James S. Kirk & Company

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James S. Kirk & Co.
Life Span: 1860-1930
Location: North Water Street
Architect: Unknown

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James S. Kirk, a native of Scotland who grew up in Montreal, moved his soap-manufacturing business from Utica, New York, to Chicago in 1859. In 1867, he set up a large new plant on North Water Street. In 1870, this facility employed about 30 men and 20 children and made nearly $600,000 worth of soap during the year. By 1880, the North Water Street plant was one of world’s largest soap factories, with machinery driven by steam engines, a workforce of 250, and an annual output worth over $2 million. By the turn of the century, when there were close 600 workers at Kirk’s factory, it made about 100 million pounds of soap per year. In 1929, the North Water Street plant was demolished, and the remnants of the company were sold to Proctor & Gamble of Cincinnati on June 3, 1930.

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James S. Kirk & Company’s Factory
352 to 370 North Water Street

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Chicago Tribune, December 31, 1881

James S. Kirk & Co.
Exceptionally the largest soapmakers In the United States, manufacturing their famous products by the tons annually, what dealer or family is there throughout the length and breadth of the North American Continent that does not recognize in their several brands the superlative standard of excellence? Progressive as well as enterprising, scarcely a year rolls around but they have some new feature, or some new added excellence to already famous goods wherewith to keep alive their good name and reputation as makers of this necessary with every household in Christendom. What family is there that has not to remember with had occasion thankfulness the introduction of their unrivaled “Laundry Soap”-the par excellence of soap for laundry and kindred purposes, and now realizes the impossibility of keeping house without them? Later than this famous production of their extensive institution, however, and with which the people are becoming more and more acquainted, is their elegant line of “mill-finish,” highly-perfumed toilet soaps, which will compare favorably with the best imported goods ever brought into the American market; and now they are about to introduce to the pub-lie another specialty which is as certain to add other laurels to their crown as did their inimitable “Laundry Soap” or their “Toilet Soaps,” and that is concentrated perfumes for the handkerchief, colognes, and toilet waters, a large and varied stock of which they have had “ageing” for eighteen months preparatory to the introduction. These last candidates for public favor will be found to be put up in unique packages as beautiful in appearance as their contents are meritorious.

The year 1881 has been no exception to the business experience of this eminent firm since they started their enterprise in 1839, only in that, as the years multiply the business seems to increase by a sort of arithmetical progression, enlarging in ratio as the demands of their trade and genius force them to an increase of facilities; consequently the year of ’81 has been largely the most flour ishing of all its prosperous predecessors; and just as certainly will the trade of the present year follow in the footsteps of its fellows, accelerated by these new perfumes we have written of, and their elegant toilet soaps become better known.

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From Chicago’s First Half Century, 1883

CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS.

These well-known soap manufacturers have during the past year made vast strides in the extent and scope of their trade, and have placed their popular products in every city, town, village, and hamlet in the United States. Their knowledge and skill in creating a fine article has been derived from long experience, patient investigation, and a critical discrimination of the wants of the market.

Mr. J. S. Kirk, the founder of this house, began making soap at Utica, N. Y., in 1839 and has continued in the business ever since. The sons, Messrs. James A. , John B. , M. W. , andW. F. Kirk, are ably assisting their father in the management of the business, and are constantly directing their skilled experience to the exigencies and demands of the business.

The firm began operations in Chicago in 1859, and the constant and steady growth of their business attests the genuine merit and value of their soaps, and is one of the most surprising and marvelous examples of the sudden rise to greatness which is so characteristic of Chicago, and the career of its representative business men. The factory is located at 342 to 370 North Water street, this city, and is a substantial brick edifice 120×240 feet in dimensions, and six stories in height, the motive power being furnished by a 1,400 horse power engine, the steam being supplied by twelve large steel boilers. Nearly 600 hands are constantly engaged in creating soap and perfumery in order that their fellow creatures may be clean and sweet. A saw-mill in Michigan is owned by the firm, the entire output of lumber being consumed in making the boxes required. Sixty million pounds of soap was manufactured and sold by this house during the past year, the factory running day and night in order to ship sales promptly.

