Historical information

An item in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser of Tuesday 17th December 1872 stated that in the prospect of the good times coming on the completion of the North-Eastern railway, Wodonga was rapidly extending its borders; new buildings are going up in every direction, and business men were flocking there from other parts of the district. One of the most recent arrivals was Mr J. J. Cunningham, late of Growler's Creek.

On Saturday 4th January 1873 a notice in The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express informed residents of the Wodonga District that J. J. Cunningham had commenced business as a Chemist and Druggist in Sydney Street, Wodonga. With a carefully selected stock of drugs, patent medicines, horse and cattle medicines, and miscellaneous articles of fancy goods and tobaccos, he promised prompt service and attention to detail. He also provided a service in teeth extraction.

It is unsure when John James Cunningham left Wodonga, but in 1896 an action was taken against him in the Supreme Court by Pauline Rennie of Echuca for damages of £500 for negligence and unskilfulness as a chemist and druggist when he had mistakenly given her 10 grains of cocaine instead of a pain-killing medication she had requested. The Court gave a finding in her favour but with damages of £75.

Significance

This item is significant because it captures an early business in Wodonga in the 1870s.

Physical description

A black and white photo of a man standing in the doorway of his business in Wodonga.

Inscriptions & markings

Above door: CUNNINGHAM / CHEMIST & DRUGGIST
On windows: Patent Medicines / Teeth Extracted & Stopped / Cattle Medicines