and increasing prominence. Palmer's presence in New York enabled him to reach a broader audience and enhance the brand's reputation on a larger scale.

By 1892, the company was under the leadership of Solon Palmer's son, Eddy Palmer. Eddy’s management marked a new phase for the business, continuing its growth and innovation. Eventually, the company came under the stewardship of Solon M. Palmer, ensuring that the family's legacy in the perfumery and toiletry industry continued. The Palmer family maintained the business until 1947, a testament to their enduring influence and the company’s resilience through changing times.

Throughout its history, Solon Palmer’s company expanded its product range significantly. From its early focus on face powders, handkerchief extracts, and soaps, the line broadened to include powders, sachet powders, rouges, lotions, cold creams, tissue creams, perfumes, brilliantine, and lipsticks. This diversification reflected the company’s adaptability and its ability to cater to evolving consumer needs and preferences.

The design of Palmer's perfume bottles also evolved over time. Early cologne bottles were distinguished by their beautiful deep emerald green or rich teal hues and typically featured a lay-down style. These bottles were not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, enhancing the product’s appeal. As the years progressed, the design shifted to clear or light aqua glass bottles with cylindrical or hourglass shapes. These later bottles represented a more modern approach while maintaining the elegance associated with the Palmer brand.

Vivian Vance Cosmetics & Toiletries Line c1930s

In 1933, a New York company named Preferred Toiletries, Inc released a new cosmetic and toiletry line under the name of Vivian Vance, the beautiful stage actress of the day who would later be more famous for being Lucille Ball's sidekick on I Love Lucy.