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The Campana Building's Inner Beauty
May 19, 2:04 PM
Fox Valley History Examiner Amber Hare
An unusually sleek behemoth, the Campana Building has been spicing up the Fox Valley since 1937. This streamlined palace was the absolute height of progressive architectural technology and design. As a titan of the beauty industry, such refinement was expected and the über polished structure fit the Campana Company’s headquarters like a glove.
Its centerpiece is a roughly 100-foot-tall tower flanked by two wings striped with glass-block windows for natural illumination and insulation (sustainability, anyone?). Yet, the 85,000-square-foot facility has a few artistic touches that step outside of the Art Modern rubric and give it a personality. For example, five friezes depicting languidly bathing muses said to represent the company’s merchandise grace the main entrance lobby.
Italian Balm was Campana’s best-selling product and claim to fame. This cash cow reputedly switched the allure of women’s hands into overdrive. However, World War Two altered how Americans perceived the word “Italian” and the corporation’s founder, Ernest Oswalt thus decided a change was in order. The title was therefore converted to “Campana Balm” in honor of the formula’s Canadian inventor.
Aside from the quality of its offerings, Campana’s success can also be attributed to Oswalt’s media savvy. Recognizing the power of publicity, he paired huge advertising campaigns with radio drama. Written en situ and solely featuring the company’s commercials, the “First Nighter” and “Campana Variety” shows quickly became a rage. The former went on to become the longest-running program in radio history.
After several mergers, the Campana Company (now part of Dow Chemical Company) has left the building and moved operations out of state. Its nationally-recognized trophy, the Campana Building is now home to All Dressed Up Costumes.
Fox Valley History Examiner Amber Hare
An unusually sleek behemoth, the Campana Building has been spicing up the Fox Valley since 1937. This streamlined palace was the absolute height of progressive architectural technology and design. As a titan of the beauty industry, such refinement was expected and the über polished structure fit the Campana Company’s headquarters like a glove.
Its centerpiece is a roughly 100-foot-tall tower flanked by two wings striped with glass-block windows for natural illumination and insulation (sustainability, anyone?). Yet, the 85,000-square-foot facility has a few artistic touches that step outside of the Art Modern rubric and give it a personality. For example, five friezes depicting languidly bathing muses said to represent the company’s merchandise grace the main entrance lobby.
Italian Balm was Campana’s best-selling product and claim to fame. This cash cow reputedly switched the allure of women’s hands into overdrive. However, World War Two altered how Americans perceived the word “Italian” and the corporation’s founder, Ernest Oswalt thus decided a change was in order. The title was therefore converted to “Campana Balm” in honor of the formula’s Canadian inventor.
Aside from the quality of its offerings, Campana’s success can also be attributed to Oswalt’s media savvy. Recognizing the power of publicity, he paired huge advertising campaigns with radio drama. Written en situ and solely featuring the company’s commercials, the “First Nighter” and “Campana Variety” shows quickly became a rage. The former went on to become the longest-running program in radio history.
After several mergers, the Campana Company (now part of Dow Chemical Company) has left the building and moved operations out of state. Its nationally-recognized trophy, the Campana Building is now home to All Dressed Up Costumes.