James Baker Williams, founder of the J.B. Williams Company, established a factory in Glastonbury in 1847 based on the success of one of his earlier products, Williams’ Genuine Yankee Soap. This was the first soap to be manufactured expressly for use in shaving mugs and went on to great commercial success. By the early 1900s, the company had become known world-wide for its products which grew to include shaving creams, talcum powder, and other toilet preparations, including those now trademarked with the Aqua Velva name.
Created by the JB Williams company, Aqua Velva was the first consumer aftershave in America and was quickly adopted by guys as a staple in medicine cabinets and ditty bags. Already a name in men’s grooming products, JB Williams extended the ritual of shaving with a scented product that men could apply after their shave for a fresh scent and invigorating feeling (helped by a dash of alcohol that gave it a distinct zing). Its best-known product is the Ice Blue aftershave introduced in 1917 by the J.B. Williams Company.
Aqua Velva has survived 95 years of shifting consumer tastes, as illustrated by the many changes to its marketing slogans
According to aquavelva.com; primermagazine.com. Source of photos: internet
