St. Paul / Gin-Gera / Coca-Cola Bottling Company

The St. Paul Gin-Gera Bottling Works, Inc. was incorporated on July 24, 1914(1); however, according to their 75th anniversary commemorative bottle they started in 1910. They change their name to St. Paul Bottling Company, Inc. on May 22, 1916 (2), I guess they didn’t bottle Gin-Gera very long. Melvin C. Matthews is president, James M. Dickenson is Secretary and Treasurer(3), by 1947 J. F. Matthews is manager of the company. It‘s franchise territory covered Russell, Dickenson, and part of Wise County as of 1928.(3)

I have not been able to find the date that the company ceased operations; however, it doesn't appear to be operating now. The Building still stands near what appears to be a park just off of the main road in St. Paul. I was skeptical at first as to whether or not this was actually the bottling plant. Then I spotted the sign on the side of the building "Drink Coca Cola", and the bricked up garage doors helped in proving to me that I had found the right building.

The St. Paul, VA Coca Cola Bottling plant as it stands today.

Part of a Gin-Gera bottle from St. Paul, VA

Sales receipt from the St. Paul Coca-Cola Bottling Company from 1932

6oz Coca-Cola soda water style bottle

6oz Dec. 25, 1923 Coca Cola Bottle dated 1934

7oz Lonesome Pine Beverages Bottle dated 1948. I have long suspected that St. Paul Bottling Works was the possible origin of this particular brand as they were the only company that actually had two completely different acls for the brand. Now with the discovery of this 1948 7oz Lonesome Pine Beverages, the oldest I have ever seen of the brand, I am even more convinced that my theory is true.

6oz Pat. D-105529 Coca Cola Bottle dated 1949

6oz Trademark in Patent Office bottle dated 1954

10oz 75th anniversary bottle dated 1985

10oz Lonesome Pine Beverages bottles the left one is dated 1963 while the other is dated 1970