Miss R.E.Yon, costumier

Miss R.E.Yon, 159 Sydney Road, Brunswick, Melbourne.

Image Courtesy of: Google & Lyn Wrobel

The "R.E.Yon" on the facade of this building on Sydney Road, Brunswick dates from 1923 and stands for Ruby Ethel Yon.

Ruby Ethel Yon (1885–1937), was the daughter of Chinese-born farmer William Ah Yon and Victorian-born Margaret Ah Ket. A skilled dressmaker and designer, she commenced her business in 1914 and opened a modern costumier and clothing factory at this site in 1923. The business continued trading as “Miss R. E. Yon” even after her marriage to grocer William Hoyling and raising two children. Supported by family and Chinese community connections (her uncle was William Ah Ket), she established a lasting presence in Brunswick.

Source: Women of Merri-bek

Ruby Ethel Yon

Image Courtesy of: Lyn Wrobel

Ad Miss R.E.Yon

Image Courtesy of: The Brunswick and Coburg Leader, Friday 23 November 1923, p.1.