J. H. Harris, Cash Draper

Prior to owning his own drapery, J. H. Harris was manager of the Ipswich Furniture Mart at the corner of East & Brisbane Streets. In March 1900, Harris became a business proprietor when he purchased the stock of Gilmore & Company and moved into their site between the North Star Hotel and Hunter's  corner in Brisbane Street. This shop was located opposite St Paul's Anglican Church and sold general drapery, children's and women's clothing, and men's mercery. Other items included handkerchiefs, umbrellas, perfumes, and millinery. Harris's establishment was known as a "cash drapery". At this time, at the beginning of the 20th century, the store's opening hours were limited to 1pm on Thursday but open to 9pm on Saturday night. Mrs Harris supervised the millinery department of the establishment. 

The business ticked along until March 1909 when J. H. Harris let it be known that he was retiring and leaving Ipswich. In April, Harris's residence in Ellenborough Street, household furniture, and the store's stock were sent to auction. By the end of that month his shop was available for lease. By May, Miss O'Brien, one of Harris's former employees opened her own drapery and millinery establishment in Goleby's Building further west on Brisbane Street.