Making an Irish Free State City – Thompson’s Bakery and its centenary

At the eastern end of McCurtain Street lies the historical legacy of the headquarters of Thompson’s Bakery. According to the stained-glass panel over one of the windows, FH Thompson & Son Ltd began selling bread loaves and cakes in 1826.

On 3 February 1926, the Cork Examiner writes of the business centenary of FH Thompson and Son Limited Bakery. The combined staffs of the factories at McCurtain Street, and Bridge Street, Cork, Dublin, Cobh, as well as those of the branch shops, wished to mark the official celebration of the historic centenary event. So, on 28 January 1926, they presented the directors of the company with a beautiful illuminated address on a “Morocco-bound” album containing subscribers’ names.

The presented address was elaborate with the Cork Examiner describing it being made by Messrs Guy and Company.

“The address is a complete work of art, finished in a colour scheme of rich subdued tints, with a large central shield bearing in description of address, the whole enclosed in a handsome frame of chaste design. The address and album are the achievements of Messrs Guy and Company, Ltd, Cork, and reflect the skill and reputation of their artists”.

Representing the staff, Walter Pain offered their congratulations to the company’s directors, who were present, on reaching the firm’s centenary.

He wished the company a long prosperous future. He reflected that when one looks back at its small beginnings one hundred years previously, he acknowledged that it had been accomplished by hard work and co-operation. He noted that the centenary was an “inspiration to all to work together towards a desired end – success”.

Workers representing different departments of Thompson’s then made some congratulatory remarks. Mr R MacNaughton (confectionary department) noted he had been with the firm a third of the past century.

He recognised strong leadership: “The career of a business depended upon the character of the person at the men at the head of it. The same factors that have won the appreciation of the public have also engendered feelings of respect and loyalty among the staff.”

Daniel Halloran (bread dispatch department) spoke with appropriate imagery of the launching of the business ship at Clarke’s Bridge, 100 years previously. “Its long and difficult voyage through the sea of time, the storms, which were weathered, and the safe arrival at the centenary harbour, guided by the best business captain in Ireland.” This was a reference to William Thompson.

Mr TW Cave (retail branch manager) spoke about how he only had a few short years with the company. “Although young in the service with the firm, I know there is a very warm corner in the heart of each member of the staff for the firm. Someone once said that business is a matter of confidence, and the shops’ staffs would always do their outmost by official service to develop the firms retail trade”.

Mr TJ Murphy, Cobh factory manager, associated his best wishes to that of the chairman Walter Pain. Harry Conboye, clerical staff, spoke about the address present speaking for itself, but behind the gilded frame was the “golden opinion of the staff, the sincere good wishes and goodwill of every individual employee of the firm”.

He continued to note it was impossible for all members of staff to sign the address, so they decided to have the names of everyone of the permanent stuff enrolled in the album.

They then presented that album to William Thompson.

William Thompson thanked the staff for their kindness and highlighted the company’s heritage.

He spoke and said: “In celebrating the centenary, it takes us back to the year 1826 with my grandmother, whose portrait you see over the mantlepiece, founded the old firm at Clarkes Bridge. The facia board of the old shop, which you see in this room was rescued many years ago. It was there the Thompson’s bread was to be got and nowhere else in all of Ireland. Today you see Thompson’s name in every tone and village. Our name is seen at every railway station in crossroads, on hampers and boxes.”

In particular, William Thompson made reference to some of the staff that had been there for over 50 years. He referenced Michael McCormack who had given service of 57 years. He was the son of another faithful employee who had served for 50 years. Indeed, William Thompson also referenced that Michael’s son had been employed for 22 years.

In other words, three generations of McCormick family had been employed in Thompsons. William also made reference to Joe Harmon and his service as well as his father and grandfather, both named Joe.

Director Charles H Thompson commented that he had great respect for the people in the past who made the business as successful as it was for the centenary. He also referenced that some profits had been redistributed and repaid as small bonuses given to employees.

Director Joseph Long thanked everyone for their kindness. Director George Brewitt praised the united effort of the company and wished for the same co-operation to continue into the future.

Company secretary FW Thompson added that they had a company to be proud of.