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Crofts & Reed Company

Crofts & Reed was a business founded in 1888 in Chicago, IL. The owners were William Lawrence Crofts and Corydon Alcinus (C. A.) Both were my ancestors.

Reed, who were from East Liverpool, OH. They produced soaps, perfumes, and extracts by the millions. Developed Soaps, Perfumes and Extracts manufacturing in Chicago, IL. Established in 1888. Later turned the company into a nationally known mail order business. Crofts and Reed prospered until the late 1920s, because of product supply issues and exotic product and health claims that caught up with t

02/16/2024

In July 1928, the former president of Crofts & Reed was jailed because he wouldn’t return 2,100 gallons of missing alcohol. This took place during prohibition…I wonder where that alcohol went? Hmm…

12/01/2023

A look at the main office in Oct 1906 Chicago, IL. So many orders being processed!

Photos from Crofts & Reed Company's post

10/04/2022

Old Crofts & Reed Co. stock from 1923 and 1924 near the last days of the company. Generously donated to this site by the Pudlo family. Thank you so much!

11/15/2020

Crofts & Reed ad appearing in The Advance Magazine January 26, 1905 advertising the use of premiums for purchasing their soaps, perfumes, and extracts.

books.google.com

Crofts & Reed Sold Aug 19, 1921 - Newspapers.com

11/14/2020

Crofts & Reed Company was sold to Polonia Soap Company in October 1920.

Crofts & Reed Sold Aug 19, 1921 - Newspapers.com Clipping found in Chicago Tribune in Chicago, Illinois on Aug 19, 1921. Crofts & Reed Sold Aug 19, 1921

11/11/2020

Another prime example of rewards you could get for purchasing soaps, perfumes , and extracts from Crofts & Reed in the early 1900s. Desk #509.

07/01/2019

Illustration of the Crofts & Reed factory from 1906 catalog.

06/30/2019

Found this gem recently. Sewing machine and bicycle oil bottle from Crofts & Reed.

08/29/2018

Old shipping container built by my great-grandfather’s company, The Illinois Packing Box Company in the early 1900s. When you ordered product from Crofts & Reed, this is how it was shipped. Soaps, perfumes, extracts, food, all kinds of things were shipped this way.

01/22/2018

Found in their 1913 catalog this face powder branded Favorite Powder was a popular item for Crofts & Reed customers. The box appears to have been created in Pennsylvania.