Park

Park

A relatively long lived and well known company operating from premises on Mutley Plain from 1885 to the 1970s, the company name is found on items from soda syphons to button lids. Park took over the operations and premises of Richard A. Saunders at 1 Mutley Plain in 1885, later moved to 12 Mutley Plain (c1897) and this latter address was eventually renumbered as 23 Mutley Plain.

The majority of the life of the company is under the name of Charles James Park but in 1955 the premises are listed under Charles Armstrong Park. C.J. Park died in 1933 and for a short time after the business was operated by Armstrong & Muriel together.

C.J. Park had qualified as a MPS in 1880 and had apprentices including his son Armstrong and daughter Muriel. Armstrong qualified in 1927 and Muriel in 1928.

In 1983 Armstrong Park retired and closed the business for good, however, the Mannamead Conservation Society managed to raise enough money to purchase the pharmacy in its entirety. The interior of their 23 Mutley Plain premises used from 1902 until the company’s closure has been reassembled in the Merchant’s House museum. Indeed, the reconstructed shop is such a stunning sight that I have purposefully omitted any photos of it here so as not to spoil a well recommended visit to the Merchants House.

Among the interesting information found regarding the company and it’s products is the list of contents found in the various colours of soda siphon issued with the superb company details on;

· Soda Water (clear glass)

· Lemonade (blue glass)

· Gingerade (brown glass)