History of Bickford's Australia

Last updated

Wm. Bickford, chemist
IndustryPharmacist,
pharmaceutical chemist
Founded1839
FounderWilliam Bickford
Headquarters
Adelaide, South Australia
Key people
William Bickford
Ann Margaret Bickford
A. M. Bickford & Sons
Company typePartnership
IndustryPharmaceutical chemist,
beverage manufacturer
Founded1864
FounderAnn Margaret Bickford
Headquarters
Adelaide, South Australia
Key people
Ann Margaret Bickford
William Bickford (jr.)
Harry Bickford
A. M. Bickford & Sons Ltd
Company typeLimited liability company
IndustryPharmaceutical chemist,
beverage manufacturer
Founded1903
Headquarters
Adelaide, South Australia
Bickford's Australia Pty Ltd
Company typeLimited liability company
IndustryBeverage manufacturer
Founded1991
Headquarters
Salisbury South,
South Australia
Key people
Angelo Kotses [1]
OwnerKotses family
Website www.bickfords.net

A. M. Bickford and Sons was one of the first manufacturing chemists in South Australia. Until 1930, it was one of the State's most significant family-owned companies. In 1930, they amalgamated with half a dozen other similar Australian companies to form "Drug Houses of Australia" (DHA), which continued to produce "A. M. Bickford and Sons" products: "drugs" and "chemicals" under the DHA brand; and cordials and soft drinks under the "A. M. Bickford and Sons" brand.

Contents

In the late 1960s, DHA became the target of a corporate raider and asset stripper. By the mid-1970s DHA had collapsed under the burden of servicing the imposed level of debt. What was left was split up and sold. Reckitt & Colman acquired the major "drugs" and "chemicals" product and brands, while other parts of the company were acquired by others. Melburnian Peter Abbott purchased the pharmacy products, eucalyptus oil operations, and soft drink products. The pharmacy products were on-sold; the eucalyptus oil operations were incorporated into "FGB" (Felton Grimwade & Bickford). The soft drink products continued under the revived "A. M. Bickford and Sons" brand. In the late 1980s, FGB decided to concentrate on their "core businesses" under the FGB brand, and sold the soft drink businesses and the Bickford brand names, which by this stage had been established for over a century. The history of the Bickford's products and company names between 1987 and 1999 is not clear.

In 1999 the soft drink business and company names were purchased by the Kotses family. "Bickford's" once again became a South Australian family-owned business, known for its range of cordials and flavourings. These are made today by Bickford's Australia .

Foundation & establishment (1839–1864)

William Bickford (1815–1850)

William Bickford Sr. (1815-1850) Wm Bickford (1815-1850)-B9414.jpg
William Bickford Sr. (1815–1850)

William Bickford (18 August 1815 – 11 September 1850) was the seventh child (of fourteen) of a well-to-do couple of West Alvington of Devon, England. When Bickford's father died, the greater part of his fortune went to his eldest son by an earlier marriage. William's family was provided for, but had to work to secure their future. For the fifteen-year-old William, that meant taking an apprenticeship to Mr Buxton, a druggist. [2]

In September 1838, aged 23, the chemist's assistant left England from Plymouth, [3] rounded the Cape of Good Hope in December, [4] and arrived in Port Adelaide on 15 February 1839 on the barque Platina. [2] [3] Though he aspired to become a shepherd in South Australia, soon after his arrival he began working as assistant in the dispensary attached to the North Terrace surgery of one Dr Bright at a salary of 40/- (£2) a week with board and lodging provided. On 18 August 1839, his 24th birthday, he married Ann Margaret Garrett, whom he had met on the trip from Portsmouth. [2] [3] They were soon expecting their first child, but it died shortly after birth on 6 June 1840, and Ann was seriously ill for some time. [2] In March 1840, William wrote that Dr and Mrs Bright had left the colony for New Zealand, (leaving William to deal with his creditors), and that he had secured another position as manager of a retail shop and dispensary owned by a partnership of two surgeons, at a salary of £3 per week. [2]

