First introduced to the American consumer in 1889, Gold Dust Washing Powder became a success due in large part to its low selling price and bright, eye-catching packaging.The Fairbanks Company, founded in 1864,[1] was part of a changing landscape in American businesses' drive to give consumers more freedom in the timely completion of daily chores.[3] The success of several new laundry washing products introduced late in the 19th century had proven that there was a ready market for what the consumer believed to be better and more economical cleaning agents.[4] The formula for Gold Dust washing powder was developed and refined by industrial chemist James Boyce working at the Chicago, Illinois[7] research lab of the company.[4][6] Initially a regional success in the Midwestern United States, Gold Dust Washing Powder rose to national prominence after the brand was licensed for distribution in America by the Lever Brothers Company, headquartered at the time in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Gold Dust advertising on smoke stacks circa 1900
Ad from 1915 for Gold Dust, depicting the twins, Goldie and Dusty, doing the dishes perched on top of a box of the product
