Historical information

John Glass Cramond 1829 and James Dickson 1831-1910 were founders of a large drapery store. Both were Scots and both came separately to Australia in 1852.
Cramond initially came for gold but soon opened a store in St Kilda with a post Office attached and he was the first post master there. Dickson was a farmer’s son but became a draper and while he was unsuccessful on the Bendigo diggings and then returned to Melbourne where he met Cramond and soon after they opened a store on Lonsdale Street. They opened their business in Warrnambool in 1855 as a general store with groceries, drapery and ironmongery. Both partners were involved with the community and James Dickson was an original director of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill 1909 and the Warrnambool Cheese and butter factory. He also served on the committee of management of Warrnambool Base Hospital.
These coathangers were an everyday item from their store.

Significance

A common item which provides a link to one of Warrnambool’s largest and longest running businesses.

Physical description

Wooden hangers with rounded corners and metal hooks, one plastic coated. Printed names engraved and painted in black with business name.

Inscriptions & markings

Cramond & Dickson Tailors & Outfitters Warrnambool. 2 made on America and 3 made in Germany. 1 unmarked