The Coreys

Harrison "Tip" Corey was born on June 28, 1840 in New York. He arrived in Petrolia in 1872 during the oil boom. Upon arriving in Petrolia, he built the "Corey House" hotel which he operated for three years. Harrison became involved in a many business ventures; as a merchant, a food packer, and a horse breeder. He later got into the oil business and became one of the largest producers in Petrolia. Harrison was also a patron of the arts, throwing lavish parties at the Victoria Playhouse which were well attended and talked about for years. "Tip" was even known to perform some of his own poems on such occasions. Harrison was also involved in a series of literary societies and drama clubs. Harrison "Tip" Corey H.C. Corey and Son was a partnership that Harrison formed in 1894 with his son, Bloss Parsons Corey. This new business venture specialized in the manufacturing and sale of explosives, including nitroglycerin, and this is where Corey made his name. He had nitro plants in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. H.Corey Logo Harrison died on November 28, 1905 and Bloss continued running the business. Bloss P. Corey & Son was established in 1922, with Harrison II partnering with his father. This company sold lubricating oils, and had its own brand name, Coreco, which was established as a specific trademark in Ottawa. They also sold greases, soaps and gasoline through a series of automotive stations, which they owned. Corey Logo Bloss registered two other trademarks, "Corson Products" and "Black and White". Lambton County had five Corson service stations by 1925, in Marthaville, Reeces Corners, Petrolia, Warwick and Crinnians Grove. These Corey products were also sold at 26 service stations with whom the Corey's had arranged contracts. Bloss Corey died in 1927, and Harrison II ran the business for another three years before he was forced to sell out to James McCall of Toronto, due to financial difficulties. Bloss Parsons Corey Harrison Corey II The Corey Residence "Wanderoo" Wanderoo Bloss Corey and Family