Paddle Bros. came to Reid St in 1906 in a major expansion and built a two story factory. This 1948 photo shows the addition of a third level to meet the production boom of post war (WW 1) Australia. The extension was completed in 1922 and followed a successful export of shoes to England in 1919 and 1921. This site remained the firm's main production center until the start of the 1970's when the State Housing Commission attempted to create high rise housing in the area. Production moved to the newer factories at Ballarat and Mornington.
by neil.paddle on April 20, 2019Please login to comment on this item