1900s STRAIGHT-SIDED E. SHEEHAN AUGUSTA, GA SODA BOTTLE for Sale

On eBay Now...

1900s STRAIGHT-SIDED E. SHEEHAN AUGUSTA, GA SODA BOTTLE For Sale

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

1900s STRAIGHT-SIDED E. SHEEHAN AUGUSTA, GA SODA BOTTLE:
$50.00

Edward Sheehan: Georgia’s Irish Lord of Bottles and Booze
This vintage soda bottle from the early 1900s features the E. Sheehan brand and is a great addition to any collection. With a volume of 8 oz., this bottle stands 8 inches tall and 2 3/8 inches wide at the base. It’s beautifully embossed. No cracks or chips on the bottle. (Please see photos)

As the century turned, Edward shortened the name of his bottling company to Sheehan Bottling Works. During this period, he was also approached by representatives of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company concerning the possibility of operating a bottling franchise in the Augusta, Georgia area. Before 1899, Coke was a small business that only sold syrup to soda fountains. Still, that year they divided the country into territories and started selling the bottling rights to local entrepreneurs.

Edward had an opportunity to become the first bottler of Coke in his area of Georgia andSouth Carolina. He declined the offer because he thought Coca-Cola was a fad, and he preferred the taste of his sodas. By 1909, nearly 400 Coca-Cola bottling plants were operating, most of them family-owned businesses. Edward did, however, start to branch out into other businesses. He continued to operate his transfer company, and he also opened a grocery store, as well as several saloons and bars. In addition, he managed the Robert Portner Brewing Company.

When World War I broke out in 1916, Edward Sheehan started having difficulties replacing the bottles in his business. Unfortunately, there was no deposit system in place, and a bottle of soda only sold for five cents a piece. When prohibition was ratified in 1919, his business began to crumble.