July 5, 2020

Standard Sanitary Mfg. Co.


A look back at the Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company, supplier of Tudor City's original bathroom fixtures. Their circa-1927 tubs, sinks and commodes were nothing if not durable ‒ many are still in use in the colony today.

Founded in 1875, the company became a powerhouse following its merger with nine independent manufacturers in 1899. Standard Sanitary soon led the bathroom fixture market worldwide, owing to innovations like built-in tubs, one-piece toilets and combination faucets (mixing hot and cold water through one tap). The company was a natural choice for Fred French, who didn't skimp on Tudor City's details, outfitting the enclave with top-of-the-line products like Frigidaires, Murphy beds and Gorham coffee pots.

The Tudor City installation was impressive enough for Standard Sanitary to feature it in its advertising: 

Zooming in on details pertinent to Tudor City; the building pictured at left is No. 25, the complex's Fourth Unit.

Standard Sanitary remains in business today, with a more modern moniker: American Standard.

2 comments:

  1. nice post

    ReplyDelete
  2. Such an interesting piece on the history of Standard Sanitary Mfg. Co.! It’s amazing to think about the lasting impact of their innovations, especially the durable fixtures still in use today. Tudor City’s choice of high-quality products really shows how attention to detail and craftsmanship can stand the test of time. A great example of how design and functionality can truly shape an iconic space. Sanitarydepot

    ReplyDelete