According to an article in The Michigan City News dated September 25, 1935, Clem. G. Dick entered the bottling business in 1906 when he became owner of the Standard Bottling Works after purchasing it from his uncle, Albert J. Dick. In 1907, Harvey F. Luchtman acquired a one-half interest in the company. The firm continued to operate as the Standard Bottling Works until 1928, when it became the Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
The Indianapolis Star (November 17, 1914) reported that Standard was incorporated with capital of $8,000.
The Indianapolis News (April 11, 1928) reported that the Standard Bottling Works of Michigan City filed papers to change its name to the Coca-Cola Bottling Works of Michigan City, Inc., and also amended its corporate seal.
Here is where things get a bit confusing with the dates…
The Indianapolis Star (October 28, 1928) reported that the Standard Bottling Company of Michigan City was incorporated with capital of $4,000 to manufacture carbonated beverages, ice, and distilled water. The incorporators were listed as Clem G. Dick, Frank E. Dick, Harvey F. Luchtman, Eleanor Luchtman, and Henry A. Dick.
There is only one known bottle embossed “Standard Bottling Company.” All other known examples are embossed “Standard Bottling Works.”
City directories still list the Standard Bottling Company operating at 1007 East Michigan in the 1931 and 1932 editions. It is difficult to determine exactly when Standard officially closed, so it is reasonable to say that the Standard name appears to have faded out sometime in the early 1930s.
1) COCA COLA FIRM ONE OF CITY’S LEADING PLANTS
Clem Dick Purchased Industry From Uncle 28 Years Ago.
The Coca-Cola Bottling Company, formerly known as the Standard Bottling Works, came into the ownership of Clem. G. Dick in 1906 when he purchased it from his uncle, Albert J. Dick.
The plant then consisted of one horse and wagon, a few bottles and hand-power bottling machine but has steadily grown in the past 28 years until it now comprises one of the city’s most active industries.
Harvey F. Luchtman purchased a one-half interest in the concern in 1907, and continued as a partner until two years ago when he sold his share to enter the beer business now known as the Roscoe Meyer Beverage Company.
Frank E. Dick and Henry A. Dick grew into the business and still retain their interest.
The company continued under the name of the Standard Bottling Works until 1928 when it became the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Its officials have always been active in the civic affairs of the community and attribute the success of the firm to following of suggestions and merchandising rules of the Coca-Cola Company.
The horse and wagon delivery system was replaced by a fleet of motor trucks in 1923 and these vehicles have been gradually improved as new models appeared until the delivery service is now of the most modern equipment. Michigan City News, September 25, 1935.
1913 — Standard Bottling Works, Dick & Luchtman, proprietor bottlers of soft drinks and mineral water, Coca-Cola, ginger ale, and beer, 1026 E. Michigan.
1916–1918 — Standard Bottling Works (Inc.), C. G. Dick, pres.; H. F. Luchtman, sec. and treas., bottlers of soft drinks and mineral water, 1023 E. Michigan.
1919–1921 — Standard Bottling Works, H. F. Luchtman, propr., 1023 E. Michigan.
1923–1925 — Standard Bottling Works (Inc.), C. G. Dick, pres.; H. F. Luchtman, treas., 1023 E. Michigan.
1925–1926 — Standard Bottling Works (Inc.), C. G. Dick, pres.; F. E. Dick, vice pres.; H. F. Luchtman, sec.-treas., 1007 E. Michigan.
1927–1928 — Standard Bottling Works, C. G. Dick, pres.; H. F. Luchtman, sec., 1007 E. Michigan.
1929–1930 — Standard Bottling Co. (Inc.), C. G. Dick, pres.; H. F. Luchtman, sec., 1007 E. Michigan. (changed from “Works” to “Company”)
1929–1930 — Coca-Cola Bottling Works (Inc.), C. G. Dick, pres.; H. F. Luchtman, sec., 1005–1007 E. Michigan.
1931–1932 — Standard Bottling Co. (Inc.), C. G. Dick, pres.; Frank Dick, vice pres.; H. F. Luchtman, sec., 1007 E. Michigan.
No more listings for Standard Bottling Co.
1934–1935 — Coca-Cola Bottling Works, Clem G. Dick, mgr., 1005–1007 E. Michigan.
Bottle Type: 7-8 oz. soda, tooled crown top.
Embossing: STANDARD / BOTTLING WORKS / MICHIGAN CITY, IND.
Glass Maker: ROOT (embossed on heel), Root Glass Company, Terre Haute, Indiana.
Other Marks: THIS BOTTLE NOT TO BE SOLD (embossed on front heel), REGISTERED (embossed on back heel).
Notes:
Photo Credit: Indiana Bottle Collectors
Bottle Type: 8 oz. soda, machine made crown top.
Embossing: STANDARD / CONTENTS / BOTTLING WORKS / 8 FL. OZ. / MICHIGAN CITY, IND.
Glass Maker:
Other Marks: “15-1” (embossed on heel), THIS BOTTLE NOT TO BE SOLD (embossed on back heel), pictorial star (embossed on base).
Notes:
Photo Credit: Indiana Bottle Collectors
Bottle Type: 8 oz. soda, machine made crown top.
Embossing: STANDARD / BOTTLING WORKS / CAPACITY / 8-OZ. / MICHIGAN CITY, IND.
Glass Maker: ROOT (embossed on front heel), Root Glass Company, Terre Haute, Indiana.
Other Marks: REGISTERED (embossed on front), THIS BOTTLE NOT TO BE SOLD (embossed on back heel), pictorial star (embossed on base).
Notes:
Photo Credit: Indiana Bottle Collectors
Bottle Type: 7 oz., machine made crown top.
Embossing: STANDARD / BOTTLING WORKS / MICHIGAN CITY / IND.
Glass Maker: ROOT (embossed on heel), Root Glass Company, Terre Haute, Indiana.
Other Marks: REGISTERED (embossed on front), “27” (embossed on heel), pictorial star (embossed on base), CONTENTS 7 FLU. OZ. (embossed on front near heel).
Notes:
Photo Credit: Indiana Bottle Collectors
Bottle Type: 7 oz., machine made crown top.
Embossing: STANDARD / BOTTLING CO. / MICHIGAN CITY / IND.
Glass Maker: 
(on base), Owens-Illinois Glass Co.
Other Marks: REGISTERED (embossed on front), pictorial star (embossed on base), CONTENTS 7 FLU. OZ. (embossed on front near heel).
Notes: This is marked BOTTLING CO. instead of BOTTLING WORKS.
Photo Credit: Indiana Bottle Collectors
The RE-LY-ON Bottler, Volume IV (March 1923).
The photo description reads “1923 — OATS.”
This photo was taken in front of the La Porte County Superior Courthouse on East Michigan Boulevard in Michigan City.
The Earl Garage was located at the corner of Washington and Michigan, a site that is now an empty grass lot as of 2025.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map (1922).
Note: Standard Bottling Works was located at 1026 E. Michigan, between Case Street and Tryon Street. The site is now an empty grass lot.
Also note that Scholl Dairy Co. established its Michigan City location in 1922 at 1026 E. Michigan.
