Reynolds

Before becoming The Aladdin of Aluminum, Richard S. Reynolds was known as The Marble King of Bristol, TN.  As a child he learned that if you win all the marbles, you have to give some back in order to have a game.  In 1903, his first job was working for his uncle RJ in the family tobacco business.  His first invention was the legendary moisture-sealing Prince Albert Tobacco tin:  Say, do you have Prince Albert in a tin?  You do?  Well, you better let him out!

 In 1919, Richard S. Reynolds founded the United States Foil Company, which later became Reynolds Metal Company.  Initially, the company produced tin products, mainly foil for cigarette packaging.  

Due to the lighter and more durable characteristics of aluminum, tin was eventually phased out.  Aluminum was also much cheaper to produce.  

Like the rest of the aluminum industry, all focus went to the war effort in the 1940’s.  By the close of the war, consumer markets were hot for aluminum products.  The iconic Reynolds Wrap became the King of Aluminum Foil.

The distinctive Reynolds Aluminum logo is featured on the boxes of US Silver Tree Company and Splendor.  Reynolds also supplied aluminum to C. Sincere and Aluminum Hardwares, Inc.  

The Reynolds Aluminum website offers a lengthy and informative history, but like ALCOA and Kaiser, there is no mention of aluminum trees.

Have a question, story or comment about Reynolds?

LET US KNOW