Spicer Sportswear's memory board

Andy Ryan The Spicer family can be traced back to George Spicer, a draper living in Devon, England born in 1795. His son John (b 1824) was a bootmaker, who lived and died in Devon.

Andy Ryan John’s son William (b 1847) also a boot maker married the daughter of a Cornish innkeeper, Jane Jackman, and they made their way to Australia in 1871, having eight children between 1870 and 1890.

Andy Ryan 1913 - Spicer begin work on Factory in Noone Street, Clifton Hill. The building originally dates to 1889 when it was used as a tannery. The building is listed on the Victorian Heritage Overlay (HO 351) Spicer Shoe factory & Thomson, Newmark & Hopetoun Tannery sites (Later Australian Dyeing Co. PL) (HO351). This building was built in stages from 1909 to 1934 and possibly included part of a c.1889 tannery. The front section of the building dating from 1909 is built to the street frontage and has a cement rendered parapet with a cornice framed by corbels, and a pediment flanked by consoles and surmounted by an acroterion. The windows and entry doors have been replaced. ' Heritage Study Gap - Yarra City Council. 'This building has been remodeled to the latest economic plans by W. Raln, Builders, Reynolds Bros.. Architect and Sworn Valuator. Crossley's most improved type of Gas Engine has been supplied and erected by ALEX COWAN & Sons, Collins Street. The latest and most up-to-date NON-ROYALTY PALANT has been installed by the STANDARD ROTARY CO., who are recognised as the largest non-royalty firm in the world. The above, with the latest up-to-date methods, will enable us to produce from the highest to good medium grade footwear at the lowest cost. Our shapes and styles being the most up-to-date procurable, and the works being planned on scientific and economic principles, will enable to give you entire satisfaction.

Andy Ryan By 1915, Alfred Spicer of the Spicer Shoe Co. is listed as the occupant of the factory. Various works appear to have been undertaken in 1916 and again in 1920 when there is a substantial increase in the net annual value of the property.

Andy Ryan Boot Price Inquiry Alfred Minton Spicer of the Spicer Shoe Company. In reply to the chairman Mr Spicer said that his price list had been affected by the reduced puce for sole leather. The practice had been to fix the selling prices on the invoice cost of material used. The -Chairman -When the prices were going up, your customers were getting boots cheaper than the prices of leather warranted? Witness -Yes

Andy Ryan Injured English Bowler Maurice Tate was awaiting a pair of boots made by George Spicer, the boot would soon come to be known as the Maurice Tate Cricket Boot. He took 2/43 in the first innings of the Adelaide Test. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/45888980 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Tate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CAu6RgEw_Q

Andy Ryan The Maurice Tait Cricket Boot, designed by George Spicer of Spicer Shoe Company and 'well known Victorian cricketer' The News (Adelaide, SA) Thu 24 Sep 1925 Page 9 George's cricket record: SPICER, George H. (Ncte) 1909-10 to 1917-18 (69); (Fitz) 1918-19 to 1921-22 (29) http://premier.cricketvictoria.com.au/files/3/files/player-register-career-stats/Register%20S-Z.pdf

Andy Ryan Leisure Jacket First advertised: 1953 Colours: Fawn, Grey, Brown and two-tone effects Material: Gabardine Made: Melbourne Price: 5/5/- Description: “New Manly” LEISURE JACKETS A new gabardine Leisure Jacket, designed and made by "Spicer Sportswear" and Ideal for holi day wear. Special features include: Striped all wool collar, basque and cuffs in contrasting colors, slide fastener front top pocket and two Jetted side Dockets. Fully lined in rich art. silk, and available in all sizes

Andy Ryan Gabardine Safaris. First advertised: 1953 Colours: Fawn, Grey, Brown and two-tone effects Material: Gabardine Made: Melbourne Price: 5/5/- Description: Hip-length Showerproof Safari Jackets, featuring quality Gabardine in shades of fawn, grey, brown, and two tone effects. Full Length zipper opening, slanting side pockets, elasticised belted waist. Sizes 34in to 42in chest.

