In 1865, Henry Tetlow went into the cosmetics business and the following year discovered a new base for face powders. Before this time many face powders blended in America contained compounds that included lead, arsenic and bismuth. Some were downright poisonous, others changed color when exposed to heat from gas light or even candles. Tetlow found that zinc oxide, as the main base for face powders, overcame the shortcomings of other formulas. It was completely harmless, it retained its color and most significantly, it was cheap. This meant that millions of women could now afford to buy cosmetic powders.
In 1875, Henry brought his bother, Daniel, into the business, which became Henry Tetlow and Brother. The two brothers had a falling out and in the mid-1880s, Daniel formed a new company named Tetlow Manufacturing to compete with Henry. For almost 40 years there would be two Tetlow firms, manufacturing similar products.
There was Henry Tetlow with offices at 10th & Cherry Streets as head of the now renamed Tetlow Toilet Powders & Perfumery Company. And there was Daniel Tetlow, operating from 53 North Mascher Street (built c. 1912) as Tetlow Manufacturing, producing a range of face powders with names such as Eider Down, Dermis, Floridena, Fleur de Lis and Fair Maid.
Daniel Tetlow died in 1900. His widow, Clara, took control of the company and continued competing with the brother's company until 1923. Henry's company, continued by his son, lasted until about 1940.
In 1985 the building was converted from industrial use into residential.
2005 Today
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