Despite an economic downturn in the colony, his business thrived. He left the security of the dispensary and by September 1840 had opened his own shop in Hindley Street near Rosina Street with borrowed capital of £220. [2] It, too, prospered, and soon he moved into larger premises at 67 Hindley Street opposite Club Lane. [2] [5] As business flourished, the wholesale lines became the larger part of the firm's business. [6]

In April 1841 he wrote "Business is going on prosperously, and I have a comfortable home at my own fire side and a good wife, who studies my interest in every respect". Ann was very supportive of her husband and was able to keep his shop running during any forced absence, jury duty for instance. [2] Their first son, William, was born on 19 November 1841, followed by Harry in February 1843, and Elizabeth in November 1844. In December 1845 they lost a baby, (Eulalia), so William decided to move his family away from the unsanitary conditions of the city. He purchased 16 acres (6.4 ha) of land at Glen Osmond, "just 3 miles from the Adelaide city centre", and in the winter of 1846 built a house, later to be called "Benacre", [7] moving the family there before the onset of the next summer. He commuted daily to his business in the city. They lost another baby, (James), in 1848, but Edward was born in 1849.

William was concerned with the development of Adelaide. In 1847 he was one of the founders of the South Australian Institute (alongside others, including a business competitor Francis Faulding). [8]

In February 1850, William wrote that he had established a garden and had planted fruit trees and vines. However, he did not live to enjoy the fruits, dying on 11 September 1850 at the age of 35 of "brain fever", after a 3-day illness, leaving his wife pregnant (with Mary) and with four young children, (William, Harry, Elizabeth and Edward) to care for. [2] [9]

Ann Margaret Bickford

"Anne" Margaret Bickford (nee Garrett 1810-1877) Anne Margaret Bickford B9415.jpg
"Anne" Margaret Bickford (née Garrett 1810–1877)

Ann Margaret Bickford (née Garrett) (1810 – 24 January 1877) was determined to carry on her husband's business. With five children under the age of ten, she enrolled the help of a retired pharmacist Mr Paxton to 'hold the fort' until more permanent help could be found. She soon engaged qualified chemists Edwin Page and Robert Hutton, and "with their able assistance" carried on the business for 14 years. [5] (Mr Hutton was to open a pharmacy of his own at 76 Rundle Street in 1863. [10] ) On 29 May 1865 the shop shifted yet again – to 19 Hindley Street, [11] later the site of Tattersall's Hotel. [2] Early 1873 they opened a shop in Taylor Street, Kadina. [12] It ceased being advertised in 1888.

Remarkably, her death was marked in the newspapers of the time with the most cursory of death notices and no more. [13] Whatever funeral arrangements there might have been were not advertised. A vault at West Terrace Cemetery bears the names of both Ann and William Snr. A nearby stone commemorates Charlotte Jane Bickford.

Second generation

The second generation were:

The children's education did not suffer. They were already studying at the Adelaide Educational Institution, an academy run by J. L. Young in Freeman Street, and continued there for some years. Harry (or Henry as he was then called), was thriving there in 1853. [18] Both he and Edward were mentioned at the prizegiving in 1855 [19] Harry kept a close association with his alma mater, being president of the Adelaide Educational Institution Old Scholars in 1866. [20]

Although not as academically inclined, William must have made his mark as he was prominent in the Institution's 1863 welcome to "old scholars" W. P. Auld, James Frew and Stephen King, returning members of the Stuart's sixth expedition which had successfully crossed Australia from south to north. [21]

William Bickford (1841–1916)

William Bickford Jr. (1841-1916), ca.1900 William Bickford (1841-1916) 1900-B11344.jpg
William Bickford Jr. (1841–1916), ca.1900
Harold Bickford (1876-1958), 1887 - son of William Jr. Harold Bickford 11yrs 1887-B7723 33.jpg
Harold Bickford (1876–1958), 1887 – son of William Jr.

