George McDONALD

  General Notes:

Born at Carngham near Ballarat and went to Wycheproof when quite a young boy with his father selecting land at Dunosa where he gained an intimate knowledge of primary producer's problems, after whch, he and his brother, William, started store keeping in modest lines in Broadway near the post office. He later purchased Mr Redman's Store and with this experience and with liberal financial support from a city businessman, he became possessed of the large store now the Mutual Trading Co Pty Ltd in Broadway Wycheproof.

He played footballand won many prizes in pedestrian events.

George was an active member of the community being Hon Secetary of the Wycheproof Hospital, committeman of the A. and P. Society, Trustee of the Wycheproof Brass Band, member of the local Progress Association, President of the Back to Wycheproof, Trustee of the recreaction reserve and many other interests and positions of trust.

He was for many years a leading Freemason and was awarded Grand Lodge honours in recognition of his services to the craft.

Died at age 61 on the Wednesay previous to 12 February 1932 at his town residence in Essendon.

Extracts from the Wycheproof Ensign 12th February 1932

George McDonald was a bright lad winning a scholarship in Melbourne but his parents could not afford the few shillings board per week. At one time he worked in the local Bakery. George was then employed in the town by storeowner Tipping and eventually bought the store in 1906 after he had bought another store in 1900 from a man called Stowe. He demolished the store he bought from Tipping and used the materials to extend his own store and the combined building is still in use.

George married Rebecca Matilda WOOD, daughter of Never MARRIED and Elizabeth WOOD, on 3 Oct 1900 in Presbyterian Church Wycheproof. (Rebecca Matilda WOOD was born on 15 Sep 1879 in Ballarat, Vic and died in 1975 in Tasmania.)