Historical information

James McConnachie worked in the Emerald Co-Op from 1981 until his retirement in 2012. In that time he served as the Secretary Manager, General Manager and Managing Director. Founded in 1945, the Emerald and District Co-Operative Society was established in the wake of the Second World War when a shortage of stock feed created a desperate situation for local farmers.
The co-operative movement is a workers movement that grew out of industrial Britain when underpaid working people banded together to buy goods at wholesale prices (Jenkinson, 2005).

Significance

This photograph is historically and socially significant because it depicts a long-serving member of the Emerald Co-Operative. Since its establishment in 1945, the Co-Op has become an integral part of the community. It is an active supporter of local sporting clubs, schools and groups. Sponsorships have included the football club, the primary and secondary schools, and the Emerald RSL. The co-op movement is an historically significant movement that has ties with the broader social and labour movements of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Physical description

Black and white rectangular photograph. Two males are posing for a photo. The male on the left is in a Salvation Army uniform, distinguished by the letter 'S' pinned onto his left and right lapel. Two more unidentifiable pins are on the left lapel. The male on the right is James McConnachie, manager of the Emerald Co-Op. He is in civilian clothing. The two males are standing in front of a small table. On the table is a large, white, stuffed-toy bear with a ribbon tied around its neck. Five smaller stuffed-toy bears are also on the table. The two males are both holding onto the large bear. The two males are standing outdoors in front of a brick wall. Trees can be seen in the background.

Inscriptions & markings

Obverse:
S S /