Watkins Springtime Catalog

Winona, Minnesota: J. R. Watkins Company, 1920. Very good. First edition, n. d. (ca 1920); 5 1/4 x 4 1/4; pp. 2-31; pictorial beige wraps, decorated and ruled in blue and black; illustrated with numerous photographs and drawings; a few small spots to wraps; pp. 17-18 with a bit of rubbing to upper margin; in very good condition.A cheerful catalog of a great variety of products it was published by the J. R. Watkins Company - one of the largest direct-sales companies in the United States by the early 20th century. Founded by J. R. Watkins in 1868, the company began manufacturing the original J. R. Watkins Liniment for minor muscle aches and stiffness, which would be sold door-to-door and is still available today. The direct-sales model would popularize the door-to-door salesman, known as "the Watkins Man" - a traveling Watkins employee, who would travel all across the US in a horse-and-wagon and later - in an automobile, giving the customers a chance to personally select the products they needed. The company's line of products would expand to include baking ingredients and spices, patent medicines, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and so on. The current catalog contained examples of all of the above, as well as gardening and household hints, articles on how to stay fit and on the history of cinnamon, etc.