Harrison's Cordial Factory operated on this site from 1882 until the 1950s. Robert Harrison was one of a number of local entrepreneurs who invested in "soft drinks", aerated waters and other non-alcoholic beverages as the temperance movement grew in popularity during the late 19th century. By the time of Harrison's entry into the beverage industry, Fitzroy and Collingwood were heavily dominated by the brewing industry, and there were a number of established non-alcoholic beverage companies already established in the area (including Dyason's and Schweppe's.) Despite these challenges, Harrison's business grew quickly, and became one of the largest in Victoria. After a fire swept through the factory in 1948, however, the business never fully recovered from the damage to machinery and internal fittings, and the factory closed in 1953.
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