Watson and Tee Store

Statement of Significance

The Watson & Tee Store is a good example of an early substantial stone building, associated with prominent early settlers in the district, John Withnell and built by the Bunning Brothers. It has historic significance for its various uses and functions it has served for the Roebourne community including as a general store, Masonic lodge, Baptist Church and public library. The building contributes to the aesthetic value of Roebourne as an historic town.

Physical Description

The building was designed as one large room to be used as a store. It is constructed from local stone laid in a semi-random pattern with cement mortar. It has two separately pitched skillion roofed verandahs with decorative cast iron posts. The main room was a hipped roof with two rows of cyclone battens. Built on a sloping site, the building has a large basement, with windows and a ground level door to the basement for deliveries to the original store. The building is designed in the Victorian Georgian and North west vernacular style.

History

This elevated and prominent site was part of John Withnell's original town land grant of six acres and was sold by Withnell in 1888 to brothers Robert and Arthur Bunning. The building was constructed in 1888, probably by the Bunning brothers, for use as the Watson & Tee Store. The Bunning brothers arrived in Western Australia from England in 1886 and as building contractors were responsible for many of Roebourne’s public buildings including the hospital and post office. They founded the successful firm Bunning Brothers which continues to trade as ‘Bunnings Warehouse’ and is now owned by Wesfarmers.

Prior to the construction of this building the Watson & Tee Store operated from another premises in Roebourne. A newspaper article in August 1888 reported that; ‘The enterprising firm of merchants, Messrs, Watson & Tee, at Roebourne, have had erected a substantial store building. It is the largest store in the district, and very commodious, having two departments, one for general merchandise and the other for drapery and soft goods. They have also had erected a substantial store at Cossack. Roebourne is increasing in importance, if buildings are a criterion.’

Harry John Watson and George Tee operated the Watson & Tee store for a decade, when the partnership was dissolved. The store was then known as HJ Watson & Co. William Porter became Watson’s junior partner in 1912. Watson was a member of the Roebourne Road Board for many years and also served as Chairman. The Watson Collection of business and family correspondence is held by the Shire of Roebourne Local History Office. It includes a large collection of personal and commercial letters, legal documents and papers dated 1880s - 1940s.

Alice Mary Wainwright owned the building from May 1934. During Wainwright’s ownership the building is said to have been used as a school, Sunday school, town hall and private residence.

In 1946 it was bought a group of pastoralists for use as a Masonic Lodge.

In 1984 the Roebourne Christian Fellowship bought the building and it was used for a time as a Baptist Church.

More recently it has been used as the Shire of Roebourne public library.

Archaeology

There is potential for archaeological investigations to provide some additional information related to the use of the location over time. The large cellar may be of particular significance if the floor has been built up over time rather than re-excavated.

Integrity/Authenticity

Largely Intact

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.