Homefolks U.S.A.
Hi folks,
Does the name Sen. Dudley J. LeBlanc ring a bell with any reader of Homefolks U.S.A.? Probably not.
Although during his time in office in Louisiana, the senator was instrumental in helping pass an old-age pension bill, that was not his “claim to fame.”
The senator was the brains behind the world-famous dietary supplement, Hadacol. In 1950 and 1951, sales were as high as $1,500,000 a day. Several country music stars were hired to promote Hadacol – stars like Hank Williams, Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl. Hollywood stars such as Milton Berle, Jack Benny and Bob Hope also promoted this tonic.
With pressure being put on by the Food and Drug Administration, Sen. LeBlanc realized the product was going to decline. He sold the company.
When Hank Williams learned the company had sold, he asked LeBlanc, “What did you sell Hadacol for?” – meaning, why did you sell it? LeBlanc answered, “$8.5 million.”
When I read this story, I wondered how many of our readers might have taken Hadacol and what result or benefits it had to offer. I wonder how many places in Franklin County sold Hadacol, and the first business that came to mind was Bradford Drug Store.
It might have been in other stores, too, such as the “mom-and-pop” stores. I really don’t know. Maybe some of our many readers could let us know the business they purchased Hadacol from.
I personally believe that, many times, if you believe certain things help you, and keep you feeling good, then maybe they are OK. I really liked Jogging in a Jug that was popular a few years ago. A lot of our old-timers have home remedies for the common cold, snake bites and wasp stings, just to name a few. My good friend J.C. Grissom said any time he got stung by a bunch of yellow jackets, the first thing he would do was apply Clorox to the sting.
Good advice from a good man.
Til next time,
Your friend,
Bobby
P.S. Ketchup was once used as a medicine in the United States. In the 1830s it was sold as Dr. Miles’ Compound Extract of Tomato.
Thought for the Day
Please love one another, talk to one another and don’t let trivia; things dissolve friendships.
