Carl Weeks

Carl Weeks (1876–1962) was an American businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist best known for founding pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies, including Weeks & Leo Co., Inc. Carl and his wife Edith built Salisbury House in Des Moines, Iowa.

Early life Carl Weeks was born to Charles Weeks and Laura (Chamberlain) Weeks on December 2, 1876, in Linn County, Iowa. In 1879, the family including 2-year-old Carl relocated to Kansas. Charles and Laura built and managed the Sod Hotel, an elegant hotel made of prairie sod in Plainville, Kansas.

In 1888, when Carl was 11 years old, the Weeks family moved back to Iowa and settled in Des Moines. Carl completed high school at the age of 16 and subsequently attended Highland Park College of Pharmacy in Des Moines, where he earned a degree in Pharmacy. D. C. Leo Company offered private label medicines and cosmetics to individual dealers.

By 1927, The Armand Company was number one in the United States in face powder sales. The company had also expanded into numerous international markets.

He was also an officer of the Greater Des Moines Committee, Des Moines Rotary Club, and was on the board of trustees of Edmundson Art Foundation. Carl was a founder of Des Moines Art Center, Civic Music Association and Des Moines Community Playhouse.

Salisbury House Carl and Edith Weeks built Salisbury House in Des Moines as their personal residence. The house was furnished with antiques and collectibles purchased from around the world. Salisbury House is now a museum.