I’ve seen plenty of photos of the Max Factor Building on Highland Ave in Hollywood but I’ve never noticed the signs above the front door and each window either side. They’re not there in photos of the 30s and 40 and as this shot is circa 1952, I’m guessing they went up in the early 50s. I can’t read the one furthermost from the photographer, but the other two are “Wigs” and “Toupees.” I have to admit that surprised me. I’d have thought hairdressing was a side service to their main line – makeup. Doing wigs is understandable, but toupees? I wouldn’t have thought any 1950s-era guys would walk through the front door of Max Factor to be fitted for a toupee—but I guess I’m wrong on that score.
** UPDATE ** – that first word is “HAIR GOODS” so I guess they were pushing the hair part of “hair and makeup” a lot more.
This image of The Max Factor Building near the southeast corner of Hollywood and Highland has signs in front reading “HAIR GOODS – WIGS – TOUPEES” (ca. 1952). Visible in the picture (among other cars) are a 1952 Chevrolet and a 1951 Ford, so it must have at the earliest been taken after September 1951.
Whenever I see photos that include cars from the late 40’s and the 50’s I am amazed by the number of Studebakers on the road. I remember seeing lots of them at the time. What amazes me about them is as seemingly popular as they were, the company closed production in 1963.
In fact, Max Factor dunning Jack Benny about his overdue toupee bills was something of a running gag on his radio show, even going so far as to Jack having the toupee whisked from his head while Rochester was driving him past the store…
Our family had a Studebaker in 1955. It was a used car at the time. I loved the way it looked. I remember my father had a pet name for it. He called it “The Stupidbaker”. I think he really loved that car!
I’ve seen plenty of photos of the Max Factor Building on Highland Ave in Hollywood but I’ve never noticed the signs above the front door and each window either side. They’re not there in photos of the 30s and 40 and as this shot is circa 1952, I’m guessing they went up in the early 50s. I can’t read the one furthermost from the photographer, but the other two are “Wigs” and “Toupees.” I have to admit that surprised me. I’d have thought hairdressing was a side service to their main line – makeup. Doing wigs is understandable, but toupees? I wouldn’t have thought any 1950s-era guys would walk through the front door of Max Factor to be fitted for a toupee—but I guess I’m wrong on that score.
I think I can see the last half of the faththest sign says “goods”. I wonder if they did Gene Kally’s toupee?
Yes – “goods” is as much as I could make out too. Travelgoods, maybe? Like traveling make up cases?
This image of The Max Factor Building near the southeast corner of Hollywood and Highland has signs in front reading “HAIR GOODS – WIGS – TOUPEES” (ca. 1952). Visible in the picture (among other cars) are a 1952 Chevrolet and a 1951 Ford, so it must have at the earliest been taken after September 1951.
Whenever I see photos that include cars from the late 40’s and the 50’s I am amazed by the number of Studebakers on the road. I remember seeing lots of them at the time. What amazes me about them is as seemingly popular as they were, the company closed production in 1963.
In fact, Max Factor dunning Jack Benny about his overdue toupee bills was something of a running gag on his radio show, even going so far as to Jack having the toupee whisked from his head while Rochester was driving him past the store…
Farthest sign reads “HAIR GOODS”.
Yes! You’re right!
Our family had a Studebaker in 1955. It was a used car at the time. I loved the way it looked. I remember my father had a pet name for it. He called it “The Stupidbaker”. I think he really loved that car!