Breweries of Lawrence

     Holihan Brothers, brewer of the well known Diamond Spring beers, was first established in 1856 when Peter Holihan and Patrick Holihan formed a partnership for the sale of fine groceries and liquors.  The original firm was known as P. & P. Holihan.  After the death of Patrick Holihan in 1882 the business was carried on by Davis & Murphy, but in 1890 the present firm again took control. Until 1917 the partnership consisted of James P. Holihan, Joseph P. Holihan and Charles A. Holihan.  That year Charles A. Holihan died, and the business has since been conducted by the first two named partners.

     The concern is established in a four story block at the corner of Common and Hampshire streets. It carries a general line of wholesale liquors, including all the leading brands, besides the beers of its own manufacture.  Its growth has been steady and substantial, and its goods have a wide distribution throughout East New England territory.

In 1912 the Diamond Spring brewery was built on the site of the old Knowles farm at the corner of Andover and Beacon streets.  The main building is a five story structure, with two four story storage buildings adjoining, besides engine and boiler houses adjacent.  Here are brewed the Diamond Spring ales, porter and lager.  The capacity of the plant is 75,000 barrels a year.  For 40 years the spring water, now used in the manufacture of Diamond Spring beers was sold to the people of Lawrence as Knowles Diamond Spring water, and enjoyed an enviable reputation for its purity and excellence.  The beverages now produced from it are admitted to be leaders in their line.

      In 1917, the concern increased the variety of its products, when it began the manufacture of the Diamond Spring ginger ale, the demand of which is growing rapidly.  In this connection a large assortment of tonics is also manufactured and distributed by the firm.  A specialty is made of fruit tonics, the flavoring for the strawberry, raspberry, orange and lemon beverages being made from the real fruit.  This department is developing into an important business.  

      The firm employs about 75 people.  

Transcribed by MET June 13, 2006

Taken from Lawrence-Yesterday and Today

(1845-1918)

  Maurice B Dorgan