Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Oreos, SOS, and Other Old Standbys

Wouldn’t inventing a product that stands the test of time be amazing? I’m impressed with the number of name-brand products that were created more than a hundred years ago which we still use today. We continue to value these items despite all the advancements and changes in technology and productivity.

This thought came to me when I recently used an SOS pad to scour the bottom of a stainless steel pot. The tried-and-true SOS does the job like nothing else.

Following is a list of products that have been around for at least 100 years and the years they were released. Can you add to this list?

SOS scouring pads, 1917
Carnation Evaporated Milk, 1899
Fels-Naphtha Soup, 1893
Vaseline, 1870
Crayola Crayons, 1903
Crisco, 1911
Oreos, 1912
Mason Jars, 1858
Hershey Kisses, 1907
Kleenex, 1924
Baker’s Unsweetened Baking Chocolate, 1896
Band-Aid, 1920
Colgate Toothpaste, 1896

Author Fest! Between 1:30 and 3 PM this Saturday, November 16, 2024, I will have a table with my books for sale at the Geneva Public Library, 227 S. Seventh Street, Geneva, IL for their Author Fest. Please stop by and say hello!

©2024, Mary K. Doyle

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Responses to “Oreos, SOS, and Other Old Standbys”

  1. balladeer

    Interesting post and that’s a great list you compiled!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. I’m sure I missed some named products. Have a wonderful day.

      Reply
  2. hubertprevy

    I used to like them, if only they hadn’t started adding palm oil, which I’m allergic to.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Oreos are special. I’m sorry you no longer can have them, but then, the cookies aren’t good for us anyway. Thank you so much for commenting, Hubert. I appreciate you.

      Reply
      1. hubertprevy

        My wifey surprised me with reverse-engineering them, baking them for Christmas each year. Honey instead of sugar and no palm oil, nor coconut oil.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          You have a good wife, Hubert. Look what she does for you!

          Reply
          1. hubertprevy

            We are happy together, though there were moments sometimes…

  3. gustavo_horta

    1. the good old cachaça (brandy) from Minas Gerais state
    2. adhesive tape
    3. matchbox
    4. Minas Gerais cheese
    5. alicates
    6. Stainless steel
    7. Steel
    8. Tires
    9. penicillin and polio vaccine
    10. a bouquet of roses or other flowers
    11. candles

    Nice!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Those are all good items, Gustavo. Matchbox cars came out in the 1950s. I searched for info on Minas Gerais cheese. That was very interesting. Thank you for your input, my friend. It is always good to see you.

      Reply
      1. gustavo_horta

        Glad to meet you here, glad to know you

        Reply
  4. Monkey’s Tale

    Great list, I’d love to be related to the inventor 😊 I don’t know Fels-Naphtha though. Maggie

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I haven’t seen Fels-Naptha in years, but I remember my mother using the soap on a scrub board. I’m sure her whole stain-removing process was hard on the hands. Thank you for commenting, Maggie.

      Reply
  5. kagould17

    A great list Mary. I wonder how the ingredients have changed over the years and how many can be pronounced this day. There is so much shrinkflation and skimpflation these days, the same is never the same. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That’s a great point, Allan. As you say, even ingredients change over time. Thank you for contributing thoughts on this post. Have a wonderful day.

      Reply
  6. Nancy Homlitas

    Interesting list, Mary. Here are a handful more:
    Kraft processed cheese
    Quaker oats
    Kelloggs corn flakes
    Cracker Jacks🥰
    Triscuits
    Ovaltine 😋

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are so smart, Nancy! These are great. I’m most surprised at Triscuits. I never would have guessed that product being around so long. Thank you much, my friend.
      Kraft processed cheese, 1916
      Quaker oats, 1889 under the name The American Cereal Company
      Kelloggs corn flakes, 1906, under the name Kellogg’s Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company
      Cracker Jacks, 1896
      Triscuits, 1903
      Ovaltine, 1904

      Reply
      1. Nancy Homlitas

        Thank you, Mary, but I think me being older has more to do with it. 🙂

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          I’m probably older than you, Nancy. These days, I seem to be older than everyone. (70)

          Reply
          1. Nancy Homlitas

            I’m right up there with you and the internet is an adjunct to my brain.

