The Southern Argus newspaper of Goulburn announced on Saturday June 9 in 1883 that “Mr Caspers of Goulburn opens a photographic studio in Yass today”.
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In 1882, Rudolph Caspers had bought land in Comur Street from the local Catholic church and built three shops with accommodation above.
The photo of the shops circa mid-1880 showed, from right to left, R. Caspers Photographer of Goulburn, the Tribune office and the Bank of New South Wales.
He exhibited in the Amsterdam International, Colonial and Export Trade Exhibition in 1883.
Research suggested that Rudolph Caspers had been a piano tuner prior to becoming a photographer.
It would seem that he may have already developed a reputation for his photography skills in Goulburn before extending his business to Yass, based on the signage on his shop.
Just six years later, local council rate books show Caspers’ buildings to now be owned by Caspers’ Estate and occupied by E. Scurr, Mandelson’s Cash Store and Mrs Lucas.
What isn’t shown in early council rate books is what, if any, was the nature of business in each of the locations.
Later rate books sometimes tell us what the type of business was.
Currently, Caspers’ buildings are home to Yazzbar and Merchant Campbell (replacing in 2017 the ‘Kidz Blitz Toy Shop’).
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could tell the story of the vibrant life of Comur Street and its shops and occupants over the years starting with Caspers’ buildings?!
Maybe you know some of that story.
Did you or your family frequent businesses in there over the years?
What are your memories of the sights, the sounds and the smells, the goods and the people you came across and when that was?
Maybe you even have some photos!
If so, you can help Yass & District Historical Society record the story of Comur Street and Yass, you can send any reminiscences, photos et cetera to us.
And what became of Rudolph Caspers’ photos? Perhaps you have one?
Yass and District Historical Society is run by volunteers to preserve and promote the community’s history.
They can also assist with family history, including family trees.
Contact Yass & District Historical Society by post to PO Box 304, Yass NSW 2582, or by email to:
- info@yasshistory.org.au
Or drop into Yass Archives, upstairs in the Memorial Hall laneway on Tuesdays, 2-5pm, and first Saturday monthly, 11am-3pm.
