Not much is known about Star Bottling Works, as it appears only in the 1916 city directory and phone book. It is absent from both the 1913 and 1919 directories, and so is Samuel Blum.
The proprietor, Samuel Blum, is also listed in 1916 as a saloon owner at 1507 Ohio Street, while Star Bottling Works is listed at 616 W. 9th Street.
The bottles in our database have either a “14” or “15” embossed on the heel, which we believe are date codes for 1914 and 1915. Since the business does not appear in the 1913 directory and the latest confirmed listing is in 1916, the evidence suggests that Star Bottling Works was active during the mid-1910s and could have operated as late as 1918, although 1916 is the last year we can currently verify. More research is required.
It is one of only two known pictorial bottles from Michigan City (the other being Eagle Bottling), both featuring a pictorial embossing on the front.
1916 – Star Bottling Works, Samuel Blum, Proprietor, 616 W 9th (the 1916 phone book also lists Star at 616 W Ninth)
Also 1916 – Samuel Blum (Sarah), Proprietor Star Bottling Works and saloon, 1507 Ohio, residence 616 W 9th
Bottle Type: 8 oz., machine-made crown top.
Embossing: STAR BOTTLING WORKS / MICHIGAN CITY, IND.
Glass Maker:
Other Marks: The numbers “14 1” are embossed on the heel. The meaning of the 1 is unclear, but the 14 likely represents a 1914 date code. A pictorial star is embossed on the base.
Notes:
Photo Credit: Indiana Bottle Collectors
Bottle Type: 8 oz., machine-made crown top.
Embossing: STAR BOTTLING WORKS / MICHIGAN CITY, IND. / CONTENTS 8 FL. OZ.
Glass Maker:
Other Marks: The numbers “15 1” are embossed on the heel. The meaning of the 1 is unclear, but the 15 likely represents a 1915 date code.
Notes:
Photo Credit: Indiana Bottle Collectors