Older son William Bickford (jr.) (19 November 1841 – 20 September 1916), being less academically inclined than Harry, gained experience travelling and picking up a variety of jobs.

In 1871 he married Margaret Jane Ferguson. [22] They had seven children:

  • William Ferguson Bickford "Willie" (30 November 1871 – 22 June 1889) died aged 17 in riding accident
  • Sidney Bickford (10 August 1874 – 10 December 1938) moved to Perth in 1895.
  • Harold Bickford (16 May 1876 – 23 October 1958) Managing director A. M. Bickford & Sons Ltd 1908–1930? [23] He married Tessie Veronica Murphy in 1916; they had one child, Ronald Ferguson Bickford (1918–2011); he divorced her in 1922 citing four co-respondents, including Napier K. Birks (1876–1953) of the prominent Birks family. [24]
  • Evelyn Victoria Bickford (later Mrs Robert Ezekiel Reid of Geelong) (b.7 June 1878)
  • Reginald Bickford (26 January 1880 – 20 November 1948) m. Rosa Florence Cudmore (30 September 1879 – 22 July 1954) [25] on 17 November 1910
  • Norman Forsyth Bickford (1881 – )
  • Leslie Bruce Bickford (b.30 December 1885 at Alvington) m. Dorothy Murray

Their first home was "Fairfield" in Somerton, followed by "Alvington" near the Brighton Esplanade (see chapter below). Both William and Harry sent their sons to St. Peter's College, a tradition that was largely continued in following generations. [2]

He was made Justice of the Peace in 1886 and elected president of the Justices' Association from 1903 to 1904. He was elected to Brighton council and Mayor of Brighton 1886–1887 and 1890–1891. [2] He was president of the Adelaide Chamber of Commerce from 1894 to 1895. [2]

He and brother Harry bought Burnside Station near Naracoorte in 1886, and though neither ever lived there, they installed a manager and visited frequently. The fine merino wool produced there always found a ready buyer. By the turn of the century they had decided to free themselves of the responsibility, so after the South Australian Government showed no interest at their price of £49,540, subdivided the 40,978 acres into 28 lots and put them up for auction on 23 October 1908. [2]

Harry Bickford (1843–1927)

Her son Harry Bickford (24 February 1843 – 6 September 1927) (He may have been christened "Henry". [26] ) was sent to England in 1859 [27] to gain qualifications and experience as a chemist, [9] and returned in 1863.

He took little interest in civic affairs, but was a keen horseman and was Master of the Adelaide Hounds from 1882 and a committeeman with the South Australian Jockey Club from 1889. He was a crack shot, and won significant trophies for pigeon shooting. [27]

When the company was floated on the Stock Exchange in January 1903, he was elected first managing director, relinquishing the position to his nephew Harold in 1906. [27]

He was married three times: on 24 February 1866 to Charlotte Jane Farr (c. 1842 – 4 September 1866). They had no children. He married again, on 10 March 1870 to Rosina Mary Ferguson (1845 – 5 October 1898). [22] They had three children:

  • (Isabella) May Bickford (12 April 1872 – 28 July 1933) (never married)
  • H(arry) Fairweather "H.F." Bickford (1874 – 8 July 1906) married May Innes-Ker (1876 – 22 August 1906) on 18 March 1903. They had no children.
  • Harding William Bickford (14 January 1877 – 5 August 1919) (never married)

On 8 December 1904 he married Priscilla Simms (née Chambers) (c. 1852 – 17 November 1924) They had no children. Priscilla was a daughter of John Chambers (1814–1889).

