Historical information

In about 1888 William George Ashman (1871-11/2/1944) began a tailoring business in High Street, Eaglehawk. In 1890 he admitted his brother Arthur Thomas Ashman to the business and they traded as Ashman Brothers. In 1936 the company of Ashman and sons was registered at 265 Hargreaves Street. They specialised in made to measure, hand tailored suits. William married Clara Hunkin (1871-25/11/1944) in 1894. Their sons, John, Eric, Basil and Charles followed into the family business.

Physical description

Woolen fabric trousers, part of Dress Suit. A decorative strip runs down each leg. The waistband can be adjusted on either side by belt/buckle attachments. Trousers fasten with two buttons and there are four buttons at the fly opening at front. There are two deep lined pockets either side and one top pocket at rear on LHS. There is a maker's label stitched to the lining of the Rear pocket which reads "Ashmans, Hargreaves Street, Bendigo 'The Home of Better Suits'". A name written in ink below the maker's label is 'Mr M. Suurpaa, 28-3-1961 7252." Leather strips have been sewn inside edge of each leg cuff for garment protection.