The most popular brands of soaps are the Zenithia, Commonwealth, Calumet Bouquet, Palama Eosa, Fine Palm, Turtle Oil, and Windsor, in toilet products, and their laundry soaps are standard upon our market, nothing but the best tallow and oils being used in any of their goods. With the most improved and modern machinery and appliances, together with anxious and watchful attention to the details of their business, this house has built up a patronage which is second to none in this country.

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Jas. S. Kirk Zenithia Soap Flyer

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Every grade of goods, from the cheapest washing to the most delicate toilet soaps, is produced. The perfumery department, though a comparatively new feature, is equipped with the utmost completeness, and the extracts which they bottle are taking the lead in popularity, the delicacy, purity, and strength of these goods have recommended them to the attention of a critical public, the Zenithia and Palestine Lily being the results of new discoveries in the compounding of essences, while their Lavender, Jockey Club, and Ylaug Ylang waters are meeting with an unprecedented sale. On the whole, we know of no soap manufacturer in the country that brings a more consummate knowledge and ripened experience into the business than the gentlemen connected with this firm. They have their eyes on the wants of the American people, and seem to have fully met and satisfied their demands for a fine, honest soap at prices that compare most favorably with any other establishment of the kind in the United States.

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James S. Kirk & Company’s Workers
1904

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Chicago Twenty Years Later, 1871-1891:

Soap is one of the first requisites and evidences of the civilized state.

While to the ordinary intelligence it would seem patent that one sort of soap is in its effects as good as another, such is very far from being actually the case. A reference to any respectable medical book will show that to the deleterious matters contained in poor qualities of soap are to be attributed more than one-half of the skin disease, with which mankind is afflicted.

Founded as far back as 1839 by Mr James S. Kirk, the pioneer in soap industry of the United States, the firm of to-day achieves its success through the channels of an inherited experience of over fifty years. Besides devoting much study himself to the chemistry of soap, and detergents, Mr. James S. Kirk employed famous chemists to assist his efforts. Although Mr. James S. Kirk is not to-day alive, the extensive knowledge he acquired during the long period of his labors and researches is thoroughly preserved by his sons and those who now conduct the business.

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James S. Kirk & Company’s Factory
352 to 370 North Water Street

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The present firm of James S. Kirk & Co., consists of Messrs. James A.. John B. Milton W. and Wallace F. Kirk. In addition to the actual members of the firm, the following gentlemen are interested in and contribute to tlie conduct of the business: Messrs. Charles G. Haskell. Charles S. Kirk, Arthurs. Kirk and Edgar W. Kirk. A very remarkable circumstance is that in this concern the seven sons of Mr .James S. Kirk, all devoting their attention to the advancement of one object—the business bequeathed them by their father.

Not content, it would seem, with having reached the ne plus ultra in the soap industry, James S. Kirk & Co. have also expanded their efforts into other fields of conquest, and they are to-day the largest producers of glycerine in America. Not only do they make the greatest quantity of this valuable oil, but their glycerine is also of the best quality, James S. Kirk & Co. having been awarded several prize medals for their glycerine productions. They manufacture it for nitro and all medicinal and technical uses, making it chemically pure and also of all grades.

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James S. Kirk & Company’s Factory Laboratory
1904

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The laboratory, which occupies a building separate from the main factories, is a very extensive one.

The quantity of rosin consumed by James S. Kirk & Co. is larger than that used by any other one concern in America.

It will be a revelation to many to learn that the site upon which now stands the factory of Kirk & Co., was formerly occupied by the first house built in Chicago. This was in 1795.

In the year 1804 it became the abode of the historic John Kinzie. after whom the adjoining street is named. Old Fort Dearborn, was in the year 1803, performing guard duty of Chicago’s “utmost defense.” It occupied the ground almost abutting that on which is now the immense factory of Kirk & Co. What a retrospect! Hardly ninety years ago naught but “Old Fort Dearborn” and Kinzie’s house beyond the “utmost defense.”

To-day the factory of James S. Kirk & Co., a building which extends along the river front a great distance and consists of five stories and a basement. In front of this building are railroad tracks and switches connecting with almost every railroad centering in Chicago; on the other side of the building is the Chicago river, opening up communication by water toother parts of the globe.

