Adelaide Crystal Ice Company facts for kids

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

Making Ice and More

The company began in 1879. It was started by people like Logan, Weber, Barnfield, and Lawrance. They used special American machines to make ice. Their first factory was in an old building called Ebenezer Chapel in Adelaide.

The company had offices in the city and a main depot in Thebarton. They used ten carts to deliver ice to homes and businesses. They even sent ice by boat to towns along the River Murray. In 1881, they moved their machines to Thebarton. There, they could make 50 tons of ice every week!

In 1880, the company bought out another ice company. They also sold some of their cooling equipment to a meat business. They bought a second ice machine in 1881 to make even more ice.

The company soon started making other products too. This was a smart idea! During winter, when people didn't need much ice, their workers would be busy fixing machines. By making other things, they could keep their workers busy all year.

For example, they made starch starting in 1885. Before that, starch had to be brought in from other countries. They also started making cornflour.

In 1898, they built a new factory in Thebarton. It had brand new machines from Germany. These machines were much better! They could make 40 tons of ice every day. This made ice cheaper for everyone.

In 1910, a fire broke out in an old ice storage room. This room was sometimes used by workers for sleeping. Luckily, firefighters quickly put out the fire. They saved the factory from a much bigger disaster.

Ice Cream and Competition

The Adelaide Crystal Ice Company was the main ice supplier in the area. This meant they often made good money. They bought a rival company in 1910. This company was called the Adelaide Ice and Cold Storage Works. The government even bought this rival company for a while! Later, it worked with Crystal to supply ice.

Crystal started making "Alaska" ice cream in 1915. They were not the first to make ice cream in South Australia. Other companies like S. Albert and Edwin Ellis were already making it. There were also "Snowdrop" and "Excelsior" ice cream. Later, other famous brands like AMSCOL and Golden North started.

"Alaska" ice cream became its own company in 1922. It was still based in Thebarton. In 1923, they got the rights to make a popular treat called "Eskimo Pie". This was an ice cream bar covered in chocolate.

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

In 1930, Crystal teamed up with the government and Amscol. They formed the "Clear Ice Service." This group made sure everyone could get ice. They made standard-sized blocks of ice. They also helped people get ice chests for their homes.

The need for ice changed a lot. Sometimes, there was almost no demand. Other times, like in March 1930, they ran out of ice! They had to limit how much ice people could buy. By the 1960s, most homes had refrigerators. This meant people didn't need ice deliveries anymore.

Both the Adelaide Crystal Ice Company and the Alaska Ice Cream Company are no longer in business. The old factory area is now part of a university research park. One building is even called "Alaska Towers."

Some Important People

Vinrace Lawrance

Vinrace Lawrance (1833 – 1922) was an important accountant in Adelaide. He was the secretary for the Adelaide Crystal Ice Company. He also loved mining and collected beautiful minerals, including gold.

Wilhelm "William" Weber

Wilhelm Weber (1837 – 1909) came from Germany. He started an ice-making business in another city before helping to start the Adelaide Crystal Ice Company. He was also the mayor of Thebarton three times!

George Frank Richards

George Frank Richards (1883 – 1924) was the manager of the company from about 1910. He was very important in starting the ice cream business and bringing the "Eskimo Pie" to Australia. He learned about these ideas from trips to America.

Thomas Barnfield

Thomas Barnfield (1848 – 1931) was the chairman, or head, of the Crystal Ice Company's board of directors.

Hugh Logan

Hugh Logan was the first manager of the Adelaide Crystal Ice Company. He came from America in 1878 and helped set up the first factory.

Walter Davies Price

Walter Davies Price (1886 – 1944) was a son of a South Australian Premier (a top government leader). He worked for the government and became the general manager of the Government Produce Department. He was also a soldier in World War I and was awarded a special medal for bravery.