The history of Port Melbourne’s economy is often associated with the major industrial employers and factories which employed large numbers of local residents. The census records and Sands and McDougall directories for the late 19th century show a more diverse economic picture, with a significant proportion of Port Melbourne residents listing their trades as independent craftspeople or business owners. This included many women residents, who listed their occupations in a range of fields as diverse as school teaching, proprietors of tea rooms, running grocery and specialist stores, and running businesses in baking and drapery. Bay St was the social and economic centre of the Port Melbourne area in 1880, and in that year, over a third of the businesses and shops along the street were run by women. This included Mrs Harriet Jolly, whose confectionery shop was near the intersection with Beach St, a restaurant run by Mrs Susan Litchfield, Mrs Elizabeth Davenport’s pawnbroking business, and a “registry office for servants” run by Mrs Margaret McLean. These independent businesses placed women’s work in the centre of the Port Melbourne economy.
by laurenpiko on Nov. 27, 2017Please login to comment on this item