Before the era of mass-produced celebrity and themed-calendars, many businesses produced promotional calendars for their customers. On Picture Ipswich we are fortunate enough to have digitised copies of calendars from several local businesses, including W.V. Hefferan (The Australian Shopkeeper) and T.D. Johnson (General Shopkeeper).
Though not locally born, Mr William Vincent (W.V) Hefferan ran a grocery store in Ipswich for 17 years and also served as an Alderman in both Ipswich and Brisbane. Born in Tiaro on 25 November 1873 to Kearan and Mary (nee Mullins), Mr Hefferan had a varied employment history before making his way to our part of the state. He started his working life as an apprentice at Walkers Ltd, Maryborough, later moving to Rockhampton to work for Mr William Kidston, the owner of a book store and one-time Premier of Queensland. In 1897, Mr Hefferan joined the Royal Australian Artillery and served at Thursday Island for two years. Following this service, he moved south and gained employment as a machinist at the Ipswich Railway Workshops, where he remained for 13 years.
Calendar used by W. V. Hefferan, The Australian Storekeeper, Ipswich, 1929 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich
Mr Hefferan left the Workshops when he stood for the seat of Bremer against Mr J.C. Cribb. The election race was close, though he ultimately lost. While unsuccessful in his electoral runs for the seats of Fassifern, Stanley and Moreton, Mr Hefferan eventually served as an Ipswich Alderman (1917-1921; 1924-1927 and 1930-1933) and was the Chairman of the Council’s Finance Committee.
Thought to be a portrait of William Vincent Hefferan, Ipswich, 1930s – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich
Upon their departure to Brisbane in 1933, the Hefferans were praised for their contributions to the Ipswich community. Besides his political efforts, Mr Hefferan was Patron of the West Moreton Cycling Association and Vice President of the Model Band. Meanwhile, his wife – Mary Josephine Hefferan (nee Sherman) – was involved in many local causes including her work as Treasurer of the St Mary’s Benevolent Society.
In 1934, Mr Hefferan became the Alderman for South Brisbane and remained in that position until his death. He died on 17 November 1937 at his home in Highgate Hill following a four month illness. He was survived by his wife, a son, two daughters as well as two brothers.
Mr Hefferan had a long association with the A.L.P. and was an active member of the Australian Natives Association (A.N.A). With his interest in music, he was the organiser for the A.N.A. Eisteddfod for several years, Chairman of the South Brisbane Library Committee, and was involved with a number of other committees and associations.
In 1929, the Hefferans sold their grocery store to Mr and Mrs De Lacy Johnson. Mr Johnson was formerly a miner who remained in the grocery trade for over 20 years.
Calendar used by T. D. Johnson, general storekeeper, Ipswich, 1933 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich
On 19 December 1947, a celebration was held in Mr Johnson’s honour with the Ipswich Mayor (J.C. Minnis) and other dignitaries in attendance. Having received the congratulations of those present, he made mention of the hard work and long hours that were necessary for success. In June of the following year, Mr Johnson and his family were once again honoured for their business endeavours. With around 40 guests in attendance, Mr Johnson spoke on behalf of his family and accepted the tributes paid to them by those present.
In a noteworthy, yet unfortunate turn of events, a formal apology was published in the Queensland Times regarding an article that appeared in the “Queensland Shopkeepers Journal” on 12 January 1949. The publishers and printers of that journal apologised for the tone of their article, entitled “From Miner to Successful Storekeeper”. They stated that they had now discovered that there was no foundation for the implications made about how the store was conducted by Mr Hefferan before it was purchased by the Johnsons in 1929.
Information taken from :
‘Ald. W.V. Hefferan Passes. Lifelong Association with A.L.P. Former Ipswich Identity’, Queensland Times, Thursday 18 November, 1937, p. 6
‘Early Departure. Mr and Mrs W.V. Hefferan. Loss of Excellent Citizens.’, Queensland Times, Friday 23 June 1933, p.6.
’20th year in the Grocery Trade’, Queensland Times, Saturday 20 December 1947, p.2
‘Mr T.D. Johnson Honoured’, Queensland Times, Monday 21 June 1948, p.2
‘Apology’, Queensland Times, Wednesday 9 March 1949, p.6