bottle-bud
Well-Known Member
American Soda WaterCompany
St. Louis, Missouri
American Soda Water Co. was a giant in the world ofbottling soda pop here in the St. Louis area.
But before I show some of my bottles from American, Iwould like to show what led up to the start of the bottling operation.
I believe it all starts in 1872, this the first year Ifind a listing for Hunicke, Schulz & Co. The company is simply listed as“mineral waters”. Located at 1130 to 1134 S. 12th Street.
In 1878 the business is located at 1115 Stoddard in St.Louis. Below is an example of a Hunicke, Schulz & Co. bottle. I do not havethis bottle in my collection as this photo was found sometime ago on aninternet search. One day hopefully I’ll find one.
From Hunicke, Schulz & Co. to American Mineral WaterCo.
I find a 1904 document giving a brief history of theAmerican Mineral Water Co. stating that in 1879, American Mineral Water wasincorporated with Adolphus Harless, C. Schulz and Richard C. Schum asincorporators. This is the same C. Schulz as stated above. They are producingSeltzer, Vichy, Carlsbader and other mineral waters. It also states that afterthe death of Richard Schum a Mr. Oliver R. Schum is now the manager of thecompany.
Here are the only American Mineral Water Bottles in my collection.A circa 1920, six ounce and a 23-ounce quart size bottle. The last bottle isa 1906, “thief bottle”. There are different examples of this bottle out therethat state “Distributors of Dr. Pepper”. Maybe one day I will find one for my collection.
American Mineral is listed at 1117 Stoddard Ave from 1880til 1890 or so.
From 1890 or so til 1920 they are listed at 1117 S. 11[SUP]th[/SUP]Street. I believe a street name change from Stoddard to 11[SUP]th[/SUP] tookplace. In 1920 the address is 2045 Walnut Street.
Below is an advertisement dating from June 23, 1921 forDr. Pepper.