The History of Soap Making in Milwaukee, WI

Soap making has a long history in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, dating back to the early days of the city's settlement. The availability of natural resources such as animal fats and the growth of industries like tanneries and breweries contributed to the establishment and growth of soap manufacturing in Milwaukee.

In the mid-19th century, Milwaukee was known as a center for the meatpacking industry. The local meatpacking plants provided an abundance of animal fats, a key ingredient in early soap production. As a result, soap makers began to set up businesses to utilize these raw materials.

One notable soap manufacturer in Milwaukee was the Pabst Soap Company, which was founded by Jacob Best, Jr., the son of one of the founders of the Pabst Brewery. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Pabst Soap Company became one of the largest soap manufacturers in the United States. They produced a variety of soaps, including laundry soap, toilet soap, and specialty soaps.

Another prominent soap maker in Milwaukee was the B.F. Goodrich Company, which started as a rubber goods manufacturer but later expanded into soap production. Goodrich's "Gold Dust Washing Powder" became a popular brand and was widely advertised.

The soap manufacturing industry in Milwaukee continued to grow throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many smaller soap manufacturers emerged, catering to both household and industrial markets. Soap factories and manufacturing facilities were established throughout the city, employing numerous workers.

However, with the advent of mass-produced commercial soaps and changes in the industry landscape, many smaller soap manufacturers in Milwaukee faced challenges and eventually closed down or merged with larger companies. The decline of the soap manufacturing industry in Milwaukee mirrored the overall changes in the soap industry nationwide.

Today, while soap making is not as prominent in Milwaukee as it once was, there are still local artisans and small-scale soap makers in the city who produce handmade soaps using traditional methods and natural ingredients. These businesses often focus on creating specialty or artisanal soaps, catering to niche markets, and emphasizing the use of high-quality ingredients.