  7. AdjunctWizard

    Oreo was the answer in one of the trivia night questions a few week ago. Great list

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Who doesn’t love an Oreo? Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate your input.

      Reply
      1. M

        Just know that oreo is the better tasting knock off of the oftputting named Hydrox cookie.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Yes! I’ve had those and know exactly what you mean. Oreo is a winner.

          Reply
  8. Looking for the Light

    I hope you have a great day! I love hearing the names I grew up with.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Melinda. I hope you are feeling well, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Looking for the Light

        It’s about nap time. 🙂

        Reply
  9. Under the mask..

    Tried and true (enough) — I have seen or still buy everything on your list! Enjoy the Author Fest!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for reading, commenting, and your good wishes. If nothing else, the fest will be fun. I love the library and fellow readers.

      Reply
  10. Shweta

    Wow. That’s an interesting list indeed. Surprised to see a few familiar names in here. Those brands have been around for so long!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for commenting, Shweta. It is incredible that someone created a product that has become a constant for generations. What a gift.

      Reply
      1. Shweta

        My pleasure 😁
        Ohh yes, it’s truly incredible indeed for that product to have won against the test of time!

        Reply
  11. Stephanie

    Nice to think about. Felt good to my brain. 😀

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Good. We need some levity. Hugs to you, Stephanie.

      Reply
      1. Anonymous

        SURE DO! ❤ ❤ ❤

        Reply
  12. Michele Lee

    Best wishes with your Author Fest! That is fabulous Mary; wish I could visit your booth. I would bring some Oreos. 📚😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL. I would love to meet up with you, Michele. Maybe, some day. Hugs.

      Reply
      1. Michele Lee

        😄 Would be a treat! We can meet halfway. Hugs to you, too kindheart.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          That would be fabulous, Michele

          Reply
  13. Dawna

    Coca Cola (1892)

    General Electric (1892)

    Target (1902)

    Harley-Davidson Motorcycles (1903)

    UPS (1907)

    Boeing (1916)

    Nikon (1917)

    What a fun post. I collect Coca Cola and never knew they’ve been around since 1892. Fun little history lesson. Hugs my friend

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Look at all of these companies. I love Nikon and use one for my photos. Thank you for adding to this post, my friend. Love you.

      Reply
      1. Dawna

        I love things like this. It’s always a good day to learn something new

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          This isn’t life-changing information but fun to think about and appreciate the people who created these products Love you, Girlfriend.

          Reply
          1. Dawna

            You are right, not life changing but fun information. Enjoy your weekend and lots of love to you too girlfriend. Hugs

  14. gustavo_horta

    By the way, my grandson and I really like Oreos. We often share the little bag between the two of us.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Who doesn’t like Oreos? I bake cookies but still love those dark chocolate wafers with sweet cream inside. So do you separate the cookies before eating or bite into them whole?

      Reply
      1. gustavo_horta

        Bota ways lol

        Reply
  15. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    So many! And they are all the best. Just looking at my pantry shelf (and some of the packaging hasn’t changed much!):
    Grandma’s Molasses 1890
    Rumford Baking Powder 1869
    Bell’s Seasoning 1867
    Droste Cocoa 1863
    Bon Ami cleanser 1894

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      So many good ones here, Dorothy. Thank you for adding to the list. I have Grandma’s Molasses in my cabinet and I used to like Bon Ami.

      Reply
      1. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

        Bon Ami is a lot cheaper than the soft scrub products and ‘It hasn’t scratched yet!”

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          That’s a great point.

          Reply
  16. Rosaliene Bacchus

    My mother believed in Pond’s Vanishing Cream, first released in 1904. Have fun at the Author Fest!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That’s a good one, Rosaliene. I remember seeing that everywhere when I was a kid. Thank you for adding to this list.

