A very long time ago when I entertained the idea of writing a book, an author advised me to dream up as many titles as possible. “Make a list of at least 30 ideas,” he suggested. I have been settled on Negociant for a long time, taken from the profession listed for Jean on his death report. Here’s a mock up of a cover idea.
Images are courtesy of the State Library of NSW, photography by Beaufoy Merlin of the American and Australasian and Photographic Company, circa 1872.
These extraordinary images show a residence on top of a store, owned by the subject of the book I’m researching, Jean Serisier. The building was called Bo Allia, an abbreviation of Bon Alliance. Perfect!
Jean was also a master negotiator and trader and accustomed to having good alliances with others, whose vision of building a town in the middle of NOWHERE brought him wealth and respect which he earned in every regard.
The image below the Bon Alliance title shows Jean with his sons Hippolyte (left) and Jean Jnr (right).
(Photo courtesy the State Library of New South Wales, Holtermann Collection – http://goo.gl/9oTwT3)
King of Dubbo 
Dear Yvette
Is this store still standing today ?
Hope your all well
Love Sallyanne
Sent from Sallyanne’s phone.
HELLO!!! This is a surprise to hear from you via this blog!!! But a lovely surprise. Yes we’re well, thank you. And you?? We must organise a skype. I’ll message you. As for Jean’s store, it went up in flames sadly. It was built on the block where Sid’s bottle shop now stands and the lane behind it, which still exists, is called Serisier Lane. There is a plaque commemorating the store’s existence out the front of Essence Cafe or near there. The view from his balcony would have been Hog’s Breath, which of course back then was the city’s first bank. 🙂 You’ve made my day. Thank you.