A photograph of Drouin identity William Russell putting the four gallon monthly ration of petrol into a customer's car c1944.
William Durrie Russell was born in Brechin, Scotland in 1865. Just a year later, William along with his parents and older brother sailed to South Australia. The trip took 95 days.
His father decided to join his brother in Toongabbie, Victoria and went into business as a blacksmith and wheelwright. William followed in the family business, and around 1890 purchased the business of Munroe and Morse in Drouin.
William was a wheelwright, coachbuilder and blacksmith but always adapted to the times. Eventually, the business was a garage, car salesroom and service station.
The premises were destroyed by fire twice. The first was in 1921, along with adjoining buildings. The second in February 1961 occurred when the business had recently been sold. The Commonwealth Bank was partly damaged and five vehicles destroyed. New owner Bill Waugh decided not to rebuild on the site.
William died on May 11, 1950 and was recognised as a well-respected identity of the town. When his funeral cortege passed through the Main Street, the hearse was followed by 100 cars.
The family home was known as "Brechin" after his birthplace in Scotland. It was used as the Buln Buln Shire Offices from 1954 to 1975, and is now the location of David W. Bull Funeral Directors.