Very cool - on World Refrigeration Day, 26 June 2024, celebrate 170 years since James Harrison invented an ice-making machine.
In 1854 James Harrison, the Father of Refrigeration, also the founding Editor and owner of the Geelong Advertiser, made artificial ice in a cave by the Barwon River. In 1855 he successfully applied to patent his ice-making machine in Victoria and Britain, then worked with Siebe’s precision engineers in London 1856 – 1858 to perfect it.
His original steam-powered machine made 3 tons of ice a day. Harrison returned to Geelong with one in 1858, and opened Australia’s first ice works in North Geelong in 1859. He created new industries with his brilliant invention.
Come and celebrate his achievements at the Geelong Showgrounds Museum, courtesy of the Royal Geelong Agricultural and Pastoral Society. Listen to a short talk. Watch Warwick Bryce, Melbourne engineer and model-maker, show how his 1:10 working model of Harrison’s 1857 machine makes a tiny amount of ice.
Also enjoy the Museum’s collections of objects and information about other pioneering Geelong industries, from milk production to foundries.
The event is supported by the Geelong & Region Branch of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
Marking the Refurbishment of James Harrison’s Grave
Thurs 27 June at 11 am
James Harrison’s descendants have just had his grave refurbished, and the Geelong and Region Branch will hold a public event in at his grave in the Eastern Cemetery to appreciate their care for Harrison’s main monument in Geelong.
Everyone is welcome to attend at the Eastern Cemetery, Ormond Rd, East Geelong