Andy Ryan 2-Tone Gabardine Casual Jacket First advertised: 1953 Colours: Grey-Maroon, Fawn-Maroon, Fawn-Brown, Grey-Brown Material: Gabardine with art silk lining Made: Melbourne Price: 5/19/6 Description: Smart 2-tone casual jackets expertly tailored by Spicer. Latest two-tone gabardine jackets in safari, or waist lengths. Featuring popular zipp front, adjustable elasticised waist and two front pockets. Fully lined, 32 - 42. Just the jacket for golf or comfortable leisure wear! Perfectly tailored by ‘Spicer’ is the popular two-tone safari length Style, Fully lined with top quality art silk. Fitting waist with buckle front.Grey-Maroon, Fawn-Maroon, Fawn-Brown, Grey-Brown. Sizes 31 to 42. Ideal garment for sport or casual wear.

Andy Ryan Samba Jacket First advertised: 1954 Colours: Royal Blue, Maroon, Blue Grey, Fawn, Grey, Black, Brown Material: Duraleen, silk, wool Made: Melbourne Price: 99/6-, 5/3/6 Description: Samba Jacket by “Spicer” in the new Duraleen fabric! Water repellant, mothproof! Resistant to perspiration and oil spots! Fully art silk lined. Wool basque and cuffs. It’s new-styled features combining good looks comfort and economy. This “Spicer” jacket is tailored in waist length style from “Duraleen” finish gabardine. Firm knit waist band and cuffs are in contrasting colours to match pocket pipings, full zip front too! If you’re a leisure loving guy, choose your “Spicer” Samba Jacket from Leviathan in brown, fawn, maroon, black and blue grey - sizes 36 - 42.

Andy Ryan Florida Safari Jacket First advertised: 1954 Colours: Royal Blue, Maroon, Fawn, Grey, Brown Material: Duraleen Made: Melbourne Price: 5/10 Description: Popular two-tone Safari Jackets by “Spicer” in the new DURALEEN water-repellant fabric. Art silk lined. Shades of Maroon, Fawn, Brown, Grey and Royal. All sizes

Andy Ryan Casual Jackets First Advertised: 1954 Made: Melbourne Price: 47'6 Colours: Grey, Fawn/Brown, Blue Grey Famous 'Spicer' jackets tailored in serviceable showerproof bengaline in grey, blue grey, fawn/brown. Full zipp, 2 pockets: Reversible. 24-32 in.

Andy Ryan Corduroy with adjustable waist First advertised: 1955 Advertised: 1970, 1971 Colours: Popular plain shades Material: Corduroy Made: Melbourne Price: 6/19/6, $25.50 Description: 1955 - Corduroy “Spicer” Jackets for smart casual wear! Featuring zipp front 2 pockets, elasticised waist with half belt. Popular plain shades. 34 - 42. 1970 - Casual Good Looks in Spicer Jackets. Great winter jackets in the now fabrics - corduroy, imitation leather and flannel. Just right to stay warm on a cold winter’s day, but still look great. Corduroy double breasted in tan and imitation leather in dark brown $25.50.Flannel in bottle and maroon $24 in sizes 34 - 40 at all seven stores.

Andy Ryan Spicer Styled Tracksuit Fleecy Lined Track Suit First advertised: 1964 Colours: Navy, Black, Green Material: Price: 89’11, 5/10/1- Description: ‘Spicer styled with zip enabled elastic waisted pants, zip front jacket. In regulation navy, black and green. [Men’s track suits too, at 5/10/1-] Track Suit Advertised: 1970 Colours: Black, Navy, Royal, Green, Red Material: Cotton Price: $8.70 - $30. Description: Best quality, quality track suits by famous ‘Spicer’. Shirred waist and cuffs, half zip jacket and ankle zip on trousers. Sizes 36 - 42 $10 - $20, 30 - 34 $9 - $30 and 24 - 28 are only $8.70.,

Andy Ryan Suede First advertised: 1965 Colours: Green, Brown Material: Cotton/Suede Made: Melbourne Price: 5 Description: In all cotton, features button front. The versatility in design, style and finish of this sporting look jacket has made it one of the best sellers this year. This versatile jacket is completely dry cleanable, and is fully lined. Available in the colours of green and brown. Sizes 38 - 44 and keenly priced at 5 Suede at a budget price and washable too. Tailored by Spicer of Melbourne, this jacket is today’s fashion. So serviceable for all kinds of weather. A choice of four popular shades and priced at 6’19’6

