Summary

Samuel Allen established a produce store in Flinders Street, Townsville in 1872 to cater for the needs of the expanding community. He was the first businessman to introduce steam power for chaff cutting and corn crushing in Townsville. He took an active part in public affairs and served as an alderman several times. Samuel Allen already had some 15 to 20 years' experience in Australia behind him. The business grew in terms of acquiring stocks of merchandise, building a substantial warehouse, and then establishing branches of the business at Ravenswood, Charters Towers and westwards. Holdings of hotel freeholds were acquired and four of Samuel Allen's sons became active members. The family established a Limited Liability Company in the 1890s. Samuel Allen and Sons continued to build up the business throughout the 20th century and focused especially on the hotel industry for much of this time. The company was finally taken over by Carlton and United Breweries Limited on 7 February 1979.