Wisconsin History Day By Day


Related Web Sites:
Colgate-Palmolive Company history

Colgate-Palmolive and the soap industry

Colgate-Palmolive History


Read More About It

"Dictionary of Wisconsin Biography"

Milwaukee Journal, Aug. 23, 1902 and Aug. 8, 1924


Vocabulary:

established
sole


Interesting Fact:

The name of Palmolive gained a national repuation through magazine advertising.


Study Questions:

  • Why was the name of the company changed to Palmolive?
  • What is the name of the company today? Is it still based in Milwaukee?
  • When was soap first manufactured in factories and sold commercially?


    U.S. historical events that occurred on April 24:

    1800: The Library of Congress is established.



  • April 24

    April 24, 1826: Burdette Johnson, soap manufacturer, was born in New York state. He moved to Milwaukee in 1864 where he established a business manufacturing soap, candles and cheese, with soap eventually becoming his sole product. His son, Caleb, took over the business, becoming president in 1902. In 1917, the business changed its name to the Palmolive Company.


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