Phone:
(719) 337-1432

E-mail:
don@fadely.com
 
McClain's Vegetable Hair Oil
Edward McClain was a Perfumer in Philadelphia starting around 1850. His primary business address was on North 6th, initially at #106. Around 1866, William E. McClain became the Manager of the business, and by 67 it was called Wm E. McClain & Co. The other members of their firm at that time were Emma V. and Mary F. McClain. For the years between 1869 and 1876, either Emma or Mary were running the business. Then, starting in 1877, William E. took over the business again. They were still in business until around 1885.

I picked up one of the Hair Oil bottles from Todd Von Mechow at York, PA. He said he had looked up the Proprietor, and that McClain was in business in the 1860s. Although I've found the McClain family stretched out over quite a few years, I'd say from looking at the bottle that it probably is from the 1860s.

BOTTLE DESCRIPTIONS
1 Oval, 5 1/8", flared lip, no panels, BIM, clear, front: "MC CLAIN'S - VEGETABLE HAIR OIL (arched down) - PHILADA"
McClain's Vegetable Hair Oil (1)