Bilbe's Building (fmr)

Statement of Significance

Bilbe’s Buildings, 115 Throssell Street, Collie, a two-storey brick and iron commercial building constructed in about 1900 in the Federation Anglo-Dutch style of architecture has cultural heritage significance as a substantial commercial building which forms part of the early commercial centre of Collie. Although some of its ground-floor detailing has been lost, the place makes a significant aesthetic contribution to the streetscape of Collie.

Physical Description

Bilbe’s Buildings (fmr), 115 Throssell Street, is a two storey painted brick commercial building. The upper floor is painted brick with a painted rendered parapet. The parapet has decorative stucco detailing, including ‘BILBE’S BUILDINGS ESTBD 1900’ in a central triangular pediment with classical motifs along each side, and four balled features which form a distinctive silhouette, in the Federation Anglo-Dutch style. Windows to the upper floor are strong vertical elements. There is a steel awning over the pavement and a modern shopfront to the ground floor, with original windows covered over or lost, and steps up to the main entrance.

History

The Post Office Directories record Mr A Bilbe in Collie from 1902 until 1925. Arthur Bilbe was a grocer who was prominent in the business and civic life of Collie. It appears that Mr Bilbe had diverse business interests as he advertised widely for bullock teams and for a farm manager. Other advertising sought ‘a competent engine driver’ at Bilbe’s West Collie Sawmills. In 1920 the Post Office Directories list A Bilbe, farmer. In 1919, Bilbe was selling a farm, located about 6 miles from Collie. Bilbe and his wife, Mary Ellen appear in the Collie Post Office Directories again from 1933 until 1938, listed during this time at 65 Wittenoom St. Bilbe, who had been living in West Perth, died in 1950.

In May 1909 it was reported that Mr Hartley had recently purchased Mr Bilbe’s business (Sunday Times 25 May 1909, p5). The shop which Mr Hartley was about to vacate was burnt to the ground in the fire of 21 May 1909 which destroyed properties between the Colliefields Hotel and the Crown Hotel on Throssell Street.
The Post Office Directories do not list street addresses until 1935. At that time, and until 1938, AH Knox, pastrycook is recorded at 65 Throssell Street. AH Knox is recorded in Collie from 1927. There is no specific listing again until 1945 when J Dimovitis, café, is shown followed by Mrs M Murrary, restaurant in 1946, J Rossiter in 1947 and KG Atterton, restaurant and J Rossiter, restaurant in 1949.
The place has been used as a Chinese restaurant since at least 1995 when it was known as the Lantern Chinese Restaurant. In 2016 it operates as the Golden Eagle Chinese Restaurant.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium/ Medium

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.