Historical information

These labels come from the Warrnambool Reeves Cordial Factory. John Reeves came to Warrnambool about 1900 and managed the cordial bottling plant in Banyan Street for Jim Kelly who traded under the name of the previous cordial manufacturer, J. S. Rowley. In 1931 John Reeves purchased the cordial factory in Koroit Street from the estate of John Fletcher. John Reeves’ son, Reg managed the cordial business in Koroit Street until 1946 when he took over from his father and carried on the business until his death in 1972. In 1977 Reeves’ son-in-law carried on the business under the trading name of Reeves. The building in Koroit Street that stands today was erected in 1957 when the original building was demolished.

Significance

These labels are of interest because they are colourful and pleasing to the eye and because the Reeves Cordial Factory was a major business in Warrnambool for several decades in the 20th century.

Physical description

.1 to .9 Piece of paper with curved edges with multi-coloured printing and coloured geometric decoration.
.10 A piece of paper with yellow, red and white printing and images of a crown and a stage curtain.

Inscriptions & markings

.1 Reeves’ Imitation Cordial Vanilla
.2 Reeves’ Imitation Cordial Caramel
.3 Reeves’ Flavoured Cordial Lime
.4 Reeves’ Flavoured Cordial Chocolate
.5 Reeves’ Flavoured Cordial Chillie
.6 Reeves’ Flavoured Cordial Orange
.7 Reeves’ Flavoured Cordial Orange & Lemon
.8 Reeves’ Flavoured Cordial Fruit Cup
.9 Reeves’ Flavoured Cordial Pineapple
.10 Queen’s Toast Artificially Coloured Reeves Warrnambool