A book about the history of cordial making in the Shoalhaven will be launched this Saturday, November 28.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The new book by prolific local historical author Alan Clark will be launched at the Nowra Museum and delves into the subject that dates back to the 1880s.
Cordial-makers of the Shoalhaven and their bottles is published by the Shoalhaven Historical Society, with president Lynne Allen saying the early feedback to the book had been positive.
"I think the book will bring back a lot of memories for a lot of people of the cordial industry in the Shoalhaven," she said.
"The book contains lots of information and a number of great photographs, especially of various bottles.
Read more:
"We have already received a lot of interest from bottle collectors, from not only in the Shoalhaven, but from further afield regarding the photos of bottles that are in the book.
"It's already creating a lot of interest."
The Shoalhaven cordial history goes back to the 1880s when the Pollock family established their first factory in the area.
Cordial then was much different to what we class as cordial today - a flavour added to usually a water-based drink. Back then it was aerated water (carbonated water), a drink similar to today's soft drinks.
"The Pollocks were major players in the local industry until 1910, when they sold the business to Reginald Thomas," Mr Clark said.
"Another major industry player was James Kelly, which later went on to be Kelly and Sons."
Kelly was the final owner of Nowra Cordials which produced various drinks over a span of 80 years.
Many long-time residents remember September 21, 1968 when the Nowra Cordial Factory at the corner of Kinghorne and Douglas Streets was destroyed by fire.
Shortly after, the rights to Nowra Cordials were sold to Shelley's Sydney (Coca-Cola).
The Faust family of Milton-Ulladulla and Bolts of Berry were also prominent, while others who spent lesser time making drinks have also been researched.
"There are some fascinating stories across the local industry," Mr Clark said.
Due to COVID restrictions Saturday's launch is for limited numbers and is by invite only.
But copies of the Cordial-makers of the Shoalhaven and their bottles will be available at the Nowra Museum on Tuesdays from 10am to 2pm and Saturdays from 1pm-4pm.
Cost is just $20.
Want to read more local history?