An immense chimney looms up to a distance of 182 feet. This huge shaft is twenty feet in diameter at the base and it seems to stand as a monument in commemoration of the colossal undertaking within its shadow.

The annual output is over seventy million pounds of soap. Divided up into twelve ounce bars and placed end to end this quantity of soap would extend 10.000 miles, and would easily reach from New York to Hong Kong and almost back. The business amounts to $5,000,000 yearly.

The soap most important to the world at large is, of course, the serviceable laundry soap. Kirk’s “American Family” brand lias already demonstrated its popularity, and the total of its sales proves it to be the best laundry soap in the world. Its sales throughout the United States mount up in the many millions, and so far-famed has its reputation become that it reaches, in large quantities, South America, New Zealand, Australia and India. The reason for its popularity are: It is scientifically made by a process whereby the valuable properties of glycerine are retained; in it not a trace of carbonated alkali or other deleterious substance can be found; it leaves the clothes white and clean, at the same time imparting a pleasant odor; washes equally well with hard and soft water and will not injure the fabrics: and, lastly, it is remarkable cheap.

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James S. Kirk & Company’s Packing Line
1904

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In the toilet snap department the “Juvenile” brand represents a fitting specimen of what Kirk & Co. are able to accomplish in this line of their business. Although the name would imply that this soap is only for infantile use. this is by no means the case. It is for general use, and all classes. It is not a costly soap intended for wealthy people alone, and although put up in the highest style of the perfumer’s art, and composed of superior quality and delicious bouquet, it is intended for all classes of people, the price being correspondingly low. It is within the means of all who have the good taste to apply for it.

Another delightful brand of Kirk & Co.’s toilet soap is what is denominated as the “Shandon Bells,” style.

In the perfumery department are made all kinds of delightful odors. There is one perfume, however, which, in the delicacy of its odor and the pleasure it affords the sense to which it caters, seems to comprise “all the perfumes of Arabia.” This is called the “Shandon Bells” also, and like the soap is all its name implies—the very poetry of scents. This is a most delightful cologne in every respect.

Kirk’s soaps, it must be remembered, have attained their immense popularity in the face ot the most acute competition on all sides. But, acting on the principle that nothing was too good for their patrons, they at last succeeded in distancing all their competitors in the field, and liavc made merit constitute the true and only criterion.

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Rand McNally’s Bird’s Eye View of Chicago, 1893

④ James S. Kirk & Co. Building, Northeast of Rush Street bridge, on the north side of the river. The general opinion of a soap factory once was, that it was an unclean place, but the perfuming and the packing of soaps have been carried to fine arts, and this great establishment will be found to offer a model of cleanliness. It is 520 feet long, 175 feet deep, and 80 feet high in 5 stories, with brick exterior. There are 475 employes.

James S. Kirk & Company’s Factory
352 to 370 North Water Street

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Chicago Tribune, July 12, 1913

Miss Rosalie Havemeyer, great-grand-daughter of the first white settler of Chicago, stood yesterday where the first house was built in this city and unveiled a tablet commemorating the historical event.

The house was that of John Kinzie in 1804, and was located on the spot where now stands the factory of James S. Kirk company at Pine and Kinzie streets, just north of Rush street bridge.

Shortly before noon a gathering of Chicagoans assembled on the exact spot. Walter R. Kirk explained the historical significance of erecting the tablet. Gurdun S. Hubbard, whose father came to Chicago in 1818, made a brief address and Clarence A. Burley, president of the Chicago Historical society, also spoke.

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Chicago Tribune, July 28, 1929

Negoriations are now in progress which may result in the razing of the old James S. Kirk soap factory on the east side of Michigan avenue and the river. It was revealed by Albert H Wetten & Co., agents for the property, that a deal has been partially closed whereby an open air garage chain will utilize the ground when the buildings are down for one of their units.

The Kirk factory buildings have been idle since the firm transferred its activities to its new plant on North avenue and the river. The ground has an area of 41,415 square feet and there will be facilities for parking around 200 cars.

