Family background
Robert Anderson was born about 1836. He lived at 82 Union Street. He died at his son’s residence, ‘Ferndale’, 1 Bridge Street, Erskineville on 22 January 1911. He was buried in the Presbyterian cemetery, Rookwood.
Occupation & interests
Robert Anderson manufactured perambulators (prams) in partnership with Robert Kearney until 31 January 1876. He then operated his own works at 43 Parramatta Street, Glebe (later Broadway). Along with infant perambulators, he also built invalid’s wheelchairs, rocking horses and children’s bicycles. He won prizes for his products at various exhibitions in Sydney. In 1888, he offered the prize of a baby carriage to any woman who could answer the riddle, ‘Why is Anderson’s Perambulator Factory like a kangaroo? And why are basket Perambulators like a Laundress who married a Sydney Dealer?’ Sadly, the answer to this riddle is not available.
Community activity
Robert Anderson was a member of Day Spring, No 1 Division, Sons and Daughters of Temperance.
Local government service
Robert Anderson was an alderman on Erskineville Council in 1892-1900, representing was an alderman on Erskineville Council in 1892-1900, representing Middle Ward. He was mayor in 1894 and 1897.
References
‘Business Announcements’, Sydney Morning Herald, 8 February 1876, p 3, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/13363904
‘Advertisements’, Sydney Morning Herald, 11 March 1887 p 14, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/13629114
‘Advertisements’, Sydney Morning Herald, 21 August 1888, p 9, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/13693983
‘Funerals’, Sydney Morning Herald, 23 January 1911, p 14; 24 January 1911, p 14