F. J. Ireland - Confectioner

F. J. Ireland commenced his bakery and refreshment business around 1892 in Brisbane Street, located opposite the Palais Royal Hotel, and adjoining the Queensland Woollen Manufacturing Company premises. He was known as a confectioner, pastrycook and caterer.  Ireland also provided refreshment rooms. Horse-drawn carts were used to deliver their bakery goods about town.

F. J. Ireland was well known around Ipswich catering for social occasions whilst teams and clubs would hold their meetings and events in his premises. They also sold fruit. 

In 1897 improvements were made to the premises including a mirrored soft drink bar. At this time his Universal biscuits were made on the premises. Mr Ireland was a direct importer of English lollies and agent for Bushells Tea. In May 1902 he commenced selling fresh oysters from Moreton Bay.   

On Tuesday 17 June 1902, F. J. Ireland's in Brisbane Street was destroyed by a fire emanating from Mr. R. Wilson's tobacconist's shop and hairdressing saloon nearby.   Mrs S. F. Whitehead's bookshop was also damaged in the fire. In September of that year the  business then moved to premises a few doors up the street, formerly occupied by the Royal Bank. 

In 1902 Deacon Chambers was erected in Nicholas Street and shortly thereafter F. J. Ireland's branch shop opened in one of the two shops in the building. Mrs Ireland supervised this establishment.   

F. J. Ireland diversified his business in 1903 by becoming an agent for W. Marsh & Co and Ipswich Nursery. In 1904 he became the local agent for the British and Foreign Seed Company. 

It seems that F. J. Ireland ran into financial difficulties in 1905 and in November the business was bought by G. J. Brown who named it Palace O' Sweets.