At that time, i didn't think too much about where the tobacco came from. I assumed that it originated overseas, although I did know that cigarette manufacturer WD & HO Wills had a large plant over on the southside of town in the suburb now known as Robertson. But tobacco was grown in Australia (mainly in North Queensland), and there had been a tobacco factory right here in Brisbane - the Dixson and Sons multi-storey building in Fortitude Valley, pictured below in 1896.
(Photo: State Library of Queensland and John Oxley Library; #73246)
Sensibilities about smoking aside, it was felt that there was a financial incentive in having this business in Brisbane. Click here to read an excerpt from "The Queenslander" newspaper of 21 July 1896 that discusses the commercial benefits to the city and also gives the reader a tour of the factory and a description of the manufacturing process.

The old Dixson's building survives, on the busy corner of Brunswick and Ivory Streets in the Valley. The exterior has changed somewhat, as you can see in my recent photo (above - click for a larger image), that I have chosen to present in black and white. In 1901, Dixson's joined with WD & HO Wills to form British Tobacco Co. (Australia). I cannot say when tobacco production ceased in the building, but it is now home to a contemporary design house.
Click here for a Google Map.
tff
Next: Call me a cab!
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