Black Swan

"The 1920's was a very prosperous time in the United States. Business was good and there were many opportunities for people to improve their lives economically. Harry Lichten was a very successful chemical salesman during this time period in Chicago. One day he decided that he wanted to open his own business. He figured with all of his contacts that he would probably be able to succeed. Thus, a new company was formed-The Industrial Paint and Varnish Company. The year was 1928. The Industrial Paint and Varnish Company manufactured a wide variety of products including paints, caulks, varnishes, tile cements, etc. Over a period of years the company also drifted into the automotive field and manufactured many outstanding products including Black Swan ""Stop Leak"" (a car radiator stop-leak). This product was extremely popular because car radiators were not manufactured as well as they are today. With all the leaking radiators this product was very successful. ( Note - this product is still in the line today and is call Powdered Boiler Stop-Leak.) One day a customer asked Harry if he could manufacture a putty that would not stain. Harry responded positively even though he had no idea if he would be able to do it. This was during the depression and business was terrible so he was willing to try anything.