In earlier times, Ipswich, like most towns and cities across the country, had its share of local soft drink and cordial manufacturers. One of our first manufacturers was W.G. Livermore.
Born in England on 23 November 1853, William George (W.G) journeyed with his parents George and Mary Ann to Australia on the Kate. Arriving in Sydney on 18 November 1854, the family stayed in Sydney for six weeks before sailing to Moreton Bay. In 1855, they travelled to Ipswich on the steamer, Hawke. William’s father George was known for his cooperage business and involvement with the West Moreton Agricultural and Horticultural Society.
During his time as a local businessman, W.G. Livermore operated at different premises around Ipswich. In November 1894, he commenced a business in Bremer Street with E. Whiffin called Aerated Waters and Cordial Manufacturers, but by July of the following year the relationship had soured with Mr Edward Whifffin being committed for trial on embezzlement charges. Ultimately, he was found not guilty of the crime. Later in the year, Mr Livermore’s business interests were referred to as W.G. Livermore and Co., Aerated Waters and Cordial Makers.
By August 1896, Mr Livermore had acquired the business in Brisbane Street formerly known as John Ferguson’s (cordial manufacturer). A Queensland Times article dated 20 August noted that William had purchased a vertical “Otto” gas-engine which at the time was the only one of its kind in the country. The “Otto” was used to drive the aerating machinery. In this year, the company was known for its manufacture of aerated water, cordials, ginger beer, baking powder, horehound and hop beer as well as soda water crafted from Helidon mineral water. They were also the sole local agent for Henry Hires’ Root Beer.
During 1897, W.G. Livermore removed his business from the Brisbane Street premises to East Street, next to Mr J. Johnston’s Brewery. His intention was to continue the manufacture of aerated waters, cordials, vinegar, hop beer and horehound, under the supervision of Mr Ferguson. That year the company was complimented for its manufacture of kola champagne, a particularly refreshing summer drink that was all the latest “rage”. Despite the name, the flavour of this drink was more likely to have resembled bubble gum or cream soda than either champagne or cola.
On 3 December 1903, two business announements in the Queensland Times highlighted the changes in the drinks industry in Ipswich. Firstly, Mr Livermore informed his old customers that he had recommenced business as an aerated water manufacturer in the former premises of the West Moreton Brewery in Booval. He stated that he had no connection with the East Street Factory. Below this advertisement was one for the Ipswich Aerated Water Co. (proprietors Barnes & Pitman), notifying readers that they were firmly established in the late business of W.E. Thomas which had been carried out in Livermore’s Factory in East Street. Interestingly, W.E Thomas was the step-son of W.G. Livermore.
Demijohn from W G Livermore soft drinks (early 1900s), Ipswich, 1990s – Image Courtesy of Picture Ipswich
Eagle-eyed readers may have spotted the significance of Mr Livermore’s registered trademark “LAVOOB”. It is Booval spelt backwards. Mr Livermore conducted his business in Booval for a number of years, before returning to the centre of town. He continued with the manufacture of soft drinks and cordials up until the time of his death in March 1923.
Information taken from: ‘Death of Mr G. Livermore’, Queensland Times, Saturday 26 June 1909, p.11; ‘Death of Mr Livermore’, Queensland Times, Friday 23 March 1923, p.4; ‘London, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1906”, Ancestry Database, retrieved 11 August 2017; New South Wales, Australia, Assisted Immigrants Passenger Lists, 1826-1896, Ancestry Database, retrieved 11 August 2017; ‘Advertisement’, Queensland Times, Saturday 1 December 1894, p.1; ‘Ipswich Circuit Court – Criminal Sittings, Queensland Times, Saturday 3 August 1895, p. 3; ‘A Handy Gas-Engine’, ‘Advertisement’, Queensland Times, Saturday 23 May 1896, p.1; Queensland Times, Thursday 20 August 1896, p,4; ‘Advertisement’, Queensland Times, Saturday 26 June 1897, p.1; ‘Business Announcements’, Queensland Times, Saturday 20 November 1897, p.2; ‘Business Announcements’, Queensland Times, Thursday 03 December 1903, p. 8.