Historical information

Emerald's first permanent store was built in1898 on the corner of Monbulk and Belgrave-Gembrook Roads on the present-day site of Woolworths. It was known as The Corner Store. The owners in chronological order were Le Juge, Jones, Stewart, Elwood, Searles and Russo. This invoice donated by the daughter of its recipient is dated 28 November 1974 at a time when Searles were the proprietors. It shows the customer was allowed to carry a small debt. The donor recalled that a number of Emerald people, including her parents, were not well off and were allowed to do this by the store. The invoice also has a list of items for sale at that time.

Significance

This 1970's Emerald general store invoice invites some interesting comparisons with present-day supermarkets in relation to what they stock and how they relate to customers.

Physical description

Four Square Store invoice for customer,Mrs A'Vard. Details are completed in pencil. On the left is a list of goods sold by the shop.

Inscriptions & markings

At top of invoice printed: 'FOUR SQUARE STORE / Newsagents and General Store / Phone 6 / SEARLE'S / LICENSED GROCERS' [and other information]