A Scent of Nostalgia

In this episode, A Scent of Nostalgia: Old Spice . . .

Empty!

Here’s an odd question: Is there a particular scent that instantly transports you back to childhood? For me, it's the unmistakable aroma of Old Spice Aftershave. It was my dad's go-to, or perhaps the only affordable option at Kroger when Mom did the grocery shopping.

This got me thinking; I wonder when Dad started using Old Spice?

I distinctly recall the opaque white glass bottle from the 1960s on his shaving shelf. The front featured a sailing ship illustration; the "Old Spice" branding was in red script below it. The bottle's tapered shape narrowed toward the top, culminating in a small aperture secured with a gray stopper.

Did you know that Old Spice has a fascinating history? It all started in 1937 when the Shulton Company, founded by William Lightfoot Schultz, introduced a unique fragrance. Interestingly, this original product was meant for women! Inspired by his mother's delightful potpourri, Schultz named it 'Early American Old Spice.' His vision was to capture the charming essence of colonial times, and he beautifully showcased this theme with packaging featuring colonial sailing ships, creating a lasting identity for the brand.

Building on the initial success of its women's fragrance, the Shulton Company proudly introduced Old Spice for Men in Est. 1938. (This is still printed on all bottles.) This line featured shaving soap and aftershave lotion infused with that classic, distinctive scent many cherish today. It wasn't long before men's products outshone women's range in popularity, establishing Old Spice as a beloved name among men's grooming brands.

The iconic Old Spice scent, a blend of citrus, flowers, and vanillin, established itself as a beloved favorite in men's grooming, first in America and then worldwide.

In 1990, the consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble (P&G) welcomed Old Spice into its family, ushering in an exciting new chapter filled with growth and innovation.

I still keep a bottle of Old Spice (the same bottle design, but now plastic) for myself. It’s more than just aftershave; it reminds me of simpler times. This familiar scent evokes comforting memories of a smooth-shaven face and a childhood hug from Dad. I don’t remember my father ever having facial hair. In his later years, he used an electric razor.

However, when I reached for my aftershave this morning, it was empty!

So, I wrote to Santa for a bottle in my stocking this Christmas. Ok, I’ll come clean; I ordered one from Amazon.

I’m curious: have you ever smelled something that instantly transported you back to your childhood?

I’m Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

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