Peter Albany Bell facts for kids
Peter Albany Bell (born April 20, 1871 – died September 14, 1957) was a famous caterer and confectioner in Western Australia. He made and sold many sweet treats and drinks. He was very important for the economy of Western Australia as it grew.
Early Life
Peter Albany Bell was born in Clare, South Australia on April 20, 1871. His parents were Peter Bell and Jane. He learned most things outside of school. In 1887, after his father passed away, he moved to Western Australia with his mother. Peter worked different jobs. He was a delivery boy, a stockman, and a shop assistant. In 1894, he opened his very own sweet shop.
Building a Business
Peter Bell's first shop was on Hay Street in Perth. He made and sold his own sweets and lemon squash. Over the next ten years, he opened more shops and a factory. In 1898, he traveled to the United States. He wanted to learn about the soda-fountain business.
When he came back, he brought new ideas. He started making fruit juices, ice cream sundaes, and milkshakes. After Australia became a federation, there was more competition. So, Bell started making cakes and pastries. His sweet shops then became tea rooms.
His company, Albany Bell Ltd, started in October 1911. It grew to have eleven tea rooms in Perth. There were also three more in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area. He also had a large factory called Albany Bell Castle in Mount Lawley.
By 1925, Bell was the head of the Master Caterers' Association. He faced a workers' strike that year. It lasted for four weeks. Bell was unhappy with the situation. He decided to sell his part of the business in 1928. This was due to rising costs and more competition.
Helping Others
Peter Bell became a justice of the peace in 1909. This meant he could help with legal matters. He worked in the Children's Court.
During the First World War, Bell volunteered for the Young Men's Christian Association. He left Australia in October 1916. He worked in England and France. He returned home in February 1919.
After he retired in 1928, Bell bought a large piece of land. It was about 3750 acres in Roelands. This was near Bunbury. He helped set up the Chandler Home for Unemployed Boys there. This idea came from his time in the Children's Court. He had seen how young people were treated in the United States.
Bell was very generous. He donated the yearly harvests from his citrus orchard in Roelands. This was over 2000 cases of fruit in one season. He gave the fruit to missions and orphanages. This made sure children could eat fresh fruit.
Family Life
Peter Bell married Edith Agnes Clark on March 11, 1896. They were married in Adelaide, South Australia. They had nine children together.
Death and Legacy
Peter Albany Bell passed away on September 14, 1957. He was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery.
Many people remember Peter Bell as an important figure. He was a major manufacturer in Western Australia. This was at a time when the state was still developing its industries. In 2013, The West Australian newspaper listed him. He was named one of the 100 most influential businesspeople in Western Australia.
