Pics from the Past | Darby Bros: quenching thirsts since 1884

“The cordial factory of Messrs Darby Bros is almost an institution in itself at Shepparton, where the demand for the excellent cordial supplied by the firm is of a wholesale order.

“The factory is a large and extensive one, as will be seen by the picture elsewhere, and it is fitted with the most modern machinery and appliances.

“The beverages are popular throughout all the districts surrounding Shepparton, and the business extends even to Numurkah and Dookie.

“Besides the great demand for soda water, lemonade, ginger beer and ginger ale, we find Messrs Darby Bros turning out large quantities of hop beer, cider, lime juice, raspberry vinegar and many other specialities for which the firm are noted.

“The greatest care is taken in the preparation of the cordials, and the quality of the beverages is of the highest standard.

“Mr Richard Darby, the proprietor of the business, has a thorough knowledge of the requirements of the trade, and he has kept pace with increasing demand for the refreshing cordials manufactured by the Shepparton Cordial Factory.”

— Weekly Times 1897

Darby Park — corner of Welsford and Fryers Sts (Streets of Shepparton — Elsie Brady)

“Named after Richard (Dick) Darby, a proprietor of Darby Bros cordial and aerated water manufacturers, one of the pioneer businesses of the Goulburn Valley.

“Dick Darby was a keen supporter of local sporting clubs, helping many of them to become financially established.

“The Shepparton factory opened in 1884 and sold out to Reed Bros in 1945 and demolished in 1953. The Fryers St end became Darby Park and later the War Memorial site. The rest of the land became the Civic Centre.”

Geoff Allemand is an amateur photographer and Lost Shepparton Facebook page admin. Please share your Pics from the Past at pastpics@mmg.com.au