Caswell Massey, one of America's oldest chemists and perfumers opened for business in 1752 under the name of Dr.Hunters Dispensary in Newport , Rhode Island. At the same time, Benjamin Franklin is believed to have brought the first bathtub to America, although there is some dispute as to the validity of this claim. Wherever the truth lies , it's very clear in the history of Dr. Hunter's Dispensary that this was the time in Revolutionary history that the demand for fines soaps began to escalate. Later , in 1780 , George Washington is reputed to have given a supply of Dr. Hunter's remarkable cologne, simply named Number 6 , as a gift to the Marquis de Lafayette, for his help with the Revolutionary Army.It is said that from that moment on, the Marquis was never without several cases of his beloved Number 6! Caswell Massey Number 6 is a sexy solid scent of Bergamot ,Orange Blossom , Rosemary and "Over 2 dozen aromatic oils"......I swear that you can almost feel the velvet waistcoats and leather boots when you wear it.
Shortly afterwards the apothecary was renamed Caswell Massey when John Rose Caswell formed a partnership with William Massey of New York. At that moment, Caswell Massey as it's always been known and loved was born! Other famous Caswell Massey customers included John Adams, Dolly Madison, Annie Oakley and Sarah Bernhardt and the very mysterious Edgar Allen Poe!
There are many of the original fragrances still available, Tricorn which is wonderfully green and spicy, Newport with it's nautical packaging and bracing citrus notes and Jockey Club which was rumored to have been one of the favorites of President John F. Kennedy. That being said, Number 6 is my all time favorite "weak in the knees", Caswell Massey cologne with the exception of their Bay Rum which is simply the sexiest, most sensational skin scent for a man that I have ever smelled. The Bay Rum should truly be renamed "Pirate", because it's just that provocative! It is filled with spice,musk and a bit of the sea, just a wonderfully old fashioned, virile sort of scent. Each of the fragrances presented come in many forms, there are classic aftershaves and balms, deodorants and soaps. All of the packaging is romantic and harkens back to a time in history when fragrance products were appreciated simply for their quality and not for their advertising dollars!
Caswell Massey's line of products is still very much intact, most of the fragrances and products that I fell in love with decades ago are still available today for purchase. Their line of toiletries for women are wonderful and the sweet almond and aloe products are simply beautiful. Luscious , creamy and smelling of sweet bitter almond, all of the creams ,lotions and balms in this line are delightful to the touch and wonderful for creating a very relaxing home spa. Their fragrances for woman are wonderful as well, not terribly complicated but very pretty. They are many single florals available like Lily of the Valley and Lilac and the very pretty and stunningly traditional English Lavender. All of Caswell Massey's fragrances for women come with beautiful add-on gifts like soaps and sachets bath gels and hand creams! They make decadently wonderful gifts for any woman that you'd love to pamper!
One of the delightful things about shopping at Caswell Massey is that they still have many of the Dr. Hunter formulations for sale as well as lots of gorgeous grooming products and things to make you feel as though you've stepped completely back in time to a much more civilized yet slightly dangerous place! Rose balms and blotting papers are still available for purchase as well as Sarah Bernhardt's favorite night cream. A romantic fool like me can hardly resist the temptation to own even a small part of Revolutionary History so I'm rarely without the Number 6, but I'm very sure that you'll find your own favorite if you spend enough time perusing the pleasures to be found within their website. There are only a few of the stores left and if you happen to live in a city lucky enough to have one you're in for a treat. If not, there are plenty of places to find these treats in person. The company website has a complete listing of stores all across the country that sell their products. Try them..you won't be dissapointed!
For more information please go to: http://www.caswellmassey.com/
Originally published in the Cleveland Examiner : http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-5804-Cleveland-Fragrance-Examiner~y2009m7d1-George-Washington-shopped-here--The-fine-fragrances-and-grooming-products-of-Caswell-Massey
