Received a very interesting email this week from Lisa Grub McNeill of Marietta, who happens to be a relative of Peter Grub, the founder of the Grub Bottling Works, that once operated in Marietta around 1875 up until his death in 1916.
A few weeks ago, I had mentioned in one of my columns about a seller on eBay selling a bottle marked Grub Bottling Work's, Marietta, Ohio, and the seller had no idea if the bottle was a soda bottle or a liquor bottle with no information online about the company.
Grub McNeill states in her email that a 1890 Marietta City Directory lists Peter Grub not only owning Grub Bottling Work's in Marietta, but also the sole proprietor of the White House Saloon in Marietta, with his residence in 1890 listed as 125 Greene St.
Many bottle collectors around the country have been surfing the Internet for several years now in hopes of finding out some information on this company that once operated in Marietta.
Grub McNeill states that today she owns a 1916 copy of the Marietta Daily Times, telling about the death of 73-year-old Peter Grub, which his passing made the front page of the newspaper, which reads the following:
"Peter Grub Well Known Man Taken," written by The Marietta Daily Times, 1916.
With the passing of Peter Grub, whose death occurred at 6 p.m. Wednesday at his residence, 617 Third St., Marietta lost one of its progressive and influential citizens. Death followed an illness with a complication of diseases.
Grub was well known and highly respected by a large acquaintance. He was an able man and a fine citizen. He was among the first service directors to serve the city, being elected in that office by the popular vote of the people. He also served on the Board of Health. He was originator of the Grub Bottling Works, which firm under his able management grew in large proportions. At the time of his death he was secretary of the German Savings Building & Loan Company. He held that position since 1912.
The deceased was born at Bricken Rinesh, Bavaria, Germany, on Sept. 13, 1843. He, along with his parents, immigrated to this country at the age of 5, arriving here July 1, 1848.
Grub was a resident of Marietta for 48 years. On Sept. 30, 1866, he married Phebe M. Mcvay. He was survived by his wife, a daughter, Mrs. Frank Schafer.
Funeral services will be held at his home, 617 Third St., with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Lisa goes on to saying in her letter that she is an avid collector today of the Grub Bottling Works bottles, stating she found a number of these bottles at a local antique shop several years ago, including a crate marked Grub Bottling Works, Marietta, Ohio.
Readers, next week tell you about some local items that are selling online for big bucks and are fakes.
Larry Koon is the author of several price guide books on antiques and collectibles. His column appears every Monday on Life. Send letters to Treasure in the Attic, c/o The Marietta Times, 700 Channel Lane, Marietta 45750; or e-mail him at koonantiques@yahoo.com.
