Historical information

Nobelius Real Estate was founded by Arch Nobelius in 1922. He was the son of horticulturalist Carl Axel Nobelius and his wife Emily (née Brightwell). The business was sold in 1946 to Horace Bowman (H. B.) Mickelburough, who had moved to Emerald from Ballarat that same year at age 43. Mickelburough was married to Margaret "Meg" (née Courtney) in 1928, who established Emerald's first pharmacy. From 1946, they shared the property on Main St., with the pharmacy sign visible in the photograph just behind the flag. The Post Office and the State Bank also shared this strip at the time.

In 1977, Mickelburough retired as Director of the agency, two years after it was sold to Bern and Elise Barlau.

Significance

This photograph helps to convey the significance of the Nobelius family within Emerald, both as owners of the nursery and horticulturalists, and local business owners and members of the community. It is also crucial to determining the continuance of this legacy through H. B. Mickelburough, who was himself an established supporter and member of various clubs, associations, and local pursuits in Emerald.

Physical description

A black and white photograph of a street, with several storefronts lined along the footpath. A sign for a real estate business stands on the nature strip. On the road, to the right of the image, a motorbike is parked next to several cars.

Inscriptions & markings

In photograph, on A-frame sign: "NOBELIUS / &CO. PTY. LTD / REAL ESTATE OPEN"
In photograph, on flag: "PROPERTY SALE"
In photograph, on sign above flag: "DANDY DOLLAR SAVINGS / NOBELIUS / &CO. PTY. LTD. / ESTATE AGENTS"
Reverse, handwritten in ink: "Main Rd Emerald."
Reverse, handwritten in pencil: "1968"