Andy Ryan Club Jacket First advertised: 1965 Colours: Grey Material: Wool Made: Melbourne Price: 55/- to 58/11 Description: Club Jacket by Spicer. Pure wool with full zipp front, zipp pockets and knitted collar, cuffs and basque. Available in plain grey and the following school colours: Campbell Primary, Turner Primary, Ainslie Primary and Ainslie Primary. Prices and sizes, 22in to 32in at 55/- 34 in to 36in at 58/11 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/104293733 Reduced to $3, 1967 Spicer sold these jackets widely as school jackets through the 60's to the 90's. Some recollections below from responses to a post on the Forgotten Melbourne Facebook Group. 'We had to wear “Spicer” windbreakers as part of our school uniform. We just called them “your Spicer”. I’d forgotten all about that until now ( it was 40 years ago)' 'Yes a Spicer was the jacket to wear!' 'All school kids had “ Spicer” jackets which were navy with a white stripe on the sleeves. My three had them in 80’s and early 90’s, then other brands copied them. I think I got them from Target or KMart, not sure though. It wasn’t exclusive though and they weren’t officially part of a uniform, just serviceable and handy for kids walking or riding bikes to school on cold or rainy days. I remember saying to my kids and my students...” don’t forget to bring you Spicer jackets tomorrow for the excursion “ and “ Whose Spicer jacket is on the floor, etc?” 'Andy. I’ve still got one from the early eighties in my wardrobe. Got it from forges of Footscray' 'We used to sell Spicer Jackets at our Sportsco stores all across Melbourne in the mid 80s to early 90s. Lots of kids wore them to school, I can only recall selling Navy Blue in the Dandenong / Waverley Gardens stores we had.'

Andy Ryan Casual Zip Up Jacket First Advertised: 1966 Men's Zip Front Jackets Spicer Casual Jackets, waist or hip length, 4 colours. 38in to 44in

Andy Ryan Car Coat First advertised: 1966 Colours: Material: Vinyl, Nylon. Made: Melbourne Price: $15.99, 7’19’11, $5.99 boys Description: Spicer Special Car Coat. The ‘leather look’ made from vinyl and nylon - fur lined throughout - zip front, two slant side pockets, also zipped waistline. Sleeves have wool gussets Special purchase of boy’s car coats by Spicer and Valencia. 26 to 36in. All one price! Checks, plains, all foam backed. Some with fake fur collar. Save $$$! $5.99

Andy Ryan Track Suit Advertised: 1970 Colours: Black, Navy, Royal, Green, Red Material: Cotton Price: $8.70 - $30. Description: Best quality, quality track suits by famous ‘Spicer’. Shirred waist and cuffs, half zip jacket and ankle zip on trousers. Sizes 36 - 42 $10 - $20, 30 - 34 $9 - $30 and 24 - 28 are only $8.70.,

Andy Ryan Wool Lined Jacket Advertised: 1974 Colours: Alpine Check Material: Wool Price: $30 Description: Snug wool-lined jacket by Spicer in Alpine check, button front, vertical pockets.

Andy Ryan Spray Jacket First advertised: 1977 Colours: Sky, Red, Gold Navy Material: Nylon Made: Korea Price: $14 Description: Men’s Nylon Hooded Spray Jackets Helps keep out the wind and the damp. These nylon spray jackets by Spicer features zip front styling and concealed hood. Colous include sky, red, gold and navy with contrast stripe trim on the sleeve. A sizzling clearance special in sizes 34 to 46. Buy one or two now while they’re priced to move at $14. Img 1980. Mens - Boys - Girls Spicer Spray Jackets Assorted colours 28 - 40 $14.99 SPRAY JACKETS. New stock of. Spicer nylon spray jackets sizes XS to XL, $11.50. Good colour range. Coffs Disposals, 2 Park Ave., Coffs Harbour. The Banana Coast Opinion 17 August 1977 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/254826455

Andy Ryan Castro Made: Korea Colours: Olive, Navy, Black, Brown The most enduring Spicer jacket model, which is still produced under Hard Yakka branding. It has four front pockets, fleece lining, detachable fur collar with rain hood, and inner-cuffs at the end of the sleeve. 'CASTRO — Big heavy parka. Navy only, 4 front patch pockets, hip length.'

