MARION BOTTLING WORKS 1905-1921

The Marion Bottling Works was owned by J. L. Thornton who started bottling in Hutchinson bottles in 1905.(3) This bottling company operated on Main Street, and while they delivered to local merchants via wheel barrel, a portion of their business was mail order sales shipped by train.(1) They bottled Lemon Kola, Ginger ale, and other flavors.(2) Mr. Thornton continued to operate the bottling plant until his death in 1914. His wife and son would carry on operations, at some point they would move the business from Main Street to a portion of the abandoned Marion & Rye Valley Railroad depot on Railroad Avenue (now East Chilhowie Street). The business was purchased by two World War I veterans, B. Scott Sprinkle and N.E. Robinson (1) who started up the Marion Orange Crush Bottling Company on November 1, 1922.

J. L. Thornton in early 1914, unfortunately by the end of the year Thornton would be dead after being shot by a tax collector during a scuffle, and his wife and son would go on to run the bottling business.

Hutchinson bottle from the Marion Bottling Works of Marion, VA

early crown top bottle from the Marion Bottling Works of Marion, VA

6oz Marion Bottling Works bottle

a later 6oz Marion Bottling Works bottle

a Marion Bottling Works Lemon Kola bottle. Thorton was bottling Lemon Kola at time the write up was done about the company on January 8, 1914.(2)

Orange Whistle ad from May 26, 1916

6 1/2oz King Cola Bottle from the Marion Bottling Works

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