Shamies/Shammys Cordials

Shamies/Shammy's Cordials - Mackay

c. 1945-1977

The first Shamies cordial factory was started by Benjamin Shambrook in Cooktown in 1890. About 1905 the firm shifted to Esk and started a factory there. In 1918 the business shifted to Coolangatta where the business continued to be operated by Benjamin and his son George. In 1912 another son, Mr. W.S. (Bill) Shambrook opened a business in Toogoolawah and carried on business there until 1925. Bill Shambrook shifted to Texas and then returned to his father’s firm at Coolangatta.

In 1930 Bill Shambrook moved to Mackay to manage the Vestergaard’s softdrink factory.

Ben Shambrook was born in Toogoolawah in 1912. He grew up on the Gold Coast attending school in Southport and came to Mackay in 1933. He worked in Vestergaard’s softdrink factory in Victoria Street with his father Bill before joining the Royal Australian Air Force during the Second World War.

After the war Ben Shambrook returned to Mackay and bought Vestergaard’s factory in partnership with his father in November 1945 and renamed it “Shamies” cordials. He remained in partnership until his father Bill died in 1951.

The business moved to new premises in Evans Avenue in North Mackay when he bought the “Coca-Cola” franchise in 1958. At the time "Shamies Cordials" brewed drinks as well. Due to the contractual obligations they were to have strict anti-contamination rules which meant the brewed drinks ceased. Also around this time the company changed name to "Shammy's Cordials".

Mr. Shambrook sold the softdrink business and retired to the Gold Coast living at Currumbin in 1977. He died in Southport in 1985.

Sources:

The Daily Mercury, (1958, August 19), Shammy's Cordials began in Cooktown of the "Nineties".

The Daily Mercury, (1985, January 7), Former Mackay businessman dies at Southport.


*a 300ml example of and enamel label Shammy's bottle c. 1960's*	*A different example with another style of embossing on the neck.*

*A 10 fl. oz example with another style of embossing on the neck.*	*Two versions of a Shambrook crown seal Bottle. a 7 ounce and a 10 ounce. (photo courtesy of Marc, Australian Antique Bottle Forum)*

*A Shammy's Cordials crown cap.*	*A Shammy's Cordials "Coca-Cola" crown cap.*

A Shamies Cordials Advertisement. The Daily Mercury, September 11, 1959. p.20	*An advertisement from the Mackay Comedy Theatre players programme , April 1961.*

*A timber Shamies softdrink crate*	*An example of a Shamies label pre 1958.*

*a Shamies Advertising Drink coaster. (photo courtesy of Marc, Australian Antique Bottle Forum)*