Liquid Sugar Inc.

The Liquid Sugar Lofts are a 6-building, 55-unit housing complex completed in 2002 by the Pulte Group. Before this, it was home to Liquid Sugar Incorporated who were a family-run business that spanned four generations.

Charles D. Mooney originally founded the California Syrup and Pickle Company along with his first wife Anna in 1910. Mooney, a New York native, migrated westward initially residing in the St. Helena area. He moved to South Berkeley when he was 49.

California Syrup’s original plant was located at 461 31st Street in Oakland. The company produced a line of pickles and syrups as well as flavoring extracts that were used in soda fountains.

Their pickle line included sweet, sour, and dill pickles as well as a variety of relishes and chow-chow.

By 1923, the company had moved to 1299 55th Street on the Emeryville border and changed their name to the California Syrup & Extract Company (this building still exists and is known today as The Pickleworks building).

The facility contained a main building for manufacturing, a storage warehouse and a separate packing and shipping warehouse.

They rapidly expanded over the next three years employing 14 men and women including Charles’ sons Milton and Ray.

Their line of products soon grew to include apple cider, vinegar, mustard, mayonnaise, honey, salad oil, and Worcestershire sauce among many other products.

Their relish was used exclusively by the Casper's Hot Dog chain. Their syrups were sold under the Butterfly and Rosebud syrup brands.

Charles Mooney passed away in 1943 at the age of 82 shortly after his fourth marriage.

Oakland Tribune - Nov 16, 1943 - Pg. 31

Charles’ son Ray Mooney and his wife Ariel assumed control of the business following Charles’ passing. They continued running and expanding the business for another twenty years.

Ray’s son Warren Mooney, after returning from serving in the Korean War, attended U.C. Davis to study food science & technology. He graduated from the University in 1955.

In 1962, California Syrup entered into a partnership with another family-run business, Saroni Sugar and Rice, incorporating as Liquid Sugars Inc., or LSI.

Al Saroni Jr. was designated President and Warren Mooney as Vice President. Together, they opened a new modern facility here between 65th and 66th streets.

One of the appeals of this location was that it was serviced by a rail spur making them less reliant on trucking service to haul away their product.

Around this time, the canning industry really began to flourish, propelling LSI to new heights. During peak canning season, both locations operated 24/7.

LSI opened a second location near the Port of Stockton in the early 1970s.

In 1974, they further expanded by acquiring an adjacent property at 1266 66th Street operated by The Diamond Alkali Corporation who operated a sodium and detergent silicates plant.

In the 1980s, they expanded again by acquiring the 1285 66th property that they used as office, warehouse and Packing.

They built a bridge and underground pipelines across 66th Street to connect these facilities and manage their corn syrup and other food oil supply.

Rail service could not keep up with the demand of the canneries during peak season. LSI adapted by adding a food oil storage tank farm that they would fill during the winter.

Warren Mooney continued to serve as Vice President of LSI for another 30 years. All four of his children were employed into various roles for the company.

LSI sold to Minnesota Corn Processors in 1995 but retained existing management for another two years.

Al Saroni Jr. remained President of LSI until his departure in January 1998.

Warren Mooney passed in February, 1998 at the age of 70. He was recognized for his many philanthropic efforts and was designated a U.C. Davis Alumnus of year for his generosity.

Oakland Tribune - Feb 28, 1998 - Pg. 14

Soon after Warren’s death, LSI began razing their complex of structures and tanks. By 2001, they were completely shuttered.

They were the last customer to be serviced by the rail spur and their departure expedited the end of service for the Ninth Street Drill Track.

c. 2000 demolition of LSI property (photo: City of Emeryville)

A retrospective of California Syrup written by Warren Mooney was included in the Emeryville Centennial Essay Collection.