The Summer of 1924

In the days before everyone had a fridge in their home, a visit from the ice-wagon was a welcome sight.  The ice-man would drag in a large block of ice, which would go into the ice-chest and keep the household groceries cool.  The Fresh Food and Ice Company of NSW had branches all over town, and there was one in Forest Road, Hurstville, or you could go with the local firm, the Hurstville Ice Works, who would deliver ice to your door, or perhaps ice-cream for a treat.  Our photo above shows a wagon of the Hurstville Ice Works taking part in a street procession in 1928.  On the back of the wagon is a display model of the HIW (Hurstville Ice Works) Ice Chest.

In January 1924, local children thought all their Christmases had come at once.  The Hurstville Propeller reported that a steam-wagon belonging to the Fresh Food and Ice Company overturned in Bryant Street, Rockdale.  The driver was thrown clear and escaped with a few slight cuts.  But the contents of the wagon, a huge quantity of ice-cream and ice spilled all over the road.  “News of what had happened spread like wildfire, and in a few minutes SEVERAL HUNDRED CHILDREN had gathered to have their fill of free ice-cream.  The joyful urchins lapped the stuff up in two hands and got it down as fast as they could.  All too quickly the ice cream disappeared, and only a fast-evaporating pool of water was left to show where it had been.”

Slurp.