One of NJ's last family-run soda companies sells off its old relics

One of the last in New Jersey, National Soda in Bayonne, stopped producing soda in 1981. This weekend, the business is being sold off piece by piece at an estate sale. News 12's Brian Donohue stepped into the virtual time capsule before it disappears.

News 12 Staff

Nov 8, 2019, 11:41 PM

Updated 1,637 days ago

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There was a time when soda was produced and sold by hundreds of small, family-run companies.
One of the last in New Jersey, National Soda in Bayonne, stopped producing soda in 1981. This weekend, the business is being sold off piece by piece at an estate sale. News 12's Brian Donohue stepped into the virtual time capsule before it disappears.
Rich Wisolmerski watched as the relics of the three-generation business left out the door. His grandfather started the company in 1922. Pieces to be sold included hundreds of bottles, machines and plenty of other oddities.
Wisolmerski's grandfather immigrated from Poland to start the business. He started working under him when he was 3. The company produced Bubble Up, Smile and a long list of other brands, but stopped producing as Coca-Cola and Pepsi gobbled up the industry.
They remained in distribution until retiring in 2017. With Wisolmerski's two daughters working in other careers, it became time to sell that place.
So with a stiff upper lip, he watched the museum of items go, reminding himself of his blessings, health and family as it left.
The estate sale continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and, if there is anything left, Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
 


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