The two brothers were also major investors in the "Paramatta" copper mine at Moonta in the late 1890s. [28]

A. M. Bickford & Sons (1864–1930)

An AM Bickford & Sons "marble bottle" for aerated water AMBickford aerated water bottle.jpg
An AM Bickford & Sons "marble bottle" for aerated water

Bickford & Son (1864–1871)

In 1863, Harry, now qualified, returned from England and began working for her. On his 21st birthday, she formally took him into partnership with her as 'Bickford and Son'. She drew up a deed, dated 23 February 1864, for a seven-year agreement whereby she held a two-thirds interest, and Harry a one-third interest. [2]

A. M. Bickford & Sons (1871–1903)

William was not ready to be tied down, and travelled about the State in a multitude of occupations. Seven years later, he was ready to join the business and a new Deed of Trust was drawn up in 1871 for the new partnership 'A.M. Bickford and Sons'. [2] [5] [29] [30] [31] [32] William took the role of manager and promoter of the business.

Expansion and move into wholesale

With the continued expansion of the wholesale and manufacturing side of the business, the retail arm was sold around 1870, and substantial offices and warehouse were built at 42–46 Currie Street (on the Leigh Street corner), [5] which remained the company's headquarters from 1879 until well into the 20th Century; the building was still standing in 2010. [33]

In 1872 they built the South Australian Cordial Factory on the north side of Waymouth Street where, under Stephen Bickford (about whom little is known), a range of cordials was manufactured, principally lime juice cordial, raspberry vinegar and raspberry balm, but peppermint, cloves, lemon, sarsaparilla, orange bitters, stomach bitters, Canadian bitters and quinine wine were also produced. [34] Production commenced in 1874, and Bickford's Australia labels continue to carry the Bickford's logo which states: "Since 1874". [35] In 1876 the factory was expanded and became the South Australian Cordial and Aerated Water Factory with Mons. H. Foureur in charge of the aerated drinks. [36] [37] Mons. Foureur had previously run a similar factory in Glenelg but like the equipment over which he presided, was of French origin. [38]

With the mother's death in 1877, the two sons continued and expanded the business. William maintained personal contact with important and potential clients statewide, and along the Murray as far as Wentworth and then up the Darling to Wilcannia, a 3-month journey he executed twice per year "for some years". [5] [9] Harry was in control at Hindley Street. He served as the first President of the Pharmaceutical Association of S.A. and was known as a sportsman, being Master of the Adelaide Hunt Club for many years. [39]

Alvington

Somerton Crippled Children's Home, about 1939 Somerton Crippled Children's Home, about 1939.jpg
Somerton Crippled Children's Home, about 1939

Around 1880, with business prospering and his family expanding, William built a substantial residence "Alvington" at New Glenelg (now Somerton Park) on a property with a beach frontage of 160' and depth of 360' (49m x 110m) at the corner of The Esplanade and Madge Terrace (now Bickford Terrace). It was named after West Alvington, the home village of his grandparents, and the location to which his sister Elizabeth had "migrated". William Bickford did not live long to enjoy its grandeur, and on his death in 1918 left his widow Margaret and son Harold with a substantial overdraft. They were able to maintain a gracious lifestyle however, retaining a coachman and other servants. [2]

In the period 1938–1976, Alvington became "Somerton Home" of the Crippled Children's Association, an organisation created to support children with poliomyelitis. [40] In 1976 the children were transferred to a new facility at Regency Park. [41] The property was then sold and the building demolished. [2]

Third generation

Sidney Bickford (10 August 1874 – 10 December 1938), second son of William (jr.), opened the Perth branch.

Harold Bickford (1876–1958) succeeded his father William (jr.) as managing director.

Harding William Bickford (14 January 1877 – 5 August 1919), youngest son of Harry, was in his youth a prominent cyclist. After a few years' work in the company laboratories he left for London in 1898 to gain qualifications as a pharmacist, and on return to Adelaide in 1903, was employed as assistant lecturer at the University of Adelaide. [42] then as manager of A. M. Bickford & Sons' offices in Sydney then Brisbane, where he died of pneumonia. [43]

Reginald Bickford (26 January 1880 – 20 November 1948) a younger son of William (jr.), was in charge of the Cordial and Aerated Waters factory for many years, [2] succeeding one Stephen Bickford, about whom little is known but was not of the immediate family.

