Jenkins Aerated Water Works.
John Henry Jenkins was born in Merthyr in 1841, Worrals Directory of 1875 gives the first listing for Jenkins, he is listed as both an Ale & Porter Merchant and a Beer Retailer operating from Whyndham Street, Swansea. he had later taken over his father Edward Jenkins business as a retailer of beer at 65 Argyle Street in the 1880s, then progressed as the Publican in the Exeter Inn, 73 Oxford Street, and the Alexandra Hotel, at 67 Oxford Street, later renumbered 252 Oxford Street, a site recently occupied by H. Samuel, Jewellers.
He later became a publican of the above Inns, the first mention of Argyle Street is in Kellys 1895 Directory, J.H. Jenkins is listed as:
"Jenkins, John Henry, beer retailer, 65 Argyle Street; Exeter Inn, 73 Oxford Street & Union Street"
At some time between 1901 to 1903 Jenkins died as Bennets Directory for 1900 lists Jenkins as
" Jenkins Ale & Porter Stores, 65a Argyle Street, W. Jones, Manager"
By 1899 the Argyle Stores had changed hands and was run by W.Jones, it was common practice to sell good will and the company name, so as in other cases in Swansea the original owner sold the company and his name, Betts and Hurns are other examples. The Argyle Store, and the Exeter Hotel were later taken over by Robert Whittaker in the early 1900s after Jenkins's death, a beer bottle dating from about 1908 states;
"R. Whittaker, Late Jenkins, Argyle Stores, Swansea"
Two transfer printed versions.
One all white standard.
One two tone brown top standard with a shield shape transfer.
Both bottles are cork stoppers.
Swansea Directory 1908-09
Norwich and Brighton Ginger Beers