draperystore

George Espie's drapery store Charleville ca. 1918

from State Library of Queensland

• Vesna Verencevic said:

  ESPIE One-time MayLATE GEORGE MARTIN Of Charleville George Martin Espie was one of the most colourful personalities to occupy the position of Mayor of Charleville. He came to this town from Bendigo about the year 1888 to join his brother, D. E. (Ted) Espie, and the brothers, with their bullock teams, ranged the southwest from the Warrego to the Cooper. He commenced storekeeping about the year the railway went on to Cunnamulla, and continued in that occupation until his death in 1944. A forceful character, he was twice Mayor of Charleville, and many times an Alderman. He was a founding shareholder in Qantas and noted for his progressive ideas, and for the aggressive energy with which he pushed them. He is survived by his two sons Harry Espie (manager for Winchcombe Carson, St. George), Tom Espie (storekeeper, Charleville), and one daughter Noel (Mrs. A. W. Proud, Charleville). Source: The Charleville Times, 24 Oct. 1947 trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/76546387