Historical information

Parsons & Lewis was the horse‑hair curling factory that operated on Graham Street (Now part of Anderson Rd), Sunshine (then Braybrook Junction).

The Co-Founders of the company were Edmund “Ted” Parsons (1855–1918) & Richard Lewis (d1909).

Richard Lewis died of anthrax, a known occupational hazard in hair‑processing industries.

The factory was deliberately placed on the banks of Kororoit Creek because large volumes of water were required for the horse‑hair curling process. Horsehair was washed, sorted, curled, dried, and baled, a labor-intensive process requiring skilled “drafters,” curlers, and spinners.

The factory processed animal hair for use in brushes and upholstery.

The building was subsequently demolished in 1987.

Significance

The Parsons & Lewis Horse Hair Curling Factory was one of the most important early industrial sites in Sunshine’s heritage landscape.

The Parsons family became one of the most respected families in Sunshine, both socially and civically. Their reputation was built over three generations, combining industrial contribution, community service, and local leadership.

Physical description

Collection of documents on the Parsons and Lewis Family and Business

Inscriptions & markings

Typed Notes Parsons Line|Typed Notes Parsons and Lewis Pty Ltd 1887 to 1988|Booklet The Drawers and Curlers Parsons and Lewis 1887 to 1988 by Peter Parsons|Newspaper Article The Advocate 6 October 1993 Brothers decide to retire from century old family business Buyer sought to keep up a proud tradition and History dates to boom days of 1880s|Original Business Names Act 1928 Certificate of Registrar General of Registration of an Individual Joseph Robert Parsons 8 June 1933 for Parson and Lewis|Newspaper Article The Weekly Times 25 September 1991 Brothers hang on by a tale|Newspaper Article The Age 17 October 1994 Hair today might go for a song tomorrow|Photograph of History panel Parson and Lewis|Photograph of vacant site where factory was located on corner Morris Street and Anderson Road|Photograph of facade of Parson and Lewis Horsehair Drawers and Curlers|Photograph of Parsons and Lewis and notes saying copy of the photograph of the fire that destroyed Parsons and Lewis factory on Kororoit Creek Sunshine|Newspaper Article Sunshine Advocate 29 January 1965 Australia Day program will appeal to all at JR Parsons Reserve