Lee Garner Book Signing
Date and Time
Tuesday Jun 18, 2019
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM CDT
Location
Freeport Public Library - 100 E Douglas St.
Description
Lee Garner has written a book titled, W.T. Rawleigh Co., Freeport, Illinois. Written in association with the Stephenson Co. Historical Society, the book is printed in full color and contains 226 photos/images. A book signing will be held at the Freeport Public Library, Tuesday, June 18th, at 6:30, The signing will include a Power Point presentation, a Q&A session, and the book will sell for $25 at the signing. It is also available on Amazon.com for $30. Also bring your memories and comments to the Facebook Discussion Group, "Rawleigh's", and celebrate a wildly prosperous American success story. W.T. Rawleigh was born on a family farm near Mineral Point, Wisconsin. During the first half of the 20th century, after having relocated to Freeport, Illinois, The W.T. Rawleigh Company became a manufacturer of patent-medicines, veterinary supplies, cosmetics, and household items. They also produced spices, extracts, and a myriad of related products. In turn, “Rawleigh’s” became a breathtaking global success. Mr. Rawleigh assembled a sales force and developed a business model for selling Rawleigh products door-to-door in primarily rural areas. In 1915, it was estimated that 2,000 Rawleigh dealers visited 20,000 customers daily. By 1954, 7,500 dealers were distributing products and literature to a multitude of loyal Rawleigh customers. Lee Garner is a native of Freeport, Illinois and is father, Bill Garner, was a Rawleigh salesman for 38 years. Lee grew up in a Rawleigh household and it was a way of life. This is not only a book of history, that is to say, date-event, date-event, but a unique look at the culture and community of Rawleigh’s, and the man who created it.