Founded in 1917, Gerald McDonald & Co Ltd has a long history.
Here are just a few letters, articles and photographs from our past.
Our founder, Gerald J. W. McDonald:
Our leased premises at 9 Botolph Lane, London:
News article about Gerald J. W. McDonald becoming a partner of W & C Pantin & Company:
Stevenson & Howell Ltd. (now Sensient UK)
This is a letter written by A.J Carreford to Gerald J.W. McDonald on the formation of Gerald McDonald & Company in 1917:
R.C Treatt & Co Ltd. (now R.C Treatt plc)
This is a letter written by R.C Treatt to Gerald J.W. McDonald on the formation of Gerald McDonald & Company in 1917:
Distillers Company Ltd. (now Diageo)
This is a letter written by what appears to be Mr Drewse to Gerald J.W. McDonald on the formation of Gerald McDonald & Company in 1917:
A photograph of The Citrus Fruit Juice Control Committee:
Company wins House of Lords Appeal
TRADING BEFORE MODERN COMMUNICATIONS
The second half of the 20th century brought dramatic changes to communications. Before those days companies made contact by letter but in cases where a quick reply was needed, the cable or telegram was used. The telephone was not secure, expensive and of course did not provide written confirmation. Cables too were expensive, as you paid by word, so many companies, including Gerald McDonald & Co Ltd used the Universal Trade Code with added private codes, which were unique to trading partners around the world. Here is an example of the private codes used in the 1950s for some spice products with our agent in Vancouver.
