10. Kranich Soap Company, 54-60 Richards Street
The Kranich Soap Company was founded in 1921 by Herbert Kranich as the Kranich Chemical Co. Kranich later merged with Specification Soap to form the Kranich & Specification Soap Co. The new company opened at this Brooklyn location in 1924. The name was changed to Kranich Soap Co. “in response to requests from the trade for a simpler title,” notes American Perfumer & Essential Oil Review in 1926.
Kranich manufactured potash soap, also known as potassium soap, a soft soap made from the lye leached from wood ashes. A 1922 ad in American Perfumer lists toilet soap, shampoo, and shaving cream among its products. The factory in Red Hook closed in 1963.
For more NYC history, check out the author’s books on the legendary East Village concert hall Fillmore East and Manhattan’s rock n’ roll sites, shows, and songs. Next, check out Ghost Signs of Uptown Manhattan.
