Thomas, Emmanuel
Niagra Works was based at 1 Pleasent Street, New Orchard, Swansea. Established 1889
In 1881 Thomas was a copper nailer, while his wife run an eating house at 176 High street, by 1891 his fortunes had changed he was now a chipped vendor seller, a chip shop owner, perhaps he started selling soft drinks as a side line, and started brewing his own vinegar. In 1895 he is listed as a fried fish seller at 67 High Street.
By 1889 he had established his business. He was based at 3 Gladstone Building, Alexander Rd, Swansea. His manufacturing base was The Niagra Works, New Orchard Street. He also had premises in High street perhaps trading through his Fried Fish shop.
In 1899 Thomas is recorded as trading at 10-11 Richards Place and Alexandra Rd., A 1907-08 directory also lists Thomas as a Mineral Water Works operating from 14 Walters Terrace.
In later years Thomas's was one of the main producers of vinegar and pickling products in the Swansea area.
Emanuel Thomas (born Swansea 1858) was based at the Niagra Works in Swansea,
the Niagra Works, Orchard Street, was based near the old Police station
the site has now been built over with sheltered housing.
One all white standard version
Cork stopper.
Five two tone brown top standard versions. Three cork stopper, two internal
screws.
Thomas seems to have produced two bottles before finally deciding on the style of bottle he wanted, he had little variation compared to the number of bottles found.
Thomas also produced three different miniature ginger beer bottles, probably as free give aways for Dolls Houses, quite why he produced three distinct variations puzzles me.perhaps he produced one each christmas as gifts to favoured clients for their children. Shown above are enlarged pictures of the miniatures and the next picture shows them next to a standard sized bottle for comparison.
Bottles 1 and 3 are part of the SMcD Collection, also the second and third miniatures belong to SMcD
Advert from a Trade Directory of 1899
>
Advert above is from a Cardiff Directory of 1899
List of adverts placed in Trade Directories and the year placed.
Thomas, E. 1 Pleasant Street,
Works, New Orchard St, (Wrights, Swansea Dir. 1899)
Thomas, Emanuel, The Niagra Aerated Water Works, New Orchard, (Wales Dir.
1901)
Thomas, Emanuel, New Orchard, (Wales Dir. 1903)
Thomas, E. New Orchard, (South Wales Dir. 1907)
Thomas, E. New Orchard Street, (Swansea Dir 1908-9)
Thomas, E. Mineral Waters, 14 Walters Terrace. (Purriers Directory 1908-09)
Thomas E. New Orchard Street, (1910-11)
Thomas Emanuel, New Orchard, ( Swansea Dir. 1913-14)
Thomas, E. New Orchard Street, (Kelly's Dir. 1914)
Thomas, Emanuel, New Orchard, (Wales Dir. 1912)
Thomas, Emanuel, New Orchard, (Wales Dir.1918)
Thomas E. & Son, New Orchard Street. (Kelly's Dir. 1926)
Thomas, Emanuel & Son, Mineral Water Manufacturers, Niagra Works,
(Kelly's Dir. 1929)
Thomas Emmanuel & Sons, Niagra Mineral Water Works, Orchard Street.
(Kelly's Dir. 1938)
Norwich and Brighton Ginger Beers