Coca Cola


Henry Rummel - Coca Cola

Henry Rummel founded the Rummel Bottling Works in 1893.

“Cap” Rummel succeeded his father as president for the next 40 years.


From Jan 8, 1927


HENRY RUMMEL, president of the Charleston Bottling Works, passed away at his home in Kanawha street last night after a brief illness.

 Mr. Rummel was born on July 27, 1847, one of ten children of JESSE and ELIZABETH RUMELL, of Minersville, Meigs county, Ohio. In 1871, at the age of 24 years he located in Charleston and established here the first bottling plant for the manufacture of soft drinks.

Rummels Bottle

Nearly a quarter of a century ago he founded the Charleston Bottling Works, the largest of its kind in West Virginia and the fifth largest in the country. Its chief product is Coca Cola, and more than 400,000 cases are manufactured annually.

 Mr. Rummel was a minister of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for more than 50 years. In 1872 he married Miss Mary Newhouse, youngest daughter of Thomas and Sarah Newhouse, who lived at Big Chimney, in Kanawha county and in 1922 they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Mrs. Rummel died in 1923.

Henry Rummel - Coca Cola



Henry Rummel - Coca Cola

The Lewis Street building still stands today, and is used as a haunted house and other events.




Henry Rummel - Coca Cola

Taken on Lewis Street. The bottling plant would be behind the cameraman.


Henry Rummel - Coca Cola
Same scene today, with Corey Bothers Produce now occupying the background building


Henry Rummel - Coca Cola






The New Plant


Henry Rummel - Coca Cola

The new plant was constructed at 3211 MacCorkle Ave in Kanawha City in the early 50s.







Today

Henry Rummel - Coca Cola



Back when REAL Floats made-up Charleston's parades

Henry Rummel - Coca Cola

Every Float had a theme,  besides the sponsors name.




Henry Rummel - Coca Cola

See a larger photo of these girls HERE







Employees

Henry Rummel - Coca Cola
Not sure if these were sales staff, drivers, plant workers. See larger photo HERE






Henry Rummel - Coca Cola
Most likely district supervisors








Henry Rummel - Coca Cola

Promotion photo with Anita Bryant and Cap Rummel.  


Coke photos courtesy of Mike Price



At one time many years ago, I had great photos of the local Coke trucks.  I may have given them away.  If anyone has these, or other good coke related photos, please contact me.

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