Absorene Manufacturer Since 1891 · Top Supplier to Restoration Companies Since the Beginning
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An early advertising poster for Absorene Wallpaper Cleaner, circa 1891
Absorene Manufacturing Company has been making the wallpaper cleaner that bears its name. Absorene wallpaper cleaner is a pink putty-like material that picks up dirt and absorbs it without streaking, crumbling, or ever wetting the wall surface. Like modeling clay it can be shaped to fit in all those little corners and niches that attract dust and dirt. It earned the title . Pink Ball of Magic. for its easy and effective method of cleaning.
The company was founded in St. Louis by H.R. Henderson and in 1900 the business moved into a factory that previously housed the Mullanphy Emigrant Home. During the early part of the century the Absorene business grew by adding new cleaning products and expanding sales across the country. By the mid 1940s Absorene was the largest manufacturer of wallpaper cleaner in the U.S.
In 1954 the company was purchased by Harry Shear and he extended the product line to include children.s modeling dough made and packaged for many national accounts under private label.
Ralph W. Coldewe, Jr. acquired the Absorene Company in 1976 and greatly expanded the business. In 1989 Absorene acquired
Sponge Producers Co., a converter of cellulose and synthetic sponges. And in 1998 the Gulf & West Indies Co., importer of natural sponges, became part of the Absorene Company. Today Absorene remains the premier cleaner for wallpaper, books, paper products, and art work. Our product line covers the full range of natural and synthetic sponges for industrial cleaning, cosmetic application, cleansing sponges, and bath accessories.
The original Absorene building at 14th
2141 Cass Avenue • St Louis, MO 63106 • 314-231-6355 Fax 314-231-4028 'Established in 1891' All Rights Reserved ® Absorene Manufacturing Company, Inc.
