Cornell's Chemist | Encyclopedia Of South East History

Cornell's Chemist, Pambula:

Chemists have played an important role in Pambula’s medical community since well before the dawn of the 20th century. Among their number was locally born and raised Vincent John (“Vin”) Cornell, who, like others of the time, had his own glass chemist bottles manufactured.

The son of Pambula Post and Telegraph Master E. J. Cornell, Vin was educated at Pambula Public School before going on to St. Joseph’s College secondary school at Hunter’s Hill on the Lower North Shore of Sydney. From there he took up a position to study chemistry at Washington H. Soul’s establishment in 1904 and graduated from the Sydney University’s Faculty of Pharmacy in 1909.

December of the same year saw the young graduate return to Pambula, having purchased the town’s chemist business, and

Cornell's pharmacy, in Quondola Street, Pambula, C. 1912.

From the Illawarra & South Coast Steam Navigation

Company handbook, 1912.

Courtesy of a private collection.

it was reported that he “…intends running it on up-to-date lines.” The following year he opened a branch store in Eden and in 1911 further expanded the business when, in partnership with Mr. Self, he purchased the Bega chemist of George Whyte.

The 2nd edition of the Illawarra and South Coast Steam Navigation Company’s 1912 handbook noted that “…sauntering further along Quondola Street, the visitor will be attracted by the inviting appearance of Mr. V. J. Cornell’s pharmacy. Mr. Cornell M. P. S. is one of the leading men in Pambula, who has the progress of the town and district at heart. His drug store is a model of up-to-date, scientific management, where medicines may be carefully made up and patented proprietary articles, toilet requisites, scents, soaps and all kinds of sundries obtained…” These included glass bottles in a range of sizes embossed with his details.

Mr. Cornell remained in Pambula until 1915, when he disposed of his chemist business to Mr. E. Marsden. Of his departure, the Pambula Voice reported “Before Mr. Cornell came to Pambula, this district did not have the advantage of a modern chemist’s shop, with all the conveniences and requirements demanded by an intelligent public. It is also a great convenience to people in the country to be able to get first class services and goods handy at a very slight advance in city prices. This is what Mr. Cornell has provided…”

Above & left: Accounts issued by V. J. Cornell in 1914 and 1915.

Courtesy of a private collection. All

rights reserved

References and bibliography:

Cornell Chemist business records, private ownership
George, Allan, pers. comm.
Illawarra and South Coast Steam Navigation Company handbook, 2nd ed, 1912
Martin Family Papers (private ownership)
Pambula Voice
Southern Star
Twofold Bay Magnet & South Coast and Southern Monaro Advertiser