My history starts with the beginning of Avon, which was over 100 years ago and I have been told this story by family members, however, I can not prove the furthest link back to the beginning of Avon.

The story goes that my great-grandmother, Luticia (Drain) Monroe, was an Avon representative in the beginning when it was known as “The California Perfume Company”. The story I have been told was that my great-grandfather, George Monroe, would go to town in a horse and buggy and Luticia would accompany him as he conducted his business in town, Luticia would make her business calls. I try to imagine how this must have been, as I am sure everything was accomplished and planned well in those times as it was probably not as easy to get to town, probably only once a week or possibly longer. George and Luticia lived in Mendocino, Sonoma area, and I imagine that is where they conducted their business. I have found them in this area on the census, which is a start at proving my story!

Their child was Sarah Adelyne (Monroe) Converse who was my grandmother. She also took up the sale of Avon among many other companies she sold for. I remember her coming to my house on her way back from making her Avon calls, and also sometimes greeting cards. This was in the Sacramento, California area.

Their child, my mother, was Madelyne Lucille (Converse) Gibbins. My mother sold Avon for many years in the Sacramento area. She did very well. My mother is deceased. I still have a prize she won which was a bonus for high sales. It has never been worn, and I thought it might be fun to see if anyone out there could identify when this award might have been given. I believe it was probably in the 1970’s. It is a beautiful Imperial Gardens Kimono, still in the original box.

See Photo!