The Lillie Family

A "nuts-and-bolts" family history (literally!)

In 1878 Robert Lillie manufactured nuts and bolts in the foundry on the corner of Gore and North Street but moved to a new building in 1884 at the end of Lewis Street on the Tay. In 1895, Chrystal Springs Brewery opened there and then closed in 1902. Between 1902 and 1944 Lillie's building was home to General Electric Co., Superior Polish Manufactures, Denning Canadian Fence.

The markers for the family memorialize his father, William Lillie (1805-1871) and mother Margaret (1813-1903) and their children:

1. Elizabeth E Lillie 1838-1895,(Toronto)

2. Anna M Lillie 1841-1911,(Elmwood, Perth)

3. Robert N Lillie 1843-1929,(Mountain View, Vancouver)

4. Jessie E Lillie 1845-1886,(Elmwood, Perth)

5. Jane E Lillie 1850-1870,(Elmwood, Perth)

In 1944, the Perth Bottling Works occupied the building. Mr. Les Smallwood was the proprietor, the business was previously located on Cockburn Street where it was founded by George Kerr. They produced soda water, cream soda, ginger beer, ginger ale, orange crush and siphon soda. In 1953, it became the home of Robinson’s Ginger Ale.

Today the old factory has been restored and re-purposed as condominiums. It can be see on the banks of the Tay at the foot of Wilson Street and Stewart Park.