Historical information

This bottle was used in a period when "soft" drink ginger beer was "brewed" not only in homes but also in specific breweries. Most rural areas had families which produced their own ginger beer. Medium to large towns and cities had ginger beer "factories". These factories had large "on bottle" advertising who the producer was. This producer advertising was firmly infused into the bottle and not on removable labels (late 1900's on wards). Regional breweries had a strong following, similar to State beer producing breweries. The competition between breweries of ginger beer was regional and not state or international. Return of bottles was not a sign of saving the environment or becoming eco- friendly but a requirement to keep production costs low. This is highlighted by "This bottle Remains the Property", in other words return when empty. Up to the end of the second World War Australian "soft drink" demand was for local produce. The American invasion of other flavours of "soft drink" came in the 1950's. Multi -Corporations producing non alcoholic beverages at lower production costs reduced local manufacturers considerably. This however had little effect on semi isolated rural areas where home brews flourished.

Significance

This bottle shows the impact that small regional towns had and still have on semi isolated rural communities(Kiewsa Valley). With better communications (radio/television/newspapers) and a better transport connections specialised breweries such as the Wangaratta Brewery had an extensive customer "hinterland" to serve. The "canny" rural population would be able to reuse this bottle for their own specific purpose. Because of the long distances between Kiewa Valley residences and the major towns available to them, the issue of adaptability of any purchases made was always closely linked to their long term usefulness.

Physical description

This bottle is made from thick clear glass and has a capacity of one and a half pints. It has a flat top with a wooden screw stopper (internal thread).

Inscriptions & markings

On one side "THIS BOTTLE REMAINS THE PROPERTY OF WANGARATTA BREWERY PTY LTD" On the top rim of bottle on both sides "17". On the bottom of the base are "AGM" AND "346"