OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

Title: Procter & Gamble Company Product Packaging Collection

Collection Date(s): 1946-1980 (bulk 1950s-1970s), undated

Extent and Forms of Material: 2 cubic feet (7 boxes)

Creator: Proctor & Gamble Company

Abstract: Collection includes test marketing sample packages and signs for Proctor & Gamble products. Procter & Gamble, an American global corporation based in Cincinnati, Ohio, manufactures a wide range of consumer products.

Repository: Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. archivescenter@si.edu 202-633-3270 www.americanhistory.si.edu/archives

Collection Number: AC0836

Processing Note: Processed by Caitlan Maxwell (intern), June 2007; supervised by Vanessa Broussard Simmons, archivist.

INFORMATION FOR USERS OF THE COLLECTION

Conditions Governing Access: The collection is open for research use.

Physical Access: Unrestricted research access on site by appointment.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use: Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Reproduction permission from Archives Center: fees for commercial use. All duplication requests must be reviewed and approved by Archives Center staff. Potential users must receive written permission from appropriate rights holders prior to obtaining high quality copies.

Preferred Citation: Title and date of item, Procter & Gamble Company Product Packaging Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, box number X, folder number XX, digital file number XXXXXXXX

IN-DEPTH INFORMATION ABOUT THE COLLECTION

Administrative History: Candle maker William Procter and soap maker James Gamble formed a partnership in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1837 to sell their products. Procter & Gamble is probably best known for developing Ivory Soap, but the company has also developed other products such as Ivory Flakes, Chipso (the first dishwasher soap), and Crisco. Innovations in production, distribution, market research and advertising have also contributed to the success of the Procter & Gamble Company.

Scope and Content: Collection comprises of sample packages, and signs for Proctor & Gamble products. The samples were for test marketing product names. Some of the products have the date stamped on the item. The industrial designer Donald Deskey designed a number of the packages. Most of the materials are personal care products, but there is a substantial amount of household products. Researchers interested in graphic design and the creative process of developing packaging for consumer goods will find this collection useful.

Series 1, Packaging, 1946-1980, includes sample packages for products such as soaps, shaving creams, laundry detergents, dental care, household cleansers, hair care and dish detergents. The packages are arranged first by size and then in alphabetical and chronological order.

Series 2, Signs, undated, includes two signs for Lennox and Naptha soaps. These materials are arranged in alphabetical order.

System of Arrangement: Arranged in two series

Series 1, Packaging, 1946-1980, undated
Series 2, Signs, undated

Acquisition Information: Procter & Gamble donated this collection to the National Museum of American History in 1984, along with many artifacts. The Division of Science, Medicine and Society transferred the product-packaging portion of the collection to the Archives Center in 2003.

Custodial History: Transferred to the Archives Center from the Division of Science, Medicine and Society, 2003.

Related Archival Materials: The Archives Center holds a number of other collections relating to Procter & Gamble. These collections include the Warshaw Collection of Business Americana, NW Ayer Advertising Agency Records and the Ivory Soap Advertising Collection.

Access Points:

Subject/Topical:
Advertising
Soap
Toothpaste

Subject/Name:
Deskey, Donald

Form/Genre:
Packaging
Signs

CONTAINER LISTING

archivescenter@si.edu
Revised: August 6, 2008