The team: George Reynolds coach builder, Fryers St, near the Baptist Church, circa 1900s. (Source: Shepparton Heritage Centre)
Before the advent of motor cars in the early 1900s, coach builders catered to the growing demand for transportation. They designed and built carriages and wagons for various purposes, including passenger transport, goods delivery and agricultural needs. One of the early successful coach-building businesses in Shepparton was W. Clydesdale and Sons. “In the 1890s there was keen competition in producing a good vehicle. Clydesdale won many prizes throughout the Colony for his product. Indeed, his vehicles, as did others built by later coach builders, were sold in Victoria and New South Wales and even Western Australia. The introduction of the motor car soon affected the trade of coach builders, whose business began to decline about 20 years ago.” (W. S. James — History of Shepparton 1838-1938.) Other firms included: George Reynolds, Phillip Miller, W. J. Nightingale and F. W. Fair, to name a few.
All work guaranteed: W. Clydesdale’s advert in the Shepparton Advertiser, 1894.
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“The coach-building business of Messrs Fair and Grant has been carried on at Fryers Street, Shepparton, for the past seven years. The sole proprietor is Mr F. W. Fair, who had 12 years’ experience in this trade at Stawell, prior to his coming to Shepparton. In a large farming district such as this, it can readily be understood that a large number of vehicles and farmers’ turn-outs are built by this well-known firm. No less than 90 creamery carts, costing, on an average, 11 pound each, have left his establishment since the Shepparton Butter Factory commenced operations. This will give some idea of the magnitude of the coach-building trade done with farmers. A large staff of employees are continually engaged repairing and upon general work associated with the various agricultural industries of the district.” (Weekly Times, 1897.)
'Prices to suit the times’: A George Reynolds advert, Shepparton Advertiser, 1894.
“The rivalry was keen to produce a super article. At the Shepparton Show, in particular, it was a feature of great attraction to see the number of gigs and other vehicles for competitive exhibition. Indeed, the Show afforded an assortment which doubtless would be seen in any other town. Though the motor has had an effect of lessening the demand for horse-drawn vehicles, there is today a revival and steady demand of a limited degree for the product of local coach builders.” (W. S. James — History of Shepparton 1838-1938.)
Modern facility: A Millers’ advert in the Shepparton Advertiser, 1925.
