Star Mineral Water Factory, Enniscorthy - Wexford Guide and Directory, 1885
About “Wexford County Guide and Directory,” 1885
George Henry Bassett produced 7 Irish county directories in the 1880s: Antrim, Armagh, Down, Kilkenny, Louth, Tipperary and Wexford. Each provides useful history of the respective counties as well as lists of office holders, farmers, traders, and other residents of the individual cities, towns and villages.
The directories are naturally an invaluable resource for those tracing family history. However, there are a few points to bear in mind.
- This online version of Bassett’s Wexford County Guide and Directory is designed primarily as a genealogical research tool and therefore the numerous advertisements in the original book, many full page, and quite a few illustrated, have been excluded.
- The text has been proofed with due care, but with large bodies of text typographical errors are inevitably bound to occur.
- Be aware that there were often inconsistencies in spelling surnames in the 19th century and also that many forenames are abbreviated in Bassett’s directories.
With respect to the last point, surnames which today begin with the “Mc” prefix, for example, were often formerly spelt as “M‘,”. For a list of some of the more common forename abbreviations used in the directory, see Forename Abbreviations.
WHILE the train stops at the railway station, on the way from Dublin to Wexford, enough time is afforded to see that there is such an establishment as the Mineral Water Factory of Mr. J. Donohoe. A large sign, bearing the well-known trade mark, conspicuously indicates that this particular Star of Enniscorthy is in the ascendant. Further acquaintance largely improves the good impression made at the outset. Mineral Water manufacture was begun by Mr. Donohoe about seven years ago under exceptionally favourable conditions in regard to water supply and shipping. The water is conveyed by pipe from a spring at the foot of Vinegar Hill. The second advantage is derived from the fact that the premises of the Dublin, Wicklow, and Wexford Railway Company adjoin those of the factory. A large amount is saved in the item of cartage by this fortunate circumstance. The premises controlled by Mr. Donohoe occupy a space of about 200 by 100 feet. A well equipped building, 100 by 50 feet, contains the machinery, which includes the best appliances of modern invention for this particular branch of industry. The floor is flagged, and the lime-washed walls are maintained in snowy whiteness. It would be difficult to find a place showing stronger evidence of the preference of the proprietor for perfect sanitary arrangements. The following report from so high an authority as that of Professor Cameron, of the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Medical Officer of Health, &c., for Dublin, renders it unnecessary for me to offer an opinion as to the merits of the product of the factory:—
“Royal College of Surgeons, Stephen’s Green,
“Dublin, 25th October, 1879.
“I have examined specimens of Mineral Waters and Aerated Beverages, submitted to me for that purpose by Mr. J. Donohoe, of Enniscorthy, and the following are the results at which I have arrived:—
“The Mineral Waters are prepared, evidently, from very pure materials, and are well aerated.
“The Aerated Beverages are carefully manufactured. The flavours of the Lemonade, Ginger Beer, Ginger Ale, and Summer Beverages are excellent.
“The essential oil used to give flavour to the Lemonade is free from the usual adulterant of Oil of Lemon.
“The general preparations are pleasantly warm and aromatic without being too hot and sharp.
“The water used in making these Aerated Beverages and Mineral Waters is of pure quality.
“Charles A. Cameron.”
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