Adelaide Crystal Ice Company facts for kids

The Adelaide Crystal Ice Company was a business in South Australia that made ice. It started in 1879. Later, in 1915, they began making a popular ice cream called "Alaska." In 1922, they even created a separate company just for Alaska Ice Cream.

History of the Ice Company

The Adelaide Crystal Ice Company began in 1879. It was started by several people, including Logan, Weber, Barnfield, and Lawrance. They set up American ice-making machines in an old building in Adelaide.

At first, their offices were on King William Street, then Pirie Street. They also had a storage place in Thebarton. The company used ten carts to deliver ice to many suburbs. They even sent ice by paddle-steamer to towns along the River Murray, as far as Wentworth. In 1881, they moved their ice-making machines to Thebarton. There, they could make 50 tons of ice each week.

In 1880, the company bought out a competing ice business. They sold its cooling equipment to a meat processing company in Queensland. They bought a second ice machine in 1881 to make even more ice.

Making More Than Just Ice

The company soon started making other products. This might seem strange for an ice company! They did this to keep their workers busy during the winter. In winter, there wasn't much demand for ice, so workers mostly did maintenance.

In 1884, they tried making starch, which used to be imported. It was very popular at an exhibition. So, in 1885, they started making starch, and soon after, cornflour.

In 1898, a new building was built at their Thebarton location. It had brand new machines from Germany. These machines could make 40 tons of ice every day. They were much more efficient, which meant the company could sell ice for a lower price.

In 1910, a fire destroyed the old ice storage room, which some workers used for sleeping. Some equipment was damaged, but local firefighters stopped the fire from spreading further.

Competition and Growth

The Adelaide Crystal Ice Company was the main ice supplier in the area. This meant they could set prices, and they usually made good profits. Their main competitor was the Adelaide Ice and Cold Storage Works. In 1910, the South Australian Government bought this rival company.

At first, the government's ice factory had problems. But after some changes, it became a contractor, supplying ice to Crystal.

Making Ice Cream

Crystal started making "Alaska" ice cream in 1915. They were not the first ice cream makers in South Australia, but "Alaska" became very popular. Other early ice cream brands included "Snowdrop" and "Freesia." Later, other well-known brands like AMSCOL and Golden North appeared.

In 1922, Alaska Ice Cream became its own separate company. It was located at the same Queen Street site in Thebarton. In 1923, this new company got the rights to make "Eskimo Pie" treats.

Later, in 1929, the Alaska Ice Cream Company joined with other businesses to become part of Peters Alaska Ice Cream Company. After a court case, its name changed again in 1932 to Alaska Ice Cream and Produce Company Limited. A new office building was built in Thebarton in 1953.

The End of an Era

In 1930, Crystal joined with the Government Produce Depot and Amscol to form the "Clear Ice Service." This group became the main supplier of ice, selling standard-sized blocks. They also helped people get ice chests for their homes.

Demand for ice changed a lot. Sometimes there was almost no demand, and other times, like in March 1930, they ran out of ice! They had to limit how much ice people could buy. Ice storage peaked around 1944. However, as home refrigerators became common, people stopped needing ice deliveries. Home delivery of ice ended around 1960.

Both the Adelaide Crystal Ice Company and the Alaska Ice Cream Company no longer exist. Part of their old factory area in Hindmarsh is now a university research park. One building is even called "Alaska Towers."

Key People in the Company's History

Here are some of the important people who helped shape the Adelaide Crystal Ice Company:

• Vinrace Lawrance (1833–1922): He was an accountant and the secretary of the company. He was also interested in mining.
• Wilhelm "William" Weber (c. 1837–1909): He was born in Germany and came to Australia in 1855. He started an ice-making business in Bendigo before helping to found the Adelaide Crystal Ice Company. He was also the mayor of Thebarton three times.
• George Frank Richards (c. 1883–1924): He was the manager of the company from around 1910. He played a big part in the company starting to make ice cream and introducing the "Eskimo Pie." He learned about these ideas during trips to America.
• Thomas Barnfield (c. 1848–1931): He was the chairman of the Crystal Ice Company's board of directors.
• Hugh Logan: He was the person who suggested starting the company and was its first manager. He came to Adelaide from America in 1878.
• William B. Neales: He served as the company's secretary in 1878.
• Walter Davies Price (1886–1944): He worked for the South Australian Government's Produce Department. He became the manager of the Light Square iceworks in 1920 and later the general manager of the Department. He was also involved in the ice manufacturing industry and served in the military, earning an award for bravery.