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About Company (This is info from the company website, not our
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1868
Twenty-eight-year-old entrepreneur J.R. Watkins founds the J.R.
Watkins Medical Company in Plainview, Minnesota, giving birth to one
of America's first natural remedies companies where associates market
directly to consumers
1869
Introduction of America's first money-back guarantee and the
Trial-Mark™ bottle, which indicated how much of the product could be
used and still returned for a full refund. Watkins Red Liniment, made
from Asian camphor and red pepper extract, was the company's first
product. It is still sold today.
1885
J.R. Watkins moves his company to Winona, Minnesota, a booming logging
town on the banks of the Mississippi River. Pictured are the first
factory and the first employees.
1895
Watkins enters the gourmet specialty food market with its introduction
of vanilla extract, black pepper and cinnamon. While searching the
world for high-quality, natural medicinal ingredients, Watkins extends
the tradition to high-quality, natural food ingredients. These pepper
tins from the early 1900s are popular collectibles.
1901
Publication of first Watkins Almanac, Home Doctor and Cookbook.
At left is the colorful 1903 Almanac. A complete collection of
Almanacs and Calendars are featured in the Watkins Museum in Winona,
MN
1912
Architecturally significant administration building is completed at a
cost of $1.2 million in 1912. The building includes Italian tile and
marble, Tiffany-style glass, and other exquisite details. When looking
straight up from the building's marble rotunda, visitors will see the
free standing dome with 24-karat gold leaf.
Designed by noted Prairie School architect George Washington Maher,
Watkins Administration Building is part of the
Minneapolis Institute of Arts' multi-media collection, Unified Vision.
1913
International expansion begins with branch office in Winnipeg, Canada;
here a hearty Watkins Man from Winnipeg braves the cold to share his
products in the late 1930s.
1915
J.R. Watkins Medical Company becomes the world's largest direct
selling company. Pictured is a composite of the Watkins properties
from across North America as presented on the cover of Watkins
Timely Suggestions.1920
Product line reaches 100 selections. One of the most colorful
offerings is Egyptian Bouquet Talcum Powder.
1922
Herb tablets (vitamins) introduced; Watkins was well ahead of its time
in realizing the benefits of vitamins. These “vitamins” supported the
Watkins tradition of natural products, which continues today in the
form of cutting-edge dietary supplements.
1928
Watkins receives Gold Medal honors at the Paris International
Exposition for vanilla, black pepper, cinnamon and other ground
spices; the award sealed the company's reputation for providing
high-quality gourmet ingredients.1940
Watkins counts 200 products and 10,000 sales associates. Pictured are
three Watkins sales associates from the Midwest.
1942
Ninety percent of Watkins production capacity is dedicated to the WWII
Allied effort. Products included Pure Dried Whole Eggs, Dessert
Powder, Gelatin Desserts, Lemon Juice Powder, Orange Beverage Base
Powder, Louse Powder, and Insecticide Powder for Body Crawling
Insects. This ad detail from 1944 illustrates Watkins support of the
war effort.
1955
Watkins first major national advertising campaign captures the
imagination of a new generation of consumers. The ads appeared in
magazines such as Better Homes and Gardens, the Saturday Evening
Post, Ebony, Ladies Home Journal, Reader's Digest, McCall's, and
Look
1960
Watkins ads appear live on NBC's "Today" show hosted by Dave Garroway.
Pictured from left: Jack Lescoulie, Florence Henderson, Garroway, and
Frank Blair.
1978
Ownership of the 110-year-old industry leading and innovative company
is transferred from the Watkins family to Minneapolis entrepreneur
Irwin Jacobs and his family.
1990
Watkins men and women add more convenience to what they offer
customers with the introduction of customer direct delivery; products
go straight from the on-site manufacturing facility to the company's
distribution center and then to the customer's home.
1997
Mark Jacobs named president; product line is refined and expanded,
completing the journey from Liniment to Linimax and the return to home
remedy/natural wellness products.
1999
Watkins counts over 350 products and 45,000 Watkins men and women in
North America. Heart-healthy Grapeseed Oil is introduced and quickly
becomes a favorite.
2003
 Door
to Door, the made for TV movie about Watkins Associate Bill
Porter wins six Emmys, including best made for TV movie and best actor
for William H. Macy. The real-life Bill Porter, who was born with
cerebral palsy, has inspired countless people with his persistence,
integrity, and commitment to results. With Door to Door, Bill
Porter's story reaches millions of people all across North America.
(Above, the real Bill Porter)
Today
Watkins rich history adds another chapter with Good Tastings™ by
Watkins. Good Tastings events are gourmet samplings where friends
and family can come together to taste simple yet elegant appetizers
made with Watkins products.
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