Early Life and Family

Joseph Chivers was born in Fremantle in 1892 to Joseph Chivers (senior) and Mary (née Russ). His father was the licensee of the Park Hotel, Fremantle, in 1894.

Marriage and Early Occupations

In 1919, Joseph married Emily Maud Johnson. By 1925, the couple were living in Balcatta, where Joseph worked as a greengrocer.

Lyons Camp and Aerated Water Business

By 1927, the Chivers family had moved to Lyons Siding, a few kilometres south of Miling, also known as Lyons Camp. During this period, Joseph established an aerated-water factory, supplying local general storekeeper W. A. Melrose of Moora. His specialties were Dry Ginger Ale and Hop Beer.

In March 1930, it was reported that Chivers had used W.A.G.M. bottles without permission. He agreed to pay all associated costs, expenses, and newspaper advertising related to the matter.

His first advertisements appeared in the Midland Advocate on 12 November 1931, with the last recorded advertisement on 24 March 1933.

Although he listed his occupation in the 1931 Electoral Roll as farmer at Lyons Camp, records indicate he was producing aerated waters at that time.

Later Years

In 1940, Joseph placed his Lyons Camp property for sale, along with two properties in Perth. By 1944, he had again taken up the greengrocery trade, this time in Maylands.

His wife, Emily Maud Chivers, died in 1948, aged 48 years, at Maylands. Joseph Chivers passed away on 16 September 1964 at Bayswater, aged 72.

Legacy

Collectors and historians continue to ask whether any crown-seal bottles survive bearing his original paper labels. Given that his aerated-water enterprise operated for only about three years, beginning circa 1930, any surviving bottles would be considered uncommon.

Compiled by Vivienne Sinclair.

Edited by Trudi Anne Gribble

References

Find My Past. (n.d.). Genealogical records – United Kingdom and Australia.

Justice Department of Western Australia. (n.d.). Public court and licensing records.

Metropolitan Cemeteries Board. (n.d.). Karrakatta Cemetery records.

Western Australian Electoral Rolls. (n.d.). Commonwealth of Australia – Abridged record of voters.

Wises Post Office Directories. (n.d.). Western Australia listings.

The West Australian. (1892, September 26; 1893, December 31). Various news articles.

W.A. Record. (1893, May 4). Local notice.

Murchison Times and Day Dawn Gazette. (1895, May 25; 1895, December 4; 1899, February 23; 1899, May 23; 1899, September 5). Various notices.

Northern Mining Register and Murchison Goldfields Gazette. (1896, May 16; 1896, May 30; 1897, January 16). Advertisements for Volcanic Aerated Waters.

Mount Magnet Miner and Lennonville Leader. (1897, February 13; 1897, August 28; 1898, December 10; 1899, May 20; 1899, July 22). Local reports and advertisements.

Malcolm Chronicle and Leonora Advertiser. (1900, May 26; 1900, September 22; 1900, October 6; 1900, November 3; 1901, May 25; 1903, January 24). Various notices.

The Swan Express. (1904, January 2). Untitled notice.