Baliwick

Statement of Significance

Baliwick is a good example of an inter-war shop that makes a contribution to the townscape of the main street of Balingup.

Physical Description

Baliwick is a small timber framed shop with a corrugated iron gable roof. The front door is central and is flanked by large windows. A bullnose verandah that runs cross the facade was constructed in the 1990s.

History

The first store at Balingup was part of Edmund Moore’s inn, north of the bridge over Balingup Brook. In 1898, the townsite of Balingup was declared and the Donnybrook-Bridgetown railway opened to traffic. In 1903, Frank Cleveland took over the store and established it next to the newly built Balingup Hotel. In 1908, he relocated his store to the main street, where a small number of buildings were erected in the next decade. In the 1920s, the post-war Soldier Settlement Scheme brought new settlers to the district. There was further development in the town where commercial premises included Mrs. McDonald’s refreshment rooms/tearooms with a grocery by 1930. Following the Depression, expansion of dairying with opening of the cheese factory (1933) led to further development in Balingup, which faltered in the World War II period, before the post-war resurgence in primary industry and expansion of pine planting saw the district enter its heyday.
Further research may reveal the date of construction of ‘Baliwick’, which physical evidence suggests was constructed in the Inter-War period. In the late 1940s-1950s, Mrs. Walter operated tea-rooms at ‘Baliwick’. It is believed additions were made in the c. 1950s-60s, comprising a forestry house that was re-located and re-erected at the north side.
In 1990, Phil Oakley was granted permission to erect a verandah over the footpath at the frontage to the shop premises at ‘Baliwick.’ In 1998, Peter Rerecich and Angela Mills renovated the shop including removing some internal walls to open up the main area, and the Shire granted a change of use for Rero’s Up-Country Collectables and gave permission to make-over the existing façade in keeping with the ‘country-style’ theme of the main street. Peter Rerecich continues to operate his business at the place in 2011-12.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate

Condition

Good

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.