Crofts & Reed Company

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!

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.

11/14/2020

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

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.

07/05/2017

Home remedies available in 1913 Crofts & Reed catalog. Page (13)

02/20/2016

I've thought about creating a website or a blog for Crofts and Reed so I could get a better response from people interested in history and antiques that don't have a Facebook account. Any ideas on how to cheaply accomplish this? The purpose for this page is for historical and family interest.

05/17/2014

Early advertisement for Crofts & Reed medicinal soap

Collection: Broadsides & Ephemera. Single-sided advertisement for medicinal toilet soap "made from pure vegetable oils of a medicinal character." Advertisement claims to clear the complexion and cleanse the scalp.

01/19/2014

Visiting my great grandfather's Anthony Reed's company site in Chicago, The Illinois Paper Box Company right behind Goose Island Beer Company on Carroll Ave. A partnership with Harris Crofts and Anthony Hill Reed was started in 1897. The company incorporated in 1903 with capital of $20,000 under The Illinois Paper Box Company but was actually started in 1897 as The Illinois Packing Box Company. They made paper and wood boxes for other manufacturers one of them being the Crofts & Reed Company; which was owned partially by Corydon Reed, Anthony's brother and William Crofts.