Cold weather causing dry skin? Try Hayden’s White Lily Lotion, manufactured right here in Bedford at the New York Pharmaceutical Company, located at the Bedford Springs.
The New York Pharmaceutical Company’s Souvenir Hand-Book for 1893 notes that the White Lily Lotion may be used not only as a moisturizer for dry skin, it is also a “soothing and healing” eye lotion, face wash, and head wash. It also claims to relieve a variety of ailments including nasal catarrh (mucus) and dandruff. For the brave, it can also “be taken into the stomach without harm.”
It’s too bad that Mr. Hayden is no longer harvesting the white lilies for his lotion from Fawn Lake, the lilies have become an invasive species and have drawn the attention of the Bedford Conservation Commission.
The Bedford Historical Society is proud to have an excellent collection related to the New York Pharmaceutical Company, Dr. William R. Hayden, and Bedford Springs including archives, photos, and even medicine bottles. Check out our online collection here: https://bedfordmahistory.pastperfectonline.com/search. Try typing “Hayden” into the keyword search to see more of this collection.
Kathleen Fahey, Executive Director
