Guttman's House (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place has significance with the Guttmans and Dyers, and is one of the first commercial establishments in the main street of Capel.

Physical Description

Timber framed and clad with a gable roof. A bull nose verandah has been added.

History

Ferdinand Guttman had been in Coolingup from before the turn of the century, working as an 'architect' and builder on projects such as the Coolingup Hall in c.1898, and serving on the Roads Board. He established a commercial enterprise in Forrest Rd. He cut down a large tree on the site, using the stump for his counter and making shelves from the remaining timber. He planted an orchard on the block and sold fruit from the shop.Later he sold groceries, small goods, ladies dresses and haberdashery. He went into partnership with former Capel teacher Ted Dyer and they established a home delivery service. During WWI, anti-German sentiment resulted in Guttman signing the store over to Ted Dyer for the remainder of the war, and Ted's brother Harry came over from the east to form the Dyer Brothers. By 1923, the stock included groceries, clothing and explosives. When the depression hit in the 1930's, Dyer was caught between the warehouse distributors and his credit customers. After his Manager left, Ted Dyer took over, but in the end, the warehouse took over the business in lieu of the debts. Ted Dyer kept his agencies; Elders, Massey Harris and South West Insurance. His wife Bridget and eight children all remained in the Forrest Rd house. Jane Norton of Glen Albyn took over Ted Dyer's other businesses and store in Capel, working hard before she succumbed to cancer and died, with her sons working off the debts after the store went into receivership. Dyer's large home, with the shop at the front, also had tennis court at the side. The shop has since been demolished.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Low-Medium Degree
Authenticity: Low-Medium Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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