Historical information

Box is from Cramond & Dickson store in Warrnambool.

Cramond and Dickson migrated from Scotland to Melbourne where they opened a Cramond and Dickson store in St Kilda in 1852. They were inspired by the growth in Warrnambool after a visit and established their second store there as Cramond and Dickson, direct importers and drapers, in 1855. In 1856 they opened a store on the corner of Liebig and Timor Streets, Warrnambool. They extended their premises in Liebig Street in 1859, and then in Timor Street in 1859. There were further additions and improvements in 1889 and they continued to trade until 1973 (now the site of a Mexican restaurant).

An advertisement placed by Cramond and Dickson in The Camperdown Chronicle, Saturday 6th April 1895, states them “showing the latest novelties for the coming winter season” … “import directly from English and Continental manufacturers” … “representatives in London … always in touch with the Newest Continental Fashions” ... “having been established for so many years we know the requirements of the Western District”… “allow 5 per cent discount on goods paid for at the time of purchase”.

Significance

The hat box is important for is connection with the local business store, Cramond and Dickson. The store traded for over 100 years; 1856-1973.
The strong, sturdy hat box indicates its purpose was for travel luggage, providing protection for the fashionable women's headwear of the era.

Physical description

Metal bonnet box or hat box, round shape, coloured brown. There is a metal carry handle on both the lid and the side of the box. The box is from the Cramond and Dickson store in Warrnambool. The lid is detached from the base. The lock was mad by LEGGS.

Inscriptions & markings

"LEGGS patent and secure joint and padlock staple"