If you were in need of a new tweed suit in Ipswich of the 1880’s you may very well have dropped in to Charles August Johnson’s tailor shop.
Johnson was 26 when he commenced business in 1876, opening his doors in Brisbane Street at the Top of Town. His location is described as being in Brisbane Street, “opposite Harvey’s, blacksmith and the Union Hotel.” (The Union Hotel is now known as The Prince of Wales Hotel). Other hints to the store’s location describe it as being near the Oddfellows Hall and “beside the Baptist Chapel”.
He later had premises in Nicholas Street, their current day location being near to the Customer Centre at the top of the mall.
This photo shows his premises in Nicholas Street. Johnsons’ store is the second down on the left. On the awning is painted “C.A.Johnson Tailor & Outfitter”. Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich.
Advertising his services, Charles proudly proclaimed that his prices were cheaper than anywhere else in town and guaranteed a perfect fit.
An example advertisement in the Queensland Times from 1886:
“WANTED KNOWN: That C. A. JOHNSON. Tailor. corner of Brisbane and Ellenborough Streets, is making TROUSERS, VESTS, and COATS to Measure Cheaper than any other House in Town. Many Different Patterns to Choose from.”
His business moved premises a number of times, first in Brisbane Street, then later to the Nicholas Street location before finally settling back in Brisbane Street on the corner of Ellenborough. Bostock Chambers, constructed in 1915, now stands on this location.
This photo shows Charles standing outside his shop on the corner of Brisbane and Ellenborough Streets, along with his wife Mary and two of their children. Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich.
What also makes this picture interesting is the police officer standing on the far right. He is dressed in uniform and wearing the official black helmet. The black helmets came in in the early 1880’s. Prior to this they were white. Many officers suffered heatstroke from wearing the black helmets in the sun, so in 1891 the white helmets were allowed again.
In 1905 Charles closed his shop and left Ipswich, later residing in Brisbane with one of his daughters.
Information taken from: “Tailoring” The Queensland Times 18/4/1876 Page 1, “Obituary – C.A. Johnson” The Queensland Times 3/12/1935 Page 4, “C.A. Johnson, Tailor, &c.” The Queensland Times 17/9/1896 Page 7, FROM THE VAULT A History of Police Uniform – Part 1: 1864 – 1905, Queensland Police Museum