Leslie Bruce Bickford (born 30 December 1885), youngest son of William (jr.) became manager of the Surgical and Veterinary Department. [44]

Felton Grimwade & Bickford Ltd. (1902–1930)

In 1895 the partnership decided to expand west, and sent Sidney Bickford and Robert McClure, an experienced hand from the Adelaide firm to set up a Perth branch. They were in direct competition with Felton Grimwade & Co. of Melbourne and after a few years decided to amalgamate. [2]

In 1902, Felton Grimwade & Bickford Ltd. was founded in Western Australia. It was a joint venture between Felton Grimwade & Co, Melbourne and A.M. Bickford & Sons, Adelaide, [45] with Robert McClure their first managing director. Sidney Bickford married a Perth girl and settled down, breaking most ties with the Adelaide firm and family. [2]

A. M. Bickford & Sons Ltd (1903–1930)

A.M. Bickford & Sons Ltd, Laboratories & Works, Waymouth Street, 1916 Bickford's WaymouthSt 1916-B3528.jpg
A.M. Bickford & Sons Ltd, Laboratories & Works, Waymouth Street, 1916

In 1903 the firm became a limited liability company A. M. Bickford & Sons Ltd. [46]

In 1914 the manufacturing laboratory was transferred to Waymouth Street alongside the cordial factory. Facilities installed included a large (6'6" or 1.9m diameter) autoclave, a bond store and plant for manufacturing absolute alcohol. [47]

In 1920 its dental requisites branch was made a separate company Commonwealth Dental Supply Company Ltd. with headquarters in King William Street. [46]

Products

In 1874, following the foundation of the South Australian Cordial and Aerated Water Factory and laboratories on Waymouth Street, the company began producing premium cordials and aerated drinks. Before long these quality products, including the now famous Bickford's Lime Cordial, gained international award recognition for their superiority.

"Maltox" was a "tonic" based on port wine with barley malt and beef extract added. [48] Like its competitor Sedna it was susceptible to abuse for its alcohol content, and sales from chemist's shops and other unlicensed premises were subject to police "sting operations". [49]

In 1920, Bickford's commenced production of branded Coffee and Chicory Essence, (later renamed Bickford's Iced Coffee Mix), winning the gold medal at the All-Australian Exhibition in 1930. These and other products are still made to the same original recipes today.

In 1922 Bickford's "Sal Vital", an effervescent "health salt" powder which "contains all the elements that tend to cool and purify the blood, and makes as well, a refreshing and cooling beverage", first went on sale. [50]

Drug Houses of Australia (1930–1974)

In 1930, a holding company Drug Houses of Australia (DHA) was formed with a capital of £5,000,000 which combined Bickford's with a number of similar Australian companies representing all states except Tasmania. No shares were offered to the public. [51] [52] [53]

The companies involved were: [45] [52]
     A.M. Bickford & Sons Ltd, South Australia [29]      Duerdin & Sainsbury Ltd, Victoria [54]
Felton Grimwade & Bickford Ltd, Western Australia [55] Elliott Brothers Limited, New South Wales [56]
Felton Grimwade & Co, Victoria [57] Taylors Elliotts Ltd, Queensland [58]
Rocke Thompsitt, Victoria [59]

Pursuant to the amalgamation agreements, A.M. Bickford & Son Ltd shareholders received 4.6572 £1 Drug Houses of Australia Ltd shares for each £1 A.M. Bickford & Son Ltd share. [53]

In 1956 D.H.A. (SA) Ltd. moved to new premises at 599 Port Road, West Croydon.

In 1961 Drug Houses of Australia's net profit after tax exceeded a million pounds. [45]

In 1968, DHA was taken over by the corporate raider, asset stripper and now-defunct British bank Slater Walker. [31] The remnant struggled on until 1974, at which point it was decided to break the company up and sell it. The major products including Dexcal, Sal Vital and Sapoderm were sold to Reckitt & Colman. [45]

Peter Abbott purchased DHA Manufacturing Pty Ltd, which included the eucalyptus oil operations, the business name Drug Houses of Australia, as well as other business and trade names and products including Bickford's Lime Juice Cordial and Bickford's Coffee Essence. An office and warehouse was set up at 17 Capella Crescent, Moorabbin. The name Drug Houses of Australia and some of the pharmacy only products were on-sold to Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) NSW. [45] Currently, DHA is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and is located in Singapore.

