J. H. Hooper - Aerated Water & Cordial Manufacturer

Mr John  Baker Hooper started manufacturing cordial in Ipswich in about 1873 and son John Henry  worked in his father's business.  By 1880 John Henry was delivering drinks by painted cart, probably for his parents' firm.  Horse and cart delivery continued to be a feature of J. H. Hooper's own business until the company ceased many years later.

J. H. Hooper established his cordial and soft drink factory in East Street, Ipswich in early1883. Within a short time ginger beer, vinegar, sauce, and baking powder were also being manufactured. At this time Mrs J. B. Hooper had her own aerated water manufactory in West Street, Ipswich.  The businesses were not connected, although the principals were related. 

 J. H. Hooper - Aerated Water & Cordial Manufacturer was not long in East Street. In the middle of 1884 the firm moved to South Street, where they would stay for the next 34 years. Almost from the beginning, J. H. Hooper won agricultural show and exhibition awards for their cordials and aerated waters. At the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1889, the company received accolades for their sarsparilla, ginger wine and lemonade. In 1899, their new soft drinks included non-alcoholic ginger stout, Victoria Moselle, and Khedival Club. A few years later they also brewed hops, and horehound beer. 

Early in 1914, Thomas Barnes, John  Henry Hooper and William George Livermore issued a prospectus for a new entity to be known as Ipswich Aerated Water Company Ltd. The object of the exercise was to acquire and amalgamate the established drink companies of the 3 men including property, equipment and horses:  Hooper's business in South Street, Livermore's in East Street, and Ipswich Aerated Water Co. also in East Street.  Interest of 12.5% was projected for investors. Livermore was to be the new company's Managing Director. Both Hooper and Livermore were long-established aerated water manufacturers in Ipswich. This amalgamation did not occur, however, and J. H. Hooper continued to trade from South Street.

The  South Street property was placed for sale in 1919 following John's death in July 1918.  This included a house, two allotments, stables, wagons and office equipment. Hooper's four sons had all pursued other careers and it seems were not interested in carrying on the soft drink business. Despite the centrality and size of the business in South Street, it was not sold for some considerable amount of time.