It was built in 1936 to serve as a factory for The Campana Company, which produced Italian Balm, the most popular hand lotion in the United States during The Great Depression.

Despite the economic hardships of The Great Depression, Campana was prosperous due to an aggressive radio advertising campaign featuring commercials on several hit shows, including The First Nighter Program.

The Bauhaus and Art Deco inspired building was three stories tall with a central tower rising 100 feet (30 m).

The Campana logo is written in gold leaf above the main entrance and in a large, red neon sign near the top of the tower.

The Campana Company was purchased by Dow Chemical of Midland, Michigan in the early sixties which allowed it to function as a separate unit.

California headquartered Purex subsequently bought Campana in the mid sixties, made Crull its vice president for health-care products and toiletries.