High Street, West Maitland-Mr. R. Blair’s Book, Stationary, and Fancy Warehouse.

Early colonial view of High street, West Maitland, New South Wales with Robert Blair’s stationary shop.

Robert Blair, bookseller and stationer, started his business in West Maitland in 1854 occupying part of the premises of Mr. Partridge, a chemist. He announced his intention in the Maitland Mercury on Saturday 7 October 1854: Robert Blair, Bookseller, Stationers &c., advises the inhabitants of Maitland and vicinity that he has commenced business in the above line, in the shop of Mr. Partridge, Druggist, High street, West Maitland. His large supply of Interesting and Useful Works of which more detail would be given at a future day.  By 1868 in a Mercury Report on June 25th, under the title Town Improvements, mention was made of a new building being erected in High Street. This building, designed by the architect, Mr. White would occupy the site of the old tallow and chandlery establishment for many years tenanted by Mr. W. Heugh. Mr. Wolstenholme was the builder. Mr. R. Blair, the present owner of the land intended to use the new building as premises for his business as bookseller and stationer. By the end of January 1870 it was reported that Mr. Blair was now established in his new store. This building was erected on the riverside of High Street, between Church and Elgin Streets.

From the original edition of the Town and Country Journal.