Historical information

Mr Robert Crone Phillips was born in Stanley, Victoria and later moved to Wangaratta where he worked at Pinkertons and Sons. On 1 April 1912 he purchased the grocery, ironmongery, and wine and spirits business conducted in Sydney Street, Wodonga, by Mr. D. M. Stavely. This business was beside the old Wodonga Police Station. He received a spirit merchant's license under the new Licensing Act in the Wodonga Licensing Court on 20 March 1912. This was the first occasion on which spirit merchants' licenses have been granted by the court. This license was renewed annually until November 1920.
On Friday 15 July 1921, a fire occurred in which Phillips grocer’s shop and a neighbouring draper’s shop, owned by Mr. R. W. McLeish, were seriously damaged. In August 1921 Robert Philips filed for insolvency with assets of £660 10/ and liabilities of £1126 19/6. The cause of insolvency listed was loss sustained by fire and the pressure of creditors. Mr. Phillips retired to Wangaratta. He passed away in 1948.

Significance

The demijohn is of local significance as it represents an artefact from a local business. Its provenance is clear due to the inscription in the item. It is representative of ceramic wares from the early 1900s.

Physical description

A ceramiic demijohn with business name

Inscriptions & markings

"R C PHILLIPS/ WODONGA"