During a recent visit to Cairns from her home town of Kempsey on the Central Coast of NSW, Cairns Family History member Robin Clear reconnected with her Craig Family history.
Research done before her arrival revealed her great grandfather Robert Craig arrived in Brisbane from Scotland on the “Albany” on 4 December 1882. He received his registration as a Chemist and Druggist in 1883 before moving to Cairns where he opened the first pharmacy in Abbott Street opposite the Post Office.
He married Catherine Munro in 1891 in Toowoomba after returning from a six-month trip to the “old country” and they returned to Cairns to establish a home, start a family and become involved in the community.
Robert Craig died in 1911 and his widow Catherine donated a Lectern (in photo at right) in his memory to St John’s Anglican Church. Robert’s son (also Robert) but known by his second name, Gordon, took over the pharmacy which had been expanded into a stationery business as well with the addition of Owen Whittick, formerly of Brisbane, as its manager.
Their son, Robert Gordon Craig, also a Chemist, served in the Australian Army in England during World War 1 with the Australian Medical Corps. He returned to Cairns to continue in the pharmacy.
The business became known as Craig & Whitticks but when the family moved to Sydney in 1928, the business became Whitticks Newsagency.
Robert Craig was buried in the McLeod Street Pioneer Cemetery and the family home in Minnie Street between St John’s and the Masonic Temple was replaced by the Heritage Motel. However, the Lectern in St John’s is a reminder of the Craig family’s early contribution to Cairns.
Thank you for this article about Cairns Chemist Robert Craig. While on a walk recently I found an old bottle with Robert Craig Chemist Cairns, on the side. Realising that it was quite old, I brought it home and had a friend look up the name. So, you can imagine my delight when your article came up. I am wondering if Robin Clear or another family member might be interested in it, if not I shall donate it to a museum. So, if you would like to pass my details on to Robin or other interested family members, I would be happy to hear from them.
Yours sincerely
Goran Sumiga