St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby to hold bottle, can drive Saturday

 

'Turnback Tuesday' features puzzle over 19th century beer bottle

Turnback Tuesday is showcasing a bit of a puzzle. This bottle, named "Finn & Knapp Derby, Conn," was a bottle used for beer. 

Now, a Thomas Finn had a restaurant and sample room that started in 1882, located at 102 Main St., Derby. This business ran until 1884. Finn did open another saloon in Shelton in 1891. Meanwhile, Frank L. Knapp had a sample room at 181 & 183 Main St., Derby from 1889 to 1890. Knapp bartended in Ansonia in 1891 then moved to Bantam Lake in 1892.

This is very curious because the bottle has both names on it. It seems they never worked together, therefore the puzzle. 

If you look at this bottle it has a wire-bale bottle closure which was invented in 1875 by Nicolai Fritzner. This made it easier for opening and closing bottles.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights bottle made in Derby

Turnback Tuesday looks at an F. P. Ford bottle from Derby.

Frank P. Ford opened a saloon in 1890 at 143 Sugar Street, Birmingham (Derby). In 1894, the street name changed from Sugar Street to Housatonic Ave.

In 1906, Frank added the business of bottler, which lasted until 1912, so this bottle was produced sometime during that time period.

Frank moved his business in 1913 to 78 Elizabeth St., where he continued until 1917. Interestingly, in 1900, there were more saloons (37) than grocers (23) in Derby.

This bottle is a recent donation from Robert Ahearn.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Scouts to hold redeemable can, bottle drive Jan. 8 in Shelton