It is understood that the lease will be for a comparatively short period, with a clause providing for cancellation should the property be sold or eased for a major improvement.

At the same time it was learned that the Kirk company may seek to dispose of of the small triangular shaped parcel just north of the main property as a separate unit. This parcel fronts 43 feet 8 inches on Michigan avenue, 204 feet 11 inches on East Austin avenue and 203 feet three inches on East North Water street. A large steel tank and a coal conveyor, formerly used by Kirk, are now located on the land. Efforts by the company to trade the property with the city for another parcel so far have not been successful.

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Chicago Tribune, June 4, 1930

Report Sale of Kirk Soap to G. Firm
Cincinnati, Oh., June 3—(AP)—Officials of the Procter Gamble Cincinnati soap manufacturers, tonight that plans had been consummated for acquiring the assets of the James S. Kirk Co., Chicago soap concern. The purchase price was not disclosed.

The James S. Kirk Co. was established in 1839. Its stock is held almost exclusively by members of the Kirk family.

Jacob L. Oestmann, treasurer of the Kirk company, last night stated that Edwin G. Holloway, president of the firm, had been conducting negotiations at Cincinnati with the Procter Gamble concern, but that he had not yet been informed of the outcome of the conferences. He said that any plan for the sale of the Kirk company assets must be passed upon by the stockholders before it takes effect.

Around a year ago the Kirk company moved from its old site on tha cast side of Michigan boulevard and the river to its new plant at North avenue and the north river branch, built at a cost of over $1,000,000.

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1910 Kirk Advertisement

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Chicago Tribune, October 20, 2017

With hugs and cheers, Apple Store opens at site of Chicago’s first settlement

Some of them had been watching the construction remake the south end of Pioneer Court near the DuSable Bridge for months.

Some were in town to see the USC Trojans play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

A movie critic from France, in town for the Chicago International Film Festival, got in line on a whim after realizing she wouldn’t have to wait hours.

They all visited the new flagship Chicago Apple Store, 401 N. Michigan Ave., which opened Friday afternoon at the site where Jean Baptiste Point du Sable built the first cabin around which Chicago grew. Everyone who entered the towering glass doors, whether the first few in line who waited hours, or those who arrived later and waited a few minutes, was greeted by a line of clapping, cheering, high-fiving Apple employees.

As the store got ready to open, employees and people in the crowd whooped, then chanted, “5, 4, 3, 2, 1.”

Those in line and others gathered on Michigan Avenue gawked as the first customers entered the store, greeted by Apple CEO Tim Cook. Gov. Bruce Rauner, flanked by security guards, strolled out and past several television crews toward the street.

Lines snaked through the plaza where weeks ago, an oversized statue of Abraham Lincoln and a man in a cable sweater had stood. Many people stopped just to ask what was going on, then moved on a few minutes later.

Later, Lisa Nesselson, 61, a Chicago native who’s a film critic for France 24, a Paris-based news network, and was visiting for the film festival, said she was surprised that just about 90 minutes after the 5 p.m. opening, she’d been in line for only a few minutes and was close to getting in.

“I just showed up,” she said.

The recent flooding of the Chicago Riverwalk had Nesselson wondering what the store might do in high water.

Behind Nesselson in line was Julie Harris, 34, with her friend Rajeev Sharma, 43, who had already been through the store after waiting in line for two hours, starting about 3:30 p.m.

While music blared from speakers at the east end of the plaza, Harris, who does field marketing for a Fortune 400 company, said she’s impressed by the “full 360 experience” Apple puts together to drive customer loyalty.

Sharma, an Apple fanatic who lives downtown and has seen the store being built, was glad to show Harris around and take another look at the store. But he wasn’t visiting it with any particular purchase in mind.

“I’m waiting for the 10,” Sharma said, referring to the 10th anniversary iPhone X, which comes out Nov. 3.

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Apple Store
401 N. Michigan
2017

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James S. Kirk & Company
Robinson Fire Map
1886

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James S. Kirk & Company
Sanborn Fire Map
1906

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James S. Kirk & Company
Ross & Browne Real Estate Map
1928

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