Andy Ryan Flying Spicer Shell: 100% Polyester 300 D with PU coating Lining: Taffeta quilted with poly fill FEATURES Two front side pockets Internal pockets Nylon zipper Sleeve pocket with pen insert GREAT FOR TRACTOR WORK OR ON THE BIKE CUTS THE WIND RIGHT OUT! There is a Flying Spicer held in the WA Museum as an example of a plumbers jacket. JACKET, PLUMBER'S H1990.243 Dark blue nylon parka with orange lining. The cuffs, collar and waist band are a knitted synthetic and have a similar appearance to the same parts on a knitted jumper. The jacket has a metal zip down the front with no flap to prevent drafts from entering. There are two pockets on the diagonal at the front, one on each side. Only the flap is visible on the pockets. There is a small pocket on the left sleeve which has a zip down one side and pockets on the outside for pens. This whole pocket is on the outside of the sleeve and is completely visible. There is also a pocket inside the left front of the jacket. A small screwdriver was found inside the lining of the left pocket. It has been accessioned as H90.249. The inside of the jacket is quilted orange nylon. At the top of the back, inside the collar there is a slit fastened by a loop and yellow plastic button. This contains a blue hood, of the same fabric as the outside of the jacket. It is dirty but doesn't seem to have been used and replaced often. Just to the right of this the words "ROSS / PEET" have been written in blue marker pen. Underneath the slit is the label. This bears the following information. "Spicer / FLYING / SPORTSWEAR / OF MELBOURNE / MADE IN KOREA". Two small tags are attached to this. The first states "100% NYLON / SIZE 100 / 40 / TO FIT CHEST 100cm". The second states "CARE LABEL / DRY CLEAN ONLY / A 40 C DO NOT / IRON OR PRESS KNIT". The jacket together with the helmet (H90.248) and t-shirt (H90.242) were standard issue from the company Matthew Hall. Boots were also issued but were not donated to the museum. There was a waiting period of 2 weeks before being issued with the jacket. The jacket belonged to Ross Peet, a plumber who works in Perth or up north, and lives in Margaret River when he has time. He has worked on the Princess of Wales wing at Fremantle Hospital, the Merlin Hotel and the R & I tower behind the Palace Hotel. See H90.235-237, 243-245 and 248-9 for other objects and costume relating to his work as a plumber. http://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/content/H1990.243

Andy Ryan Survival. Colours: Brown, Navy Quilted lining, large collar, thick parka.

Andy Ryan Martin Style Advertised: 1980 Colours: Various Material: Nylon Price: $34 Description: SPICER Martin style jacket for men, was $34 now $20 31 June 1980 Canberra Times - Youngs Menswear https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/125613352

Andy Ryan The Spicer Fleecy Jacket was widely work by school students through the 80's ad 90's, and occasionally tailored to school colours. Comments from the Lost Melbourne Group included: We had to wear “Spicer” windbreakers as part of our school uniform. We just called them “your Spicer”. I’d forgotten all about that until now ( it was 40 years ago) Yes a Spicer was the jacket to wear! All school kids had “ Spicer” jackets which were navy with a white stripe on the sleeves. My three had them in 80’s and early 90’s, then other brands copied them. I think I got them from Target or KMart, not sure though. It wasn’t exclusive though and they weren’t officially part of a uniform, just serviceable and handy for kids walking or riding bikes to school on cold or rainy days. I remember saying to my kids and my students...” don’t forget to bring you Spicer jackets tomorrow for the excursion “ and “ Whose Spicer jacket is on the floor, etc?” I’ve still got one from the early eighties in my wardrobe. Got it from forges of Footscray We used to sell Spicer Jackets at our Sportsco stores all across Melbourne in the mid 80s to early 90s. Lots of kids wore them to school, I can only recall selling Navy Blue in the Dandenong / Waverley Gardens stores we had.

Andy Ryan Luxury Bomber Jacket Available: 1980s Colours: Black Material: Vinyl Made: Korea

Andy Ryan Biker Jacket Available: 1980's Colours: Black Material: Vinyl Made: Korea

Andy Ryan Pesakhold Pty Ltd - Spicer offshoot company 16 May 1980 - 11 February 1981

Andy Ryan Spicer Winter Jackets Available SPICER WINTER JACKETS Alpine jackets $31.50 Reversible jackets $40.99 Londoner navy jackets $38.95 Crowhurst Menswear - Victor Harbour

Andy Ryan Spicer Jackets for sale 1986- 4 styles: LONDONER — Basic dress windjacket, 3 colours REVERSIBLE — 2 way jacket, Navy/Bone, Brown/Bone CASTRO — Big heavy parka. Navy only, 4 front patch pockets, hip length. SURVIVAL — Fawn only up to 54". Similar to Castro but dressier Johns Menswear Fyshwick