Curtis & McColl - Carlton
Gallears & Klaerr - St Kilda
The Curtis and McColl families & St Kilda's Gallaers & Klaerr were a major plumbers and gasfitters through out much of the early 20th century.
Both had significant presence in Carlton, Melbourne. Curtis from 1890 to at lest 1974. McColl from 1890 to around 1955.
G&K seems dominant south of the Yarra River - St Kilda.
Curtis family plumbers include:
F Curtis (c1885-1940) - various addresses longest at 494 Rathdowne St.
W G Curtis (c1935-40) - 494 Rathdowne St.
G(eorge) H Curtis (c1905 - at least 1974) - long running business including foundry for at least 50 years at 129 Elgin St.
Three G H Curtis hinged covers identified and single F Curtis. All quite old - at least pre World War II:
#1044 - Plumbers, Cartlon. More than likely the oldest - early 20th century.
#146 - includes Clifton Hill
#150 - corner Elgin & Rathdown(e) Street(s), Carlton
#995 - F Curtis, Rathdown St, Nth Carlton
McColl family plumbers include:
A(lexander) E McColl (c1890 - 1955) began at 760 Lygon St. After a couple of moves relocated to 273 Johnston St, Abbotford from around 1930.
McColl Bros (c1895-1965) spent most of their time at 191 Elgin St. This is about a block away from their competitiors (?) - G GH Curtis.
Gallaers & Klarere - St Kilda
Info to follow
Covers identified:
McColl, Bros, Elgin St, Carlton (#188) – The earliest. Simplest raised ID on hinged lid.
McColl Bros, Plumbers, Carlton (#1927)
July 2018 updates: 6 Gallears & Klaerr covers added.
Featured image:
#713 – G H Curtis – corner Rathdown & Elgin Sts. Very early hinged cover.
page updated 5 July 2018