Historical information

Sales Ledgers, 17 volumes associated with Gembrook Nurseries from 14.05.1913-08.01.1983 (1-17).

Significance

This book holds historic, social and scientific (research and horticultural) significance. It is associated with Carl Axel Nobelius, a Swedish immigrant who was an important influence on the development of the nursery industry of Australia. Nobelius Nursery, the business Carl established in 1886, is also historically important for being the largest nursery in the southern hemisphere during its peak, just prior to World War I (WWI). It contributes to understandings of Nobelius Nursery and Carl Axel in particular, by illustrating the exceptionally diverse and consistent client base he had built up over 20 years and the impact this had on the nursery industry through his large-scale and diverse operations. It also embodies the social identity of the Dandenong region as a place known characteristically for plant growing and other agricultural purposes.

Physical description

Sales Ledgers, 17 volumes associated with Gembrook Nurseries from 14.05.1913-08.01.1983 (1-17). This hard covered book measures 380mm high, 270mm wide and 75mm deep. The cover is bound in worn black leather and its sides in tan suede. The book contains 802 pages. A multi-coloured, marbled pattern decorates the width of the pages of the book’s exterior (most noticeable when closed). This book was bought in 1912 from D. W. Paterson Co., a printing firm based in Melbourne, and was used between 1913 and 1916 by Carl Axel Nobelius to hand record Nobelius Nursery stock sales to clients in Victoria, interstate and overseas. There are hundreds of clients listed in this book. The following summary of names and places is indicative of the client range in this volume - Mr Hackett, Nursery, Adelaide South Australia; Mrs C J Weedon & Co, Launceston Tasmania; Mr Pickstone, Cape of G. Hope South Africa; Kerr & Barnett Nursery, Christchurch New Zealand; Director State Gardens, Gwalior India; Lasscock Nurseryman, Locklies South Australia; Ms Beisley Nursery, Freemantle WA; Mr Buckle, Wetherson Queensland; Ms Law Somner & Co, Melbourne Victoria; Mrs Braithwaite, Leeton New South Wales.

Inscriptions & markings

The inside cover has the book maker’s sticker noting ‘D. W. PATERSON CO.’, and hand written detail ‘No. Stock, Date 16/10/1912’.