CVLR Presents: Patent Medicine Companies of Western Wisconsin

Throughout the 19th century and into the 20th, few regulations existed on making and advertising medicines. A dizzying array of cures, elixirs, balms, and bitters were widely marketed for man and beast. On the national scale well-known companies offered their famous concoctions such as Dr. Kilmer's Swamp Root Kidney Cure" and "Swaim's Panacea.” In Western Wisconsin on a smaller scale patent medicine companies sold outrageous nostrums with astonishing claims. Meet local snake oil salesmen and learn surprising stories of local history.
Co-sponsored by Chippewa Valley Learning in Retirement.