History of Parker/Stimson Bakery

Date: [unknown] [unknown]
Location: Broadford, Victoria, Australia
Surnames/tags: Parker Johnston Stimson

Piecing together the history/ownership of the Parker/Stimson Bakery

25.9.1890 BROADFORD, WEDNESDAY. Parker's bakery at Broadford was burnt to the ground about 12 o'clock to-day. The building was a wooden structure, consisting of a three-roomed cottage and bakery, all of which was completely destroyed. About three tons of flour was saved, together with most of the books and plant. The property was owned by Mr. John O'Connor, of Reedy Creek, and is supposed to be uninsured. The origin of the fire has not yet been ascertained.

Excerpt from The Broadford Courier and Reedy Creek Times (Broadford, Vic. : 1893 - 1916) Thu 27 Aug 1896 Page 2 ^[1] :

Sale.-Messrs. T. . Cahil: and Co report the sale of Mr. W. Parker's William Parker (1866-1944) bakery business to Mr. Isaac Johnston Isaac Johnston (1851-bef.1901)at a satisfactory price.

Excerpt from The Broadford Courier and Reedy Creek Times (Broadford, Vic. : 1893 - 1916) Fri 11 Nov 1898 Page 3 ^[2]:

PRELIMINARY NOTICE
CHEAP BREAD! CHEAP BREAD!
4 1/2D THE 4LB LOAF
W Parker begs to Notify the people of Broadford and surrounding district owing to Isaac Johnston having given up possession of my Baking premises, I am about to start a Baking Business again on an early date, and at the present price of Flour will sell Bread as above, trusting to get a good share of my old customers back again.
W. PARKER, Baker.
Broadford 10/11/98
WANTED a Lad able to Milk. Apply above Address

11.11.1898 The Broadford Courier CHEAP BREAD.-Mr. W. Parker notifies that at an early date he intends to reopen his bakery business in High street. The price will be 4 1/d. the 41b loaf. Full particulars in another column.

Excerpt from The Broadford Courier and Reedy Creek Times (Broadford, Vic. : 1893 - 1916) Fri 28 Apr 1899 Page 2 ^[3] :

Kilmore County Court.
(Before His Honor Judge Gaunt.)
Wednesday, April 26, 1899.
Johnston v. Parker, for £3oo and an injunction to restrain defendant from carrying on business.
Mr Kelly for plaintiff, and Mr. Gardener for defendant.
Mr. Kelly stated his case, and the defence was discharge of agreement by breach, failure by plaintiff to perform his contract, and renunciation, and recision by mutual consent.
Mr. Kelly raised the objection that an equitable defence was raised.
His Honor overruled the objection.
Thomas S. Cahill was called, and asked for his expenses, which was fixed at 28s.
He deposed:
Am estate and commission agent at Yea. Remember transaction between Parker and Johnston. Was the agent. Drew up contracts (produced). The plaintiff paid me the purchase money for the business. The property was let to Johnston.
Cross examined-l believe 26s a week was the rent for premises.
Isaac Johnston deposed- Am a baker at Broadford. Purchased business from Wm. Parker. The contract was broken in many ways. The defendant advertised that he was starting business in Broadford. I purchased the paper at the "Courier" office.
His Honor-That is no evidence. You cannot believe everything in the papers.
Mr. Kelly-I could only give further evidence by calling the proprietor. Plaintiff continued-instructed my solicitor to write to defendant to withdraw the advertisement. A new bakery business started in Broadford under the name of Violet Parker Violet Forbes (abt.1870-1947). Have seen defendant in that place of business. Have seen him driving and delivering the bread within the last month. Dawborn was supplied by him. I used to supply Dawborn, but do not supply so much to him now. Violet Parker is the wife of defendant. They have carried on business for over two months. My business has been greatly affected by the reduction in price of bread.
An argument ensued as to what was the intention of the agreement within regard to defendant doing business near Isaac Johnston's.
His Honor said the agreement was uncertain.
Plaintiff continued - I have removed to other premises since October last. A man named Forbes became my landlord before I left and I paid to Parker then through his instructions.
Cross.examined-Letter (produced) is one I wrote to Mr. Parker giving him notice I would leave premises. Parker annoyed me very much. He sued me for rent and got a verdict. Cannot remember meeting Parker and Forbes at Colonial Bank. Do not remember making certain remarks then. Sent key to Parker. The premises were in good condition when I left.
To Mr. Kelly - Was summoned on account of a difference as to whether rent was for 4 or 5 weeks.
Edward Miller deposed - Am a labourer at Broadford. Work for Wm. Parker at weighing bread. Wm. Parker employed me. Occasionally delivered the bread under instructions of Wm. Parker. Received money and paid it to Parker.
John Keane was called and asked about balance due for expenses. The amount was fixed.
Witness then deposed - Am hotelkeeper at Broadford. Dealt with Parker for bread, and got bills. Do not know who delivers it. As I am not up when bread is delivered.
His Honor said the bills should have been brought. The only exception was when the scores were on the door, and it could not very well be brought. (Laughter).
This closed the case.
His Honor said the agreement was uncertain and unreasonable. This business was sold, and it did not say that the defendant should not carry on business within 12? miles from Broadford, but it simply said within 12? miles from Isaac Johnston. That could mean anywhere. Then Isaac Johnston left the original premises. Mr. Cahill not being a professional, did not draw up the agreement properly.
Mr. Kelly contended that the agreement could have the construction put upon it that it meant 12 miles trom Isaac Johnston at Broadford.
Mr. Gardener said the agreement should be construed strictly.
Verdict for the defendant with costs.

Excerpt from The Broadford Courier (Broadford, Vic. : 1916 - 1920) Fri 16 Aug 1918 Page 2 ^[4] :

We understand that the well known bakery business of Mr. A. C. Parker Arthur Charles Parker (1873-1944)is to be taken over and carried on by Mr. H. Stimson Horace Allandale Stimson (1890-1956) from the end of this month.

Excerpt (advertisment) from The Broadford Courier (Broadford, Vic. : 1916 - 1920) Fri 6 Sep 1918 Page 3 ^[5]

VICTORY BAKERY.
H A. Stimson,
(Successor to A. C, Parker)
Broadford.
Cakes or Small Goods made to Order
Bread of first rate quality supplied
Picnic Parties and Balls Catered For
Wedding Cakes a Speciality

Sources

1. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/58887938
2. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/5926284
3. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/58942918/5926429
4. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/64156165
5. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/64156211