Summary

Alternative Name(s): Stock Booklet, Notebook, Note Book, Cash Book

Multiple page stock book used by Alexander McKenzie for his general store in Rochford, Victoria, in 1916.

In 1916 Alexander took over the lease of the general store in Rochford, Victoria, about six miles from his family home 'Craigilea'. Alexander was an inexperienced storekeeper and carefully recorded prices in this booklet. He organised orders and deliveries, returning to 'Craigilea' each evening. Daughters Christina and Margaret worked and lived on-site. Son Kenneth sometimes stayed overnight with Christina and Margaret as he was apprenticed to nearby farrier Dave Cook.

Alexander did not run the store for long. He was aged 53 in 1916, and was to die suddenly in 1921, after feeling unwell. On 31 March 1917 the Woodend Star advertised a 'SHOP - and Dwelling, at Rochford, every convenience. Now occupied by A McKenzie. Full particulars from ROBERT HEMPHILL. Rochford'.

The stock book is likely to have been used after Alexander gave up the store.

Physical Description

Booklet with black leatherette cover, labelled 'HERE IT IS'. Inside pages lined in blue. Extensive hand-writing, over an extended period. Page edges staggered to show letters of the alphabet. The pages have been stitched together and attached to the cover, but have now partially pulled away from the cover. They are also extensively stained with a range of materials. The page edges are curled and discoloured. Some pages list food products, with costs against them, such as 'Poultry Condiment 1/-' and 'Pudding Plum 1/3'. Other pages include non-food products such as candles ('Electrine' brand), cotton, paper bags and 'cartridges'.

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