The drapery men

Photo: The Drapery Men. Image courtesy of Maryborough, Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

From the late 1880s onwards, Maryborough's city centre was the domain of the drapery men. Other stores lined its streets including ironmongers, bakers, jewellers and grocers, however it was the drpaers and mercers who were the barometer of the city's style, fashions and fortunes.

By the end of the 1920s, there were 10 drapery stores within Maryborough's main streets, with names that are enduring in the memories of generations of families. Among them were Finney, Isles and Co., Bryant and Fergurson, Adams, Lewis, Yareds, Salems, Monsours and Stuparts. 

Mannequins in shop windows showed off stylish lines of 'ladies costumes of the the lates designs' and 'capital shows of men's mercery, hats, tweeds, ties, shirts and such like goods'. 

Glass cabinets displayed almost every garment imaginable from hats, gloves, handbags and furs to crystal, china, dinner and tea sets and soft furnishinings.

Shelves from floor to ceiling were filled with rolls of materials of all descriptions, including Irish linens, laces, satins and exotic silks. 

One of the most loved of these drapers was the department store of William Boys and Sons, known far and wide for its slogan 'Nobody calls us dear!' The store first opened in 1912 in Kent Street and later moved to Adelaide Street.

Like many in the city, it was a family store with three generations continuing its proud traditions and trading under the Boys name until 1998.