Pics from the Past | Shepparton’s ice-cream industry: Galway’s Model Dairy

“The ice-cream and milk pasteurising and ice works in Maude St were established about eight years ago. This was a wooden building used as a case factory, and joinery works originally on the site conducted by Mr T. Bland. This building was altered by Ludlows, who conducted the first ice-cream factory and dairy on the premises. Ludlows sold out to Mr Graham, who erected a very up-to-date plant and buildings on the site, supplying pasteurised milk. This was bought out by Mr M. P. Galway a year or so ago, and the ramifications of this firm’s business reach remote towns in the Valley and part of the Riverina for their products, which are delivered by the firm’s own motor transport service.

“P. J. Ducat and Sons were established many years previous to Ludlows in the fresh milk business. They recently installed an ice-cream factory at their premises in High St.”

(Goulburn Valley Stock & Property Journal, 1931)

An expanding business, Galway’s Model Dairy

“When Mr A. L. Graham established his new dairy on Maude St, he intended it to be a model in every respect. Since the present proprietor, Mr Maurice P. Galway, took control, the aims of the founder have been considerably extended, and today, in Galway’s Model Dairy, Shepparton possesses an establishment equalled only in the capital of the state. The only dairy in the town that provides properly pasteurised milk is also the only local establishment equipped with efficient bottling and capping machinery, further guaranteeing the purity of the product as it reaches the consumer. The installation of a five-ton ice tank and the latest model delivery truck has enabled the dairy to inaugurate an up-to-date ice service to many northern towns that is proving of great benefit, while to residents closer to hand the many forms and flavourings in which the dairy’s “Regal” ice-cream is available are an appreciated delight. Mr Galway, who has had extensive experience in the ice and ice-cream trade, particularly in the Colac district, is determined to give Shepparton the best service it has known in this line and the fernery adjoining the dairy, which is so popular on summer evenings, is only one of the many enterprising schemes he hopes to bring into actual practice.”

(Goulburn Valley Stock & Property Journal, 1932)

“One new Shepparton business that has made good progress for its first season is that of Mr M. P. Galway’s Model Dairy, which has been manufacturing in a wholesale — and wholesome — way the now well-known “Regal” ice-cream. So satisfactory has been the sale of this product in Shepparton and districts further afield that Mr Galway finds it necessary to make sure of increased supplies of cream for next summer. With that object in view, he is now offering 1d per lb above market rate for cream, guaranteeing correct tests and weights. The expected increase in cream deliveries will be used during the coming winter for the manufacture of butter, which is gaining in popularity under the “Regal” brand. Since taking over the business from Mr A. L. Graham, the plant has been increased, and not so long ago, the Electricity Commission erected stronger posts from the sub-station in Knight St to the dairy to carry the heavier mains necessary to take the extra loading as a result of the installations. The fernery during the summer months, and particularly on nights when the New Moon Palais has been open, became a very popular place of resort, and, with similar attention to customers, it may be expected that each year will see continued improvement in the support accorded Mr Galway in his enterprising conduct of the factory.”

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