N. K. Fairbank Co., Chicago
In 1864 Nathaniel Kellogg Fairbank (1829-1903) along with John Peck founded the Chicagoland firm of Fairbank, Peck & Co. which was a successor to Smedley, Peck & Co., a lard processor and soap maker. In 1874 the company was renamed N. K. Fairbank & Company when Fairbank, Peck dissolved. Later it was named N. K. Fairbank Co.
The company grew rapidly and before long had factories in numerous cities. The firm manufactured soap (Fairy Soap) and cleaners (Gold Dust Washing Powder). By the 1890's it was the largest soap manufacturer in the United States.
It published one series of books for juveniles. In reality these
little paperback books were as much an advertisement for its products
as books for children.
Fairy Tales
| 1. Fairy Tales (1890's-exact date unknown ) 24 pp. |
| 2. Fairy Tales - Second Series (1898) 24 pp. |
| 3. Fairy Tales - Third Series (1903) 24 pp. |
Numerous color illustrations interspersed with poetry and fairy tales.
Wraps. Each book has a unique colored cover illustration. 7" x 4.5"
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