Not much is known about the Michigan City Bottling Company. John Ruschli is listed as the manager in the 1890 directory, with the business located at 126 Franklin Street. We have not been able to locate any photographs or advertisements for the company.
The directory is a bit confusing because John Ruschli appears twice with two different home addresses. It is unclear whether there were two individuals with the same name or if the directory simply contains an error. With so few surviving records, it is difficult to determine which is correct. More research is required.
The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map shows that 126 Franklin was vacant, which suggests the business likely began operations in 1890. The building no longer exists, and Mateys Bar and Restaurant at 110 Franklin now occupies approximately the same location.
A bottle embossed John Ruschli, Crown Point, IND. matches the style of the quart Michigan City Bottling Co. bottle, which further ties these operations together. John and his brother Emil also bottled under the name Ruschli Bros. in Hammond, Indiana. More information on Ruschli and these connections will be explored later.
There are 3 mentions of John Ruschli in the 1890 directory.
1890 – Ruschli John, pop factory, residence 117 2nd.
1890 – Ruschli John, manager, Mich. Bottling Works, residence 126 Michigan.
1890 – Michigan City Bottling Co., John Ruschli, mag., 126 Franklin.
There is no mention of any Michigan City Bottling or John Ruschli in the 1893-94 directory.