      Reply
      1. Rosaliene Bacchus

        🙂

        Reply
  17. SiriusSea

    Mary ❤ … Great list! Brightened my day 🙂 … I would so come and visit you if I lived in the area AND bring you an Oreo cookie milkshake ~ LoL 😉 Have fun !!!!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Now, that’s an offer! Thank you for the virtual milkshake that doesn’t even add calories. Love to you, Ms. Siri.

      Reply
  18. M

    Aunt Jemima (1888)

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Oh, that’s great! Thank you for adding in and Welcome. It’s fabulous to have you here.

      Reply
      1. M

        Thanks 😁

        Reply
  19. Pooja G

    That would be really cool to be able to invent something people remember for years. I’m hoping to create a book that’s around for a hundred years or more, not sure if that counts lol. Good luck at the author fest, hope you make a lot of sales.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Of course that counts. I would also love one of my books to last. So true, Pooja. Thanks for the good wishes for Saturday. Around books and book lovers is a win/win no matter what.

      Reply
      1. Pooja G

        That would be so cool and hopefully some of your photos can last too since a lot of them are really nice.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Thank you, Pooja. Your words mean a lot to me. You’re always encouraging and supportive. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

          Reply
          1. Pooja G

            You’re most welcome, hugs.

  20. philsblog01

    Impressive List! Nice research Mary!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Well, Phil, have you seen all that I missed? So many fellow bloggers added more. Thank you for reading and commenting, my friend.

      Reply
      1. philsblog01

        My pleasure! It is pretty amazing!

        Reply
  21. Darryl B

    Mary, great post!

    What is it about Oreos? You HAVE to turn them 1/4 turn, open it up, then scrape the frosting off the one side under your front teeth 😂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Right? Part of the fun of Oreos. Have an awesome day, my friend.

      Reply
  22. Kym Gordon Moore

    I remember all of these products well Mary, except for the Fels-Naphtha Soup. Campbell’s was the Big Kahuna back then for us. LOL 🥣🥣🥣 Great compilation of old favorites! Enjoy the rest of your week my sweet friend. Cheers! 🤗🥂😍

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Have you seen all the other readers added? Gosh, Girlfriend, may we write something that lasts like that. Much love to you.

      Reply
      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        I am so there with you Mary! Unreal! Love, hugs and plenty of smooches my friend. 😍💖🥰

        Reply
  23. pcahyono

    Children’s favorite food

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Adults love these cookies, as well. Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate you.

      Reply
  24. Willie Torres Jr.

    WOW !!! This made me really think. I came up with a few.

    A&W Root Beer – Birth year: 1919

    Kraft cheeses – Birth year: 1909

    Converse Rubber Shoes – Founded in 1908

    Kellogg’s cereals – Birth year: 1906

    Pepsi-Cola – Birth year: 1898

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Look at you! These are great, Willie. I never got the Converse craze. They are not comfortable. Thank you for adding to this post. You’re the best.

      Reply
      1. Willie Torres Jr.

        I’ve always wanted a pair, but the first time I tried them on, I was like, “Huh?” They just didn’t feel comfortable. I think it’s more about the look and the hype than the actual comfort.

        Thanks for sharing an exciting post.

        Reply
    2. bennydonalds3

      The pencil was invented in the 1560s.

      Reply
  25. Garden Bliss

    Best of days for your author fest – great list.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Flavia. It will be a good day. I love the library and enjoy talking with fellow readers.

      Reply
  26. Edward Ortiz

    God bless the creators of Oreos. They are so good.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL. There’s nothing like an Oreo. I bake all the time, but I still will buy Oreos.

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz

        They don’t last a day when we buy them.

        Reply
  27. noga noga

    😋Hello Mary, hello to the content creators, especially Oreo biscuits. I am addicted to Oreo of all kinds. My family and I are delicious.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Oreos are the best. Hugs

      Reply
  28. Tony

    Wow, you know that’s a idèe that Mary! We will file a patent of teleportation, so we can work together on the project…
    Kiss you and take good care of yourself, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Now, there’s an idea! Thank you, Tony.

      Reply
  29. Laura

    This is awesome, Mary. It’s so interesting to think about the past and the brands that have stood the test of time. Hope all is well your way and love always to you ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, dear Laura. Hugs to you.

