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Emerald Museum & Nobelius Heritage Park
From the collection of Emerald Museum & Nobelius Heritage Park
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Photograph - R. J. Couper Butcher Cart, c. 1900s

  • A black and white photograph of a horsecart with a man standing behind it.

    R. J. Couper Butcher Cart Obverse

  • The reverse of a printed photograph with handwritten annotation in blue pen.

    R. J. Couper Butcher Cart Reverse

  • A black and white photograph of a horsecart with a man standing behind it.
  • The reverse of a printed photograph with handwritten annotation in blue pen.

Historical information

Robert John Couper (born 1871) was Emerald's first butcher, establishing his butchery c. 1900 and soon taking up a position near the corner of Main Street and Emerald-Monbulk Road. He operated the business until the Madigan family took over in 1919. This cart was used for transportation by the business.

Significance

This photograph captures a major early Emerald business; it is also a good example of transportation in the early 20th century.

Physical description

This item is a black-and-white photograph depicting two horses and horsecart. The cart has four spoked wooden wheels and a painted label advertising R. J. Couper. A man stands behind the cart, placing items into it. The cart is parked on the side of an unpaved road, besides a building and hedge. The reverse features annotations in blue pen and an accession number in pencil.

Inscriptions & markings

Obverse, Cart Label: "R. J. COUPER / BUTCHER EMERALD"
Reverse: "From / R. [illegible] / R J Couper's meat delivery cart / early 1900's"

Subjects

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