Benson and Norris Boot factory (located at the corner of Kerr and George street, Fitzroy).
Image held by Fitzroy Library. Norris Boot factory (located at the corner of Kerr and George street, Fitzroy) workers at the annual Boot Trade Employees’ Federation Labour Day picnic. Mr Norris (moustache) is standing in front of the left hand ‘N’ of the charabanc. Rose Elms (nee Madden) sitting forth from the back of charabanc flanked by Flo Ling (nee Gaylor) and Rose’s sister. The date of this photo is unknown, but it must have been prior to 1923.
The Factory must have been the site of the MacRobertson’s factory which stands on this location today. The other three corners (as shown above) have the pub, and houses on them. At the time of the MMBW map, the area between this factory and MacRobertson’s Box Factory was houses. Eventually these houses were removed for more of the MacRobertson Chocolate Factory.
On Saturday 1 December 1923 the Benson and Norris shoe manufacturer’s factory (a 2 story brick building on land of 100ft. 3in. x 121ft. 5in.) was put up for auction on 20 December 1923. Terms were 25 per cent cash deposit, 15 per cent in 12 months and the balance in 3 years. Interest was 6 per cent. The Auctioneers in conjunction, Percy Henry, 352 Collins Street, Melbourne; R W Lord Burwood Road, Hawthorn (The Argus on Sat 1 December 1923 and Sat 8 December 1923 in Classified Advertising). Then on the 20th it was advertised again, breaking the auction into 3 lots, first being Land and Buildings, second the Plant, Machinery, Fixtures and Fittings and the third for stock (The Argus, 20 December 1923, Classified Advertising).
I do not know whether MacPherson Robertson purchased the Benson and Norris factor in 1923 or if there was another owner in between. Something for further research.
Need to work through the belowand separate based on actual locations
MacRobertson’s Confectionary works, Fitzroy. Image held by Fitzroy Library. The ‘Lozenge department’. Taken from the Collingwood and Fitzroy illustrated Directory and Handbook, 1905. Not sure which of the buildings this is taken from.
Image held by Fitzroy Library. Birds eye-view of the works at Fitzroy. Taken from the Collingwood and Fitzroy illustrated Directory and Handbook, 1905. Not sure which of the buildings this is taken from.
Image held by Fitzroy Library. The ‘Jam packing department’. Taken from the Collingwood and Fitzroy illustrated Directory and Handbook, 1905.
Image held by Fitzroy Library. The ‘Kiss wrapping department’. Taken from the Collingwood and Fitzroy illustrated Directory and Handbook, 1905.
Image held by Fitzroy Library. The ‘Cream moulding room’. Taken from the Collingwood and Fitzroy illustrated Directory and Handbook, 1905.
Image held by Fitzroy Library. The ‘Packing Store 120×60’. Taken from the Collingwood and Fitzroy illustrated Directory and Handbook, 1905.
Image held by Fitzroy Library. The ‘Pan room – 28 comfit pans’. Taken from the Collingwood and Fitzroy illustrated Directory and Handbook, 1905.
Image held by Fitzroy Library. The ‘Boiling Room’. Taken from the Collingwood and Fitzroy illustrated Directory and Handbook, 1905.
Image held by Fitzroy Library. The stables. Taken from the Collingwood and Fitzroy illustrated Directory and Handbook, 1905.
Image held by Fitzroy Library. The ‘Milk Kiss’ factory. Taken from the Collingwood and Fitzroy illustrated Directory and Handbook, 1905.
Image held by Fitzroy Library. Part of show room. Taken from the Collingwood and Fitzroy illustrated Directory and Handbook, 1905.
