Wool Kare Cold Water Soap by Columbia Minerva

On the inside back cover of Columbia Minerva 732, published (I believe) in 1960 is this full page advertisement. 

Well, I didn't know that Columbia Minerva, in addition to their yarns and threads, also produced a washing detergent.   Of course, it's a good fit .... knit the sweater with Columbia Minerva Yarn, and then care for the garment with Wool-Kare. 

I found a footnote in a Google book excerpt indicating the product brand was purchased from another company, but other than than, I've found no other references to it's history, other than a few newspaper ads. 

1956 -- "is mat and shrink resistant, comes in powder or liquid form.  Softens water, makes whites whiter, colors brighter.  Just immerse, squeeze, rinse". 

1957 --  "There's a secret ingredient, V-99 ... No blocking is needed because the bath protects the the original shape"

A variety of Art Needlework Departments regularly placed the product on sales promotion, such as this one.

And then, in 1964, the ads stopped.    I assume Wool-Kare was a re-branded product (made by some other company, who applied the Columbia Minerva label).    Perhaps it didn't turn out to be a profit maker and they called it quits in the Cold Water Soap Market. 

And that, I admit not much, is all I know.   Perhaps you know more and would be willing to share?

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie