20/11/2023
As we celebrate our 95th year of continuous operations, we couldn’t help but think, “What else happened in 1928?”
We discovered that while we were laying the groundwork for our own construction company, the world was buzzing with events that have become iconic in their own right. So, let’s take a stroll down memory lane when our hard hats were brand new, and the world was just as full of excitement!
1. Sliced Bread – The Greatest Thing Since… Well, Ever!
While we may not have invented sliced bread, we like to think McCorkell is the greatest thing since, well, sliced bread! In 1928, the Chillicothe Baking Company in Missouri sold the first-ever sliced bread using a machine invented by Otto Frederick Rohwedder. The innovation was hailed as the greatest step forward in the baking industry since bread got its own wrapping.
2. Mickey Mouse Takes the Stage
In the world of entertainment, 1928 marked the release of Walt Disney’s “Steamboat Willie,” the first Mickey Mouse sound cartoon. This iconic creation brought joy to millions and became a symbol of creativity and innovation.
3. Penicillin – A Lifesaving Discovery by Alexander Fleming
In a stroke of luck, Scottish bacteriologist Sir Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered penicillin while studying influenza. This breakthrough in medicine paved the way for countless lives to be saved and changed the face of medicine forever. Penicillin is now the most widely used antibiotic in the world. We may not be saving lives in a petri dish, but we’re certainly building structures that stand the test of time!
4. Royal Flying Doctor Service Takes Flight
Closer to home, the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia made history by taking its maiden flight from Cloncurry to Julia Creek. While we were laying our first bricks, this inaugural journey marked the beginning of a revolutionary approach to healthcare delivery in remote Australia. The RFDS exemplifies the Australian spirit of resilience, innovation, and mateship. Just as we have been building a legacy in the construction industry, the RFDS has been building a legacy of healthcare excellence, ensuring that even the most remote Australians receive the medical attention they deserve.
5. Speedos Make a Splash
Australians are known for their love of the water, and in 1928, the first pair of Speedos hit the scene. The Racerback swimsuit for men came onto the market at a time when swimwear was made out of wool and had sleeves to protect the wearer’s modesty. It prompted moral outrage when it was first launched and was banned on many beaches for being too revealing… imagine if they knew what the future would hold!
6. Australian Grand Prix Kicks Off
The roar of engines filled the air as the first Australian Grand Prix took place at Phillip Island. Fast forward to 2023, and the same landscape that once reverberated with the sounds of racing engines is now home to the Berninneit Cultural Centre, a stunning new community hub brought to life by our team.
7. McCorkell Constructions Embarks on a Journey
Last but certainly not least, in 1928, McCorkell Constructions was founded in Melbourne, Victoria. Our story began heading into the Great Depression. Samuel H. McCorkell’s first project was to complete some minor refurbishment works at the ES&A Bank in Brighton. From that moment, we embarked on a journey to build a legacy that stands strong 95 years later.
As we reflect on the remarkable events of 1928, we’re proud to celebrate 95 years of McCorkell Constructions. Here’s to many more years of building, innovating, and leaving our mark on the world! Cheers to the magic of 1928!
