History of Watkins Products

Watkins was founded in 1868 by J.R. Watkins. That’s 140 years ago. In 1868, the Civil War had just ended and was a recent memory to everyone at the time. Andrew Johnson was President of the United States taking over from Abraham Lincoln who was recently assassinated. A few things that did not exist yet include the telephone, the light bulb, airplanes, and the Suez and Panama Canals. There were just 37 states in the union and they were all in the same time zone since there was only one time zone. General George Custer and Geronimo were still alive and well. And J.R. Watkins, living in Plainview, Minnesota had a dream, a recipe, and a kitchen where he created Watkins Red Liniment.

His Watkins Red Liniment launched a company that has created careers for hundreds of thousands of Watkins men and women over the years. In 1869, J.R. Watkins established America’s first Money-Back Guarantee. He put a Trial-Mark on the Liniment Bottles and told customers that they could use the product down to that line and if they didn’t like it, he’d give them their money back.

By 1885 the production of Liniment had outgrown his home and the town of Plainview, so he moved the company to the booming lumber town of Winona, Minnesota, which boasted five railroads and was already an important port on the Mississippi River. In Winona, Watkins incorporated his company as the J. R. Watkins Medical Company. The company expanded its product line to include products such as Petro-Carbo Salve, Vanilla, Black Pepper, and Cinnamon. By 1915 Watkins was the largest direct selling company in the world and had the majority of the spice and extract market for decades.

For 140 years, Watkins has been America’s pioneer in natural living, utilizing the finest natural ingredients in our product line from apothecary to spices. Since the beginning, Watkins specialized in home remedies using natural botanicals—like camphor, menthol and herbs—to help people feel better and live healthy lives.

To this day, Watkins adheres strictly to the same quality standards set forth by J.R. Watkins. With our J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary line of natural personal care, we use only natural, environmentally friendly ingredients from renewable resources, avoiding chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates.

Watkins now aims to make household chores a little easier and environmentally friendly, with our newest line of natural home care products - J.R. Watkins Natural Home Care - that are safe for your home and family. A re-introduction of our way to clean, playing our part in the way to green living.

Do you remember how wonderful your Grandmother’s cooking was? And your Great Grandmother’s cooking also? The traditional home-cooked meal by our ancestors were almost always cooked with Watkins Products, almost exclusively. That, and a pinch of love is what made those old-time traditional home-cooked meals so delicious and wonderful! Our Watkins products are what almost everyone used up until the 1950’s. When people think fondly back at all those wonderful meals, Grandma’s wonderful cookies, Great Aunt Mabel’s amazing roast they are thinking fondly of how wonderful Watkins products are!

So spread the word and don’t forget how special Watkins Products really are. Why do you think so many great people are involved with Watkins? Not just the wonderful income opportunity and the great products - but also the great family values and traditions that are synonymous with Watkins.

Since its beginnings, Watkins has been family owned and operated. J. R. Watkins’ descendants—Watkins and Kings—guided the company through its first 110 years. In 1978 Irwin L. Jacobs purchased Watkins, and the Jacobs family continues the Watkins’ tradition of manufacturing the highest quality products and providing outstanding service that exceeds expectations.

Watkins commitment to natural ingredients, sustainability and respect for the environment and the community is their heritage. And as they learn and grow with consumers, they continue to meet customer’s needs for a clean, natural, healthier lifestyle.

Become a part of Watkins' history today! Become a Watkins Associate and begin building your home-based business. As a member of the Summit Group you gain access to training and years of knowledge that will lead you to a profitable business. Join now or get more details at http://www.vanillasage.com