      Reply
  30. Debbie D.

    Interesting to learn how long these brands have been around. I know someone who boycotts Oreo cookies since they moved the plant to Mexico from Chicago. Sad to see so many jobs lost.

    I hope you sell lots of books at the Author Fest!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Debbie. I don’t have a lot of hope in sales, but the day will be pleasant.

      Reply
  31. blainerestaurantreport

    Camel cigarettes came out in 1913. And speaking of smokes the Lorillard tobacco company was started in New York in 1760. I guess you can consider them gone because Reynolds Tobacco bought them in 2014, but that was a hell of a run!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I remember the old camel cigarette commercials. Thank you for adding to this post. I missed so many products. Have a great weekend.

      Reply
    2. bennydonalds3

      I read that if you went back to 1950 to make money with investments, your best bet would actually be tobacco companies. They were one of the most profitable industries in the world for decades.

      Reply
  32. Baydreamer – Lauren Scott

    What a fun and interesting post, Mary, and a great list! Who doesn’t love Oreos? Although I haven’t had one in years. 🙂 Post-it notes come to mind for me – 1968. I wish I had invented them. Good luck at your Author Fest! If I lived near you, I’d go!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Lauren. I appreciate the good wishes and thoughts of visiting. That would be fun. I’m a post-it fan. Thanks for adding to this post, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Baydreamer – Lauren Scott

        You’re so welcome, Mary! Enjoy the moment! ❤️

        Reply
    2. bennydonalds3

      I haven’t had Oreos themselves in years either, but cookies and cream ice cream is a weakness of mine.

      Reply
  33. .Killa.

    Very interesting topic 👍💯. It’s impressive to see just how long some of these franchises were in existence to say the least 😮😆.

    The Mason Jars company being on the scene since the mid-1800s is on industrial steroids 🤣

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Right? I use them for everything. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. It’s a pleasure to see you here.

      Reply
      1. .Killa.

        Hahaha, right Mary.; those jars are the real deal LOL

        You are welcome, your appreciation means alot my friend and I wish you a beautiful weekend 🤟😆💌

        Reply
  34. Dawn Pisturino

    Great list!

    Reply
  35. Hitasakhi

    Interesting

    Reply
  36. bennydonalds3

    The printing press: 1453 (Of course, improvements have been made since then)

    Reply
    1. bennydonalds3

      Well, of course the Chinese had the press centuries before then, but I never knew the date.

      Reply
  37. Narayan Kaudinya

    Of course, so many things are absent from the Indian market from the list but I couldn’t have ever guessed Oreo’s are cenetarians. Always thought of them to be just another new biscuit company. Interesting post Mary, thank you.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Narayan. I was surprised how long some of these items have been around, especially ones that are very popular today. Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m so happy to meet you.

      Reply
  38. poetessadeilibri

    I don’t know if you still use the Papermate pen 1950 and the Mongol pencil 1905 today, I’d add it to your list. The rest I think are already great ✏️✍️ 

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Wonderful additions! Thank you.

      Reply
  39. Oreos, SOS, and Other Old Standbys – Midwest Mary – Baldacchino di Perla

    […] Sorgente: Oreos, SOS, and Other Old Standbys – Midwest Mary […]

    Reply
  40. Phil Strawn

    Oreos was part of my food group. I bought a Parker fountain pen from 1958 at an antique sale, paid $5 for it and it works like new. In the 1950s, if our neighbor lady, Mrs. Mister didn’t have time to make fresh cookies, she would pull out a bag of those little gems. Add grape Kool-Aid and my gang of pals and me were humming like a top. If a kid couldn’t get a sugar high at least once a day, something was wrong.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I remember! I was so careful with my kids’ diet, yet, I’d make Kool-Aid in the summer. Terrible stuff! Thank you for reading and joining in, Phil. It’s wonderful to see you here.

      Reply
  41. oneinchframes

    OneInchFrames Shares– Which would I prefer over the other?

    Reply
  42. worldphoto12

    BUONA GIORNATA

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Benedizioni a te.

      Reply
      1. worldphoto12

        CONTRACCAMBIATE

        Reply

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