Malcolm & Co Store (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The RTC building (former Malcolm's Store) has aesthetic, historic, representative and social cultural heritage significance. The store has been an important part of the commercial streetscape of Dumbleyung since 1910. Despite the boxed cantilevered canopy that detracts slightly from the authenticity of the building, the store still has aesthetic value and has good integrity. The store's association with Mr Malcolm and other business people give it considerable historic significance. It is a good example of one of the first buildings in Dumbleyung and represents the growth and development of the town as a service centre for a rural district.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include:
• Weatherboard walls
• A double hipped corrugated iron roof
• Large box like canopy across front facade
Some obvious modifications include:
• A large verandah canopy
• An extension on the western side

History

The first Malcolm and Co had always played a significant part in the lives of the settlers in the Nippering- Dumbleyung area since arriving from Perth in 1909 and buying the Dumbleyung and Nippering stores from CA Piesse and Sons. The stores were one stop shops, selling grocery items, machinery, clothing, furniture, hardware, building materials, fertilizers and seeds. The Nippering store housed the first telephone in that area. (It is uncertain when the Nippering store closed but it was no longer in evidence after 1915. It is known that it was relocated to become Malcolm's Store in Lake Grace)

In 1910 Mr Malcolm called tenders and built a large and commodious store in Dumbleyung, the first building to be erected on the Dumbleyung town site. It was situated close to the post office and opposite the railway station in Absolon Street. A manager and two assistants worked in the shop. These three staff 'Honest John' Mitchell, Mr Woods and Mr Barnard stayed employed by Malcolm for 18 lA years.
Mr Malcolm died in 1930 and was buried on Saturday 30 August. Out of respect for his contribution to Dumbleyung, all the shops closed their doors and the Dumbleyung football team chose not to play in the District Grand Final (which they were expected to win) on that day.

Over the years, the building has hosted many different owners and new extensions. Businesses which have operated out of the shop include; John Mitchell with a grocery store which was purchased by John Stone in cl950; Bill Dawson's machinery business; Les Kellow's electrical shop and the RTC store. The extension on the west side used to be Groom Bros Elder's Agents premises.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

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.