In 1897, a significant mineral deposit of silica, clay, lime, and alkali was discovered in Eastern Oregon. The Columbia Star Manufacturing Company was formed to manufacture this mineral mixture into soap. Initially, their factory was in Portland, Oregon, but when the needed to expand, real estate agents in Seattle lured them to a location on the shores of Lake Union. The Seattle factory opened in 1901. The box calls it “Mechanics Soap” and is made for “All Classes of Laborers.” Mechanics soap doesn’t have a specific formula, but broadly refers to soap that is effective at cleaning heavy grease off of hands.