Two Shops & Residence (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place has the distinction of being the oldest building in Narembeen. The place makes a considerable contribution to the unique townscape of Narembeen, and is an essential element in the main street streetscape of Narembeen. It demonstrates a way of life no longer practiced, and associations with early settlers.

Physical Description

The site consists of three buildings of a timber framed construction with corrugated iron roofs. On the east is a residence, set back from the road. It has a small front verandah with a separate roof. It seems to adjoin the eastern most of the two shops fronting the Churchill Street boundary. Each shop has a shop window with a central recessed truncated double door entry, a cantilevered canopy extends over the footpath and each has a stepped parapet fascia concealing the gable roof.

History

In 1922 when the private town of Narembeen was being surveyed, Thomas Barlow of Bruce Rock saw the possibilities of establishing a general store. He relocated "Peggins Buildings" from Westonia to the main street of the formative town of Narembeen. The buildings were about 20 years old when Barlow transported them. He established a store, and appointed Alf Pippett as the manager. In 1922 the Western Australian Bank Agency operated from the Trading Company Store, and sandalwood was stacked at the rear of the store ready for rail transportation to Perth. By 1952 Bert Beatty had been operating his International Tractor agency from one of the shops, and Charlie A'Vard took over at that premises, managing Baden Moppett's Attwood and Chamberlain agencies, and later purchased those agencies, as well as running a menswear store. In 1974 W Hills owned the store, and it was converted to a residence only.

Integrity/Authenticity

Authenticity: High degree

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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