General stores were a vital part of the regional communities that developed throughout Australia in the 19th century. They were the link between their communities and the metropolis and to overseas markets. Chinese immigrants were a dominant part of this retail trade across the country. By 1901 there were 800 people of Chinese descent working in NSW shops - a statistic that suggests the existence of several hundred 'Chinese stores' in the state.

The significance of these items derive from their relationship to the Wong Sat family, who ran a store near Crookwell in south western NSW.

Wong Sat and Amelia Wong were married in 1864. Seven of their 10 children were born there. Both Amelia and Sat had migrated to Australia in the 1850s. Amelia arrived with her family from Manchester where they had a drapery business. Like many other Chinese men Sat made his way to Australia alone and in search of gold. He too made his way to the Bathurst area. Again like many other Chinese migrants, Sat moved from mining into trade - possibly as a butcher, shopkeeper or carrier.

Sat and Amelia were selling supplies to Chinese and European customers in the gold mining town of Tuena from 1864 to 1875. In that year the family moved south to the Fullerton/Bolong area near Crookwell where they continued to trade and farm on a rented property. In 1879 Sat was naturalised which allowed him to purchase land. Several hundred acres were bought in 1880 and a small wooden store was built on the property. Built on a sheep farm well away from link roads, the rudimentary wooden building was a 'convenience store' supplying local families on the properties and occasional travellers with a vast array of goods from foodstuffs to clothing, school needs to farm supplies. Where city and large country department stores were utilising sophisticated display techniques the Wong store had a functional set of shelves. Most goods were stored in boxes or cupboards to be brought out upon request. Like other general stores, the Wongs' business also served an important economic function as a provider of credit for families waiting for returns on their wool clip or harvest. The Wongs became highly respected members of the local community. The store traded until Sat's death in 1916

The objects date from 1878-1939

Shop catalogues and swatch books (18), order forms (2), dress pattern (1), paper, textile, used in the Wong family store, Bolong, via Crookwell, New South Wales, Australia, 1878-1939.

This published material was used in the business of the Wong family store. The collection is comprised of one copy of each of the following; Anthony Hordern 'Millinary Fashion Liftout' from 'Lone Hand' 1907, Slate Stores Ltd 'Mail Order Catalogue' Autumn and Winter 1917, Mason Bros 'Annual Catalogue' 1878, Harrington and Co. 'Photographic Catalogue' No.12, 'Oil Skin Price List', Winter 1917, 'SB Fancy Vest Price List' Summer 1909-10, Southern Cross Windmill Co. 'Catalogue', August 1939, E. Webb and Co. advertisement for ploughs liftout from 'Bathurst Post' March 1898, Edments 'Wholesale Price List' [with personal clippings inserted] no date, Grace Bros 'Winter Catalogue' 1902, Grace Bros 'The Model Trader' June 1910, HB and Co 'Woollens' Autumn and Winter 1907, HB and Co. 'Special Suitings' Winter 1912, HB and Co. 'Special Suitings' Summer 1909-10, HB and Co. 'New Seasons Vestings' Spring and Summer 1909-10, HB and Co. 'Woollens' Spring and Summer 1909-10, HB and Co.'Woollen, Tweeds, Serges and Worsteds', Autumn and Winter 1912, HB and Co.'Woollen, Tweeds, Serges and Worsteds', Autumn and Winter 1917. These catalogues and swatch books permitted country customers to decide on suits and fabrics. The Wong store apparently acted as an agent for the clothing companies. All catalogues are for men's clothing.

In addition there is one completed order form for a HB and Co. Challenge suit filled out in the name of W.H. Wong dated 1904 and one completed Gowings Bros 'Self Measurement Form' for a suit in the name of W. Mills dated 8 February 1909. This latter form permitted the customer to measure themselves in accordance with the instructions and send away for a mail order suit.

There is a brown envelope with a letter and sample of adhesive plaster from F. Kemp and Co.

Made: 1878 - 1939

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1878 - 1939