Felton Grimwade & Bickford Pty. Ltd. (1975–1987)

In 1975 the name DHA Manufacturing Pty. Ltd. was changed to Felton Grimwade & Bickford Pty. Ltd. (FGB), [60] one of the business names that had been taken over.

In 1987 FGB sold Bickford's Lime Juice Cordial and Coffee Essence, together with the business name A.M. Bickford & Sons. (It is not clear to whom they sold them.) FGB continue in business pursuing their other interests and using the FGB brandname, however the company name now appears to be Felton Grimwade & Bosisto's Pty Ltd. [45]

1987–1999 – A. M. Bickford & Sons again ...

It is remarkably difficult to find anything definitive about this period, particularly the period 1987–1991, and it is not clear why.

At some time, (most likely 1987, but supporting evidence is yet to be located), the Lloyd Family (of Lloyd Helicopters / Lloyd Aviation / Pearl Aviation fame) purchased various companies and brands, etc., which allowed them to manufacture and sell soft drinks in general, and Bickford's Lime Cordial in particular, from somewhere in the Adelaide Hills. But to date, and somewhat peculiarly, no supporting evidence has been located.

According to the Bickford's Australia website, Angelo Kotses became involved with the Lloyds some time in the early 1990s.

In 1991 the company extended the premium cordial range to include blackcurrant syrup and other new flavours, and throughout the 1990s further expanded the range with "old style sodas", fruit juice flavoured mineral water, bottled water and other products. [30] [61]

1999– Kotses family: A. M. Bickford & Sons / Bickford's Australia

In 1999, the Kotses family bought the company. [30] [61]

In the early 2000s iced teas and milkshake mixes were added to the range of products. [30] [61]

In 2005, the cordial and soft drink related parts of the company, now called "Bickford's Australia", moved into "a new state of the art manufacturing facility" in Salisbury, South Australia. [61] Since the move to the new manufacturing plant in 2005 the range of products has expanded considerably. [62]

In 2006, Bickfords lime juice cordial was recognised by the National Trust of South Australia as a Heritage Icon. [63] Into the second decade of the 21st century, the range of products continues to expand, [64] along with the Bickford's Group [65] which also includes Vok, [66] Wheel & Barrow, [67] and Karma Living. [68]

In February 2014, Bickford's announced plans for a new distillery in the South Australian Riverland. The article states, (amongst other things), that the "key to Bickford's success has been buying unloved brands and working out ways to rebuild them". [69]

