Posted by Chris Butler - 28th May 2023
I recently found 2 codd bottles, both having been used by H. Harris of Seabrook Road. From my research, one looks to have been made by Hiram Codd and his partner at one time (Ryland) and the other by Riley Manufacturing in London. Does anybody have info on H Harris ?
All I can find is that they made non-intoxicating ginger bear and presumably carbonated water. Before being taken over by Silver Spring they operated as “Rock Spring Works”. I’d love to know more about location, products made etc.
Also, I’ve reason to think Harris & Co were located near the firework shop. On Mill Road, opposite the Catholic church, is a building that could fit the bill. I don’t think I can post a photograph here, but the architecture would seem right. Any feedback on the topic will be much appreciated.
Reply posted by Anne Petrie - 31st May 2023
I haven’t been able to find out much about the business, but it was owned for a while by Herbert Harris. He was born on 2/11/1871 in Bromley and was in business in Hythe by 1901, assisted by his older brother Charles who did deliveries. Herbert and his wife Ellen had 6 children and lived at a house called ‘Seaway; which is variously described as being in Seabrook Road or at 5 Mill Road (which bears out your theory).
He was described in a newspaper report of 1909 as being ‘a grocer’, so perhaps he ran the 2 businesses side by side. He had retired by 1921, although this might have been as early as 1916, when job applicants had to contact a Mr Drake. Herbert died at the Royal Victoria hospital in Folkestone on 26 July 1941 and left £6040. 4s, 0d in his will, a tidy sum