Box, Guardian Family Health Soap (front). PMHPS Collection 3423.02.
Guardian Family Health Soap was produced by J Kitchen & Sons Pty Ltd and the description on the rear of the box lays out in plain language how this medicated soap “keeps the whole family protected against infection” yet “it is safe for even a baby’s tender skin” and “this large, long-lasting tablet is so economical”.
Box, Guardian Family Health Soap (rear). PMHPS Collection 3423.02.
During the Second World War Kitchen’s ran an extensive newspaper advertising campaign to promote the benefits of Guardian soap with a large variety of ads showing many situations where it would protect the various members of the family.
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, Weekly Times, 20 May 1942
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, Weekly Times, 3 June 1942
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, Weekly Times, 17 June 1942
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, The Age, 13 July 1942
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, Labor Call, 13 August 1942
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, The Herald, 12 October 1942
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, Labor Call, 22 October 1942
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, Labor Call, 26 November 1942
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, Labor Call, 4 February 1943
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, Labor Call, 18 February 1943
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, Labor Call, 4 March 1943
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, The Argus, 11 March 1943
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, Labor Call, 17 June 1943
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, The Argus, 16 August 1943
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, The Argus, 2 November 1943
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, Labor Call, 23 December 1943
Guardian Family Health Soap Ad, Labor Call, 24 February 1943
Those ads really underscore the “war on germs” propaganda (if I dare use that term with respect to soap!) that was prevalent mid-20th century. But they were right when they advertised Guardian soap as “long-lasting” – at least this little bar is still here!
2 Comments
Rebecca Lew
Those ads really underscore the “war on germs” propaganda (if I dare use that term with respect to soap!) that was prevalent mid-20th century. But they were right when they advertised Guardian soap as “long-lasting” – at least this little bar is still here!
David Thompson
Thanks Rebecca. It is fascinating to see the scope and detail of the claimed benefits of using the soap.