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References

  1. Angelo Kotses, 9 February 2014, News Limited
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Scales, Marjorie An Alchemist's Dream pub. Ronald F. Bickford 1990 ISBN   0-7316-9106-7
  3. 1 2 3 Adelaide's first chemist, The Letters of William Bickford, The Register, Saturday 13 June 1925, pg.7. Retrieved 30 January 2011
    William was a diligent letter writer; a collection of his letters was found in a deed box in the 1920s, and they were placed in the archives of the State Library of South Australia. A two part article summarising their contents appeared in The Register, part I on Saturday 13 June 1925, part II the following Saturday.
  4. The letters of William Bickford to his relatives in England in the period 1838–1850, Archives of the State Library of South Australia. (Click on the "Archival items" tab for a list of the letters.)
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Mr Harding Bickford, The Advertiser 31 March 1898 p.6 accessed 31 January 2011
    Harding William Bickford (1877–1919) was the youngest son of Harry (1843–1927)
    The article reports on "A Valedictory Social" held for Mr Harding Bickford prior to his departure for England to "improve his knowledge of pharmacy". The gathering was presided over by Mr William Bickford (jr. – his uncle), who provided a summary of the history of the company, its key personnel, its locations and its business.
  6. Blue Stone, South Australian Register, 8 April 1843, p.1 col.1
    Advertisement for the sale of 700lbs of Blue Stone (ie.copper sulphate) "at a low price". Retrieved 31 January 2011
  7. "Benacre" was named after the village of Benacre in Suffolk, and the neighbouring Benacre Estate Archived 18 January 2015 at the Wayback Machine .
  8. South Australian Institute South Australian Advertiser 27 October 1863 p.4 accessed 5 March 2011
  9. 1 2 3 Adelaide's first chemist (part 2), The Letters of William Bickford, The Register, Saturday 20 June 1925, pg.8. Retrieved 30 January 2011
  10. Advertisement South Australian Register 18 November 1863 p.1 accessed 5 March 2011
  11. Advertisement South Australian Advertiser 12 June 1865 p.1 accessed 4 May 2011
  12. Advertisement South Australian Register 18 February 1873 p.6 accessed 4 March 2011
  13. Deaths South Australian Register Thursday 25 January 1877 p.4 accessed 5 March 2011
  14. visited her grandparents home village of West Alvington and married Henry T. Adams of nearby Kingsbridge, Devon
  15. 11 Sep 1884 – Family Notices. Trove.nla.gov.au. Retrieved on 16 July 2013.
  16. Edward Bickford, Death notice, 20 February 1907, The Advertiser, pg.6. Retrieved 8 February 2011
    On 7 January, at Brooklyn, New York, America, Edward, youngest son of the late William Bickford of Adelaide, aged 57 years.
  17. Mary Bickford, Death notice, 24 January 1883, The Register, p. 4. Retrieved 8 February 2011
    On 12 December, at Bournemouth, Hants, England, Mary, youngest daughter of the late William and Ann M. Bickford, of Adelaide, South Australia.
  18. Adelaide Educational Institution The South Australian Register 16 June 1853 p. 3 accessed 10 February 2011
  19. Adelaide Educational Institution The South Australian Register Tuesday 16 December 1856 accessed 10 February 2011
  20. Old Scholars Dinner South Australian Register Saturday 15 September 1866 p. 3 accessed 10 February 2011
  21. Dinner to Auld Frew and King South Australian Register 31 January 1863 p.3 accessed 10 February 2011
  22. 1 2 Daughter of William Ferguson (1809–1892) and Rosina (née Forsyth) (1810–1893)
  23. dates from gravestone in St Jude's Cemetery
  24. "Divorce Case". The Journal . Vol. LVII, no. 15869. Adelaide. 5 July 1922. p. 1. Retrieved 7 November 2016 via National Library of Australia.
  25. both sets of dates from gravestone in St Jude's Cemetery
  26. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47089221, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37166906, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36424730/2300491
  27. 1 2 3 Obituary The Register 7 September 1927 p8
  28. The Copper Revival The Advertiser Saturday 2 September 1899 p.11 accessed 4 March 2011
  29. 1 2 A. M. Bickford & Sons (1863–1930), Encyclopaedia of Australian Science, www.eoas.info
