James H. McManus Ice Cream Opens Norwood Pilot Store in 1964

James H. McManus Ice Cream Co. Grand Opening

The James H. McManus Ice Cream Company, a business with roots dating back to July 1, 1927, has officially expanded into Norwood with the opening of a new pilot store. Founded by James H. McManus, Sr., the company began with a single ice cream parlor in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts. The initial success of this location prompted the opening of six additional parlors in the Greater Boston area.

As demand for the company’s product grew, Mr. McManus pivoted his business model in 1950. Deciding that wholesale manufacturing and distribution to dealers was the most efficient way to scale, he purchased a plant in Newton and assembled a team of experienced sales and production professionals. Over the next decade, the company’s fine ice cream became a staple in numerous stores, restaurants, and hotels. During these years, Gregg B. Rains of Weymouth became a successful part of the company’s development.

In January 1961, the Select Ice Cream Corporation, led by President Gregg B. Rains, negotiated the purchase of the James H. McManus Company, acquiring all business rights, formulas, and trained personnel. Following a company survey in early 1963, which suggested that traditional ice cream parlors were becoming a “lost art,” Mr. Rains traveled extensively throughout the western United States. After high-level conferences, the corporation decided to launch a series of new ice cream shoppes in Massachusetts. This initiative led to the opening of a pilot store in Norwood in June 1964, with a second location opening in Quincy a week later. These new shoppes feature over 40 flavors of ice cream, sherbets, and water ices, all served in a traditional old-fashioned style.

In unrelated local news, William J. Peachey of 15 Fifth St., Norwood, was recently honored for his career achievements. Mr. Peachey, a supervisor in the Building & Shops Division of the Boston Gas Company, was awarded a 30-year jewelled service emblem in recognition of his continuous service to the company.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

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