Collector's Corner

A Lot New...Now!

Though it's probably wrong of me to say, I am very pleased at the direction the web site has taken over the past year. The "expected" one year project of converting the web site over to the "new" format (as seen on this page as opposed to that seen on, say, the Mothicide page) is taking much longer than expected. I would venture that I am about half-way complete...but the important part to remember is that I am adding A LOT of new content as I am continuing the web site upgrade.

The goal of the web site upgrade is to make the site much more user-friendly for anyone and everyone visiting--also I am ensuring that the site is viewable and works properly in many different web browsers (i.e., MS Internet Explorer, Mozilla Foxfire, Opera, Google Chrome and Apple Safari). I am also working to include some of the many photographs that I have "waiting-to-be-used". Some of these photographic treasures have never been included in any CPC and/or Avon Collector's Encyclopedia or illustrated/pictured in any CPC catalog or brochure. I do hope that you enjoy your visit.

One favor I ask--especially if you're reading this--please drop me a line to let me know what you think of the site. It means so much to me to hear from those visiting the site. Thanks! Please send your note to: russell (at) californiaperfumecompany.net.
 

Appreciation!

Lenny Tayls 
The late Mr. Leonard Talys

I have great appreciation for and give heartfelt thanks to many folks that have made my California Perfume Company collecting possible and enjoyable!

First and foremost, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without him, I would have nothing. I could do nothing. And I certainly wouldn't be where I am today. I cannot imagine a moment wherein Jesus would not be the integral part of my life. He is my Hope, my Deliverer, and my Redeemer.

Secondly, my wife Cindy! She puts up with soooooo much, especially when she sees me around California Perfume items or looking (obsessively) on e-Bay and then she hears the fateful call, "Dear, come look at this for a second..." to which she responds, "Now what?!?!" We are closing in on 30 years of marriage and I easily say and firmly attest that I love my wife more today than I did yesterday, or any day before. I thank the Lord my God for this precious lady for she is such a blessing to me.

There are two others for whom I would like to express my appreciation: Mr. Bud Hastin and the late Mr. Leonard Talys. Mr. Bud Hastin, the author and publisher of the Bud Hastin Avon Collecting Encyclopedias, allowed me to purchase a large portion of his paper collection back in 1984 -- wow, a quarter-century ago! This opportunity transitioned my Avon-collecting focus from Avons to CPCs (though at that time, I could not really afford to play with the big boys since CPCs were VERY expensive.) Over the years, Bud has remained an inspiration and a friend. Lastly, I would like to express a special thank you for a gentleman that is no longer with us: Mr. Leonard Talys. Lenny helped me to start my CPC collection. He was always a gentleman and he graciously opened his home to my wife and I on several occasions. I really liked Lenny and I am so sorry that he is now gone. He was an inspiration to me as a young, new collector. And I will always consider him my friend.
 

Awarded "Most Educational" at the FOHBC 2008 Expo!

The weekend of 7-10 August, 2008 represented a true "Red Letter" day for Rusty and Cindy Mills! Not only was this the first time that we ventured out and displayed a fair portion of our CPC and Early-Avon collection at a bottle show, this gala event ended up with our winning the "Most Educational" display honors! [read more and see the pictures...]
 

Past Newsletters

Back in 2004, I started a series of Newsletters...made it up to Number 8! These ditties were meant to be substantive meat for the serious collector. Sadly, I was not able to maintain the required pace for a respectable Newsletter--at least in my mind--and so I ceased production. Since then, I have included various new pages within the CPC web site (i.e., Newest Finds, Collector's Tips, Frequently Asked Questions, What's Hot and What's Not, and the newest addition: The Library!) At the time, I received VERY positive feedback for the content and the subjects included. [Please use the following link to see the past Newsletters.]
 

A Note from the Web Author:

It is my sincere hope that this extensive web site will continue to grow and grow and serve the collector community as well as casual reader for a very long time to come. I know that this project can not prosper having only one contributor. The true success of the California Perfume Company web site -- as in the case of the original company -- must come from the contributions of many dedicated people around this great country and throughout the world. The Vision Statement clearly states my desire for this site to become a virtual California Perfume Company encyclopedia...so, how can you help?

   - Provide constructive criticism and thoughtful suggestions;

   - Provide high-quality color pictures of CPC items to be used on the site; send photos to: russell (at) californiaperfumecompany.net;

   - Provide information and stories about the CP Company and its people. I ask that the information be accompanied with some form of verification (where feasibly possible);

   - List items you have for sale or that you would like to acquire in the CPC to Sell and CPC Wanted pages;

   - Promote the site to others; and

   - Most of all, HAVE FUN and ENJOY THE SITE!

CPC and Related Collectibles on e-Bay Logo

The following links are provided to help you in finding super deals on California Perfume Company (and related) items on e-Bay:

   - California Perfume Company

   - Goetting & Co., New York

   - Savoi et Cie

   - Mutual Mfg. Co. of New York
 

Thank you to Mr. Richard Pardini!

Mr. Richard Pardini 
Mr. Richard Pardini standing next to a cabinet full of extremely rare
California Perfume Company and Goetting & Company items

I want to extend such a special, warm thank you to this precious man and his entire family for inviting me and my wife, Cindy, into his home, sharing a superb meal with us, and conversing for many wonderful hours on CPC, Goetting, and Avon collecting. Richard (Dick) not only opened his home, but his collection provided excellent pictures of some of the rarest CPC items that are now included on the CPC web site. Dick, thank you from the bottom of my heart!
 

Thank you to Mr. George Gaspar!

Mr. George Gaspar 
George Gaspar in front of his Albee Figurines and
holding a very rare 1898 CPC Catalog

I would like to also say a special "Thank You" to George Gaspar, who allowed my wife and I into his home in order to begin - yes, I said begin - the process of photographing his most awesome CPC collection. Many of the pictures you now see on the CPC web site belong to George. We spent six arduous, but fun-filled hours taking 300 pictures - this actually covers less than half of George's CPC collection. Thanks again George and a super big "hat's off" to you...