  30. 1 2 3 4 Bickford's History, www.bickfords.net
  31. 1 2 Bickford's, SA Memory, State Library of South Australia
  32. Wm. Bickford, Chemist Australian Postal History
  33. City of Adelaide Thematic History, adelaidecitycouncil.com
  34. The South Australian Cordial Factory, The Advertiser, 23 December 1872. Retrieved 31 January 2011
  35. Bickford's labels also still continue to carry the statement: "On account of spurious imitations none is genuine unless bearing the signature of A M Bickford & Sons".
  36. Advertisement, for the newly opened "South Australian Cordial and Aerated Water Factory", South Australian Register, 18 October 1876, p.2. Retrieved 31 January 2011
  37. Advertisement Archived 17 February 2011 at the Wayback Machine , for the newly opened "South Australian Cordial and Aerated Water Factory", page 155 from the South Australian Directory – undated (ca. 1876). Reproduced in the "photo album", pg.13, www.bickfords.net
  38. Messrs. Bickford's Cordial Factory The Advertiser 23 October 1876 accessed 7 February 2011
  39. Death of Mr Harry Bickford, Chronicle, 10 September 1927, p. 36, col. b
  40. New Home for Crippled Children, The Advertiser, 20 September 1938, p.17. This was the time of a major epidemic of infantile paralysis.
  41. History, www.novita.org.au
  42. 09 Apr 1903 – Rough Weather on the Coast. Trove.nla.gov.au (9 April 1903). Retrieved on 16 July 2013.
  43. 07 Aug 1919 – Personal. Trove.nla.gov.au (7 August 1919). Retrieved on 16 July 2013.
  44. General Price List 1926 Archived 17 February 2011 at the Wayback Machine , Photo Album, pp.16–17, www.bickfords.net
  45. 1 2 3 4 5 6 History Archived 17 February 2011 at the Wayback Machine , Felton Grimwade & Bickford Ltd, www.fgb.com.au
  46. 1 2 A Story of Enterprise The Advertiser 28 April 1923 p.18 accessed 31 January 2011
  47. Death of Harry Bickford The Advertiser 7 September 1927 p.19 accessed 31 January 2011
  48. "Advertising". Queensland Times . Vol. LXII, no. 10, 779. Queensland, Australia. 17 September 1920. p. 3. Retrieved 2 November 2016 via National Library of Australia.
  49. "Sold Sedna and Maltox". Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record . Vol. 29, no. 48. South Australia. 1 December 1922. p. 24. Retrieved 2 November 2016 via National Library of Australia.
  50. Sal Vital Advertisement, The Advertiser Tuesday 21 November 1922, pg.? col.5. Retrieved 31 January 2011
  51. Firms amalgamate The Advertiser 1 July 1930 p.16 accessed 1 February 2011
  52. 1 2 Drug Houses of Australia Ltd (DHA) (1930–1974), Encyclopaedia of Australian Science, www.eoas.info
  53. 1 2 Interpretation of Will, 8 September 1934, The Advertiser, pg.23
  54. Duerdin and Sainsbury Ltd (? – 1930), Encyclopaedia of Australian Science, www.eoas.info
  55. Felton Grimwade & Bickford Ltd (1902–1930), Encyclopaedia of Australian Science, www.eoas.info
  56. Elliott Brothers Limited (? – 1930), Encyclopaedia of Australian Science, www.eoas.info
  57. Felton Grimwade & Co (1867–1930), Encyclopaedia of Australian Science, www.eoas.info
  58. Taylor-Elliotts Ltd ( – 1930), Encyclopaedia of Australian Science, www.eoas.info
  59. Rocke Thompsitt ( – 1930), Encyclopaedia of Australian Science, www.eoas.info
  60. Felton Grimwade & Bickfords Pty Ltd (c. 1974 – ), Encyclopaedia of Australian Science, www.eoas.info
  61. 1 2 3 4 Company Timeline Archived 27 August 2010 at the Wayback Machine , www.bickfords.net
  62. 2010 Product Catalogue, www.bickfords.net
  63. 2006 Heritage Icon Awards Archived 25 August 2006 at the Wayback Machine , South Australian National Trust
  64. 2012 Product Catalogue, www.bickfords.net
  65. Bickford's Group Archived 9 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine , www.bickfords.net
  66. Vok Beverages, vok.com.au
  67. Wheel & Barrow, www.wheelandbarrow.com.au
  68. Karma Living, www.karma-living.com.au
  69. "Bickford's plans new spirits distillery in the Riverland". Adelaide.now. 9 February 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
    "Bickford's Australia to establish a new Spirits Distillery in the Riverland". Press Release. Bickford's Australia / Vok Beverages. 7 February 2014. Archived from the original on 3 June 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2014.

Further reading