The "The Stuff In The Pink & Blue Can" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading a bit more of Lancaster Newspaper's "The Scribbler," a column about  the history and happenings of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.   The column has been a part of the Lancaster New Era newspaper since 1919, but disappeared during World War II.  It was on December 17, 1957 that Gerald Lestz began writing the column once again for the local newspaper.  Jack Brubaker took over the column in 1979 and continues to write the column on a weekly basis.  It is my favorite part of the newspaper which now appears in "The Sunday News."  At times I also enjoy heading to the newspaper's online "Archives," and today I found a "The Scribbler" column titled "Soothing Product Made in Lancaster" which was written by Mr. Gerald Lestz.  

Tells about a product that had been made in Lancaster since the early 1900s in a  row of garages to the rear of Church Street along Howard Avenue in the city.  The product was called "Bismoline" and was the discovery of Mr. A.A. Lefever, the original owner of the Queen Pharmacy in downtown Lancaster.  Mr. Lefever, along with H. Robert Bowman, were owners of the Bismoline Company which had an address of 535 Church Street.  The company, also known as "the firm," produced about 80 dozen cans of Bismoline medicated powder a day.  That comes out to about 15,000 dozen cans annually.  Back at the turn of the century, druggists handled few brand names, but made up their own products such as powders, salves and medicines.  Lefever enjoyed dabbling in perfumes and came up with the scent that was Bismoline.  It was in 1945 that Mr. Bowman bought the Bismoline formula from Mr. Lefever.  Close to 50 years ago, most sales were to nursing homes and hospitals.  Some drug stores also carried the product that came in a pink and blue can.  Most drug stores outside Lancaster County had never heard of it.  The product was only available in one size...an 8-oz. can.  Bismoline was considered a medicated powder since it had boric acid as one of its ingredients.  The scent that told you it was Bismoline came from oil of sandalwood, citronella Java, geraniol yiangylang, violet, balsam Peru and bouquet.  All ingredients were measured and blended in the garages to the rear of Church Street.  As I read a "The Scribbler" column from September 25, 1998, a local resident was asking Mr. Jack Brubaker, the current "Scribbler," if he knew anything about a faded sign painted on the brick wall of a building at the intersection of Queen and Church streets.  

The stuff in the pink and blue can.

It says "The Home of Bismoline."  Seems that Bismoline was at one time produced at that location, but it changed location to two blocks away on Queen Street in the old Queen Dairy building.  Jack's article told that Bismoline was used to combat diaper rash and foot irritations.  He went on to say that the company made their last batch in the spring of 1978.  But, many were so upset, that three other Lancaster men bought the recipe in late 1979 and renewed the world's acquaintance with the product, according to Mr. Brubaker.  The company now manufactures about 70,000 cans every year.  The tiny operation has devoted customers who found the product on the World Wide Web at Bismoline.com.  You may also find it if you "Google" the word "rash" or "stinky feet."  I can remember my mother always having a can in the medicine cabinet, by my wife Carol doesn't remember using it for diaper rash on our three children.  When I tried to find it on the internet, I found it by typing in "Bismoline powder."  I do remember it as having a very distinct smell that was very easy on the nose.  Give it a try sometime.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.