William Proctor

Background

William Proctor was born in 1934 at Lancaster, England. He married Margaret Flintoff (b. 1835, Lans, England)in 1858 at Lans, England. There children were: 1. William Henry b. 1861, Ballarat 2. George Edward b. 1862, Ballarat 3. Elizabeth Annie b. 1865, Ballarat 4. Arthur Ridyng b. 1867, Ballarat 5. Margaret Alice b. 1869, Ballarat 6. Francis Percival b. 1872, Ballarat 7. Ernest Albert b. 1874, Ballarat

History

W. Proctor.
‘Ballarat Coach Manufactory. Facing the Theatre Royal, STURT STREET. FOR SALE, complete, several new BUGGIES, now in a forward state of manufacture. Repairs promptly and efficiently executed, including Plain and Decorative Coach Painting.’

COACH MANUFACTURING IN BALLARAT IN 1861.

‘TO meet the vastly increased demand upon Mr PROCTOR’S COACH MANUFACTORY in Sturt street, Ballarat, the proprietor has let by contract the erection of large additions to his workshop, and the erection of half-a-dozen additional blacksmiths’ forges, and the building of a subterranean blast vault, to allow of the forges being worked by a steam fan blast, a steam engine will be on the ground in a few days, accompanied by several lathes, mortising and boring machines, steam grindstones, &c., &c. A sewing machine has already arrived, and entered upon its duties, which it discharges with great satisfaction. The proprietor has felt reluctant for several weeks past to receive additional orders for vehicles, finding he was so straitened for shoproom, the business having rapidly outgrown what he thought at one time large expectations, and the capabilities of his manufactory; he has, however, doubled the number of his workmen during the last fortnight, and purposes still to increase their number as soon as the new additions and alterations are completed, so that he is now open to receive numerous orders, in half-dozens or dozens, for stage coaches, family carriages, the Lady Barkly phaeton, business buggies, the yeoman’s family car, American delivery waggons, or any other description of vehicles required. Hals-a-dozen merchants, wanting each a business buggy or an American delivery waggon, by arranging to order each one at the same time, would be allowed ten per cent discount upon the cost. COMPLIMENTARY COMMUNICATION. – Several gentlemen have favoured us with letters expressive of their satisfaction and appreciation of the vehicles purchased from us and manufactured at out works, the contents of which will shortly be made available to the public. We continue to guarantee for twelve months all our vehicles, and to confer upon our customers the numerous benefits resulting from making their purchases for cash. We shall be glad to receive a visit from ladies and gentlemen interested in the establishment of local manufactures, and who prefer a vehicle in which they purpose entrusting their lives made upon the spot, and under their immediate observation. OUR BAZAAR, at the recent Annual Exhibition of the Ballarat Agricultural Society, was quite an attraction. Amongst the numerous visitors were Sir Henry and Lady Barkly, who were highly pleased at the collection of vehicles, and the artistic manner in which they were finished. His Excellency made some very complimentary remarks touching local manufactures, of which we took a note, and, with those of other visitors, will appear in our next review. LOCAL PATRONAGE. – We presume, perhaps erroneously, that our local shopkeepers and merchants deem to some extent the matter of patronage to local manufactories of little importance; such, however, upon investigation, will not be found to be the case, In confirmation of this statement we may be allowed to mention that the rate of our disbursements for wages alone amount to over three thousand pounds per annum. This sum spent in the town must tell favourably upon the yearly profit balances of men of business, and would tell much more effectually if each one gave his influence and patronage to local enterprises, especially as in our case, where a superior article can be had at less than import price. With great respect, I am, Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, WM. PROCTOR.’

W. M. PROCTOR, COACH BUILDER,

‘BEGS to announce that he has now open for inspection at his Factory, Sturt street, opposite Theatre Royal, the following specimens of his own manufacturing: - Double-seated Concords Single-seated Top and No Top Buggies Waggonettes, with Extension Tops Side-spring Waggons, with Extension Head and Canopy Tops Slide-seated Buggies Light Delivery Waggons Light and Heavy Express Waggons . and is prepared to construct without delay, Albert Phaetons, Park Phaetons, Broughams, Carryalls, Tilburies, Sociables, Sulkies, Chaises &c., &c. Repairs and alterations promptly and economically attended to. N.B. – Prizeman at the Ballarat Agricultural Shows during the last three years of extension head buggies, delivery waggons, side spring waggons, wagonettes, wheels, &c.’

William Proctor was a coachbuilder in Sturt Street in 1865.

Site

William Proctor's coachbuilding establishment was located on the corner of Sturt Street and Doveton Street.

The coach manufactory originally stood opposite the Theatre Royal, on the north-east corner of Sturt and Deveton Streets

The company was advertising in the Ballarat Star in 1885 at which time they were listed as being situated on the corner of Doveton Street and McKenzie Street.

Legacies

William Proctor coachbuilder has been recreated at Sovereign Hill Museums Association.

External Links

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--C.K.Gervasoni 09:36, 7 December 2011 EST);--Sallyanne Doyle 23:41, 6 October 2012 (EST)