Feel old yet?
What brand was founded when Thomas Jefferson was president?
Image: @felirbe
From Converse footwear to Colgate toothpaste to Jell-O, millions of Americans use these brands every day without realizing how old they really are. Some were around before the Titanic sailed, while others were founded before the Civil War. Despite their modern marketing, updated logos, and constant reinvention, these companies have survived it all. Take a look at 11 brands that have quietly crossed the 100-year mark.
1
Converse (1908)
Converse was founded in 1908 by Marquis Mills Converse in Maiden, Massachusetts. The company originally made rubber footwear, including galoshes and winter boots , before expanding into athletic shoes. Its famous Converse All Star basketball shoe debuted in 1917 and would later become one of the most recognizable sneakers in history.
The brand’s biggest boost came from basketball star Chuck Taylor, who joined the company as a salesman and ambassador. His signature was added to the shoe in 1932, creating the legendary Chuck Taylor All Star. More than a century after its founding, Converse remains a global fashion staple.
2
Whirlpool (1911)
Whirlpool traces its roots to 1911, when Louis Upton and his uncle Emory Upton founded the Upton Machine Company in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Their goal was simple but ambitious: add electric motors to washing machines and make household chores easier .
The company eventually evolved into Whirlpool Corporation and became one of the world’s largest appliance manufacturers. Over the decades, it introduced innovations ranging from automatic washing machines to appliances used in NASA’s Gemini and Apollo-era space programs.
3
Colgate (1806)
Colgate’s story began in 1806 when English immigrant William Colgate started a starch, soap, and candle business in New York City . At the time, toothpaste in tubes did not even exist.
During the nineteenth century, the company expanded into oral-care products and eventually became one of the most recognized names in dental hygiene. Today, many consumers think of Colgate as a modern toothpaste brand, but its origins go back more than two centuries.
4
L.L. Bean (1912)
In 1912, Leon Leonwood Bean launched a mail-order business from Freeport, Maine. His first product was a hunting boot designed to keep outdoorsmen comfortable in wet conditions .
The original boot became known as the Maine Hunting Shoe and helped build a company famous for quality outdoor gear. L.L.Bean remains headquartered in Maine and continues to attract customers seeking durable products inspired by the outdoors.
5
3M (1902)
Today, 3M is known for everything from Post-It Notes to industrial products, but it started in 1902 as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company in Two Harbors, Minnesota . Ironically, its original mining venture failed.
Rather than disappear, the company reinvented itself by producing abrasives and sandpaper. That willingness to innovate eventually led to thousands of products and more than a century of inventions that have been used in homes, offices, hospitals, and factories all around the world.
6
Red Wing Shoes (1905)
Red Wing Shoes was founded in 1905 in the Mississippi River town of Red Wing, Minnesota. The company specialized in rugged footwear for workers in demanding industries such as farming, mining, and construction .
Its reputation for durability has helped it survive dramatic changes in the American industry. More than a century later, Red Wing Boots remain popular among both workers and fashion enthusiasts who appreciate classic American craftsmanship.
7
Fruit of the Loom (1851)
Fruit of the Loom traces its history to 1851, making it one of the oldest brands on this list. The company began as a textile manufacturer in Rhode Island during an era when the country was still expanding westward.
Its colorful fruit logo became one of the most recognizable trademarks in America. Although consumers usually associate the brand with T-shirts and underwear, its roots stretch back to the earliest days of America’s industrial manufacturing.
8
Gibson (1894)
Founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1984 by Orville Gibson, this brand became one of the most influential guitar makers in music history. The company helped shape the sound of blues, jazz, country, and rock music .
Its instruments have been played by legendary musicians including B.B. King, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Page, and Slash, among many others. Despite being well over a century old, Gibson remains one of the most relevant and in-demand names in the guitar world.
9
Jell-O (1897)
Jell-O began in 1897 when carpenter and cough-syrup manufacturer Pearle Bixby Wait developed a flavored gelatin dessert . His wife, May, suggested the catchy name that would become famous nationwide.
The dessert gained popularity through aggressive advertising and recipe campaigns in the early twentieth century. For generations, Jell-O has been a familiar part of family gatherings, school cafeterias, and holiday meals.
10
New Balance (1906)
New Balance was founded in Boston in 1906 by William J. Riley. Interestingly, the company did not begin by making running shoes. Instead, it produced arch supports and orthopedic products designed to improve comfort and balance, hence the name .
The company later expanded into athletic footwear and became known for emphasizing fit and performance. Today, New Balance competes with much younger sportswear giants while carrying more than a century of history behind it.
11
Stanley (1913)
Stanley was founded in 1913 when inventor William Stanley Jr. introduced an all-steel vacuum bottle . His innovation improved durability and helped popularize insulated drink containers.
For decades, Stanley products were associated with workers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. In recent years, the brand has experienced a surprising resurgence among younger consumers, proving that even a company founded before World War I can find new audiences.
