E M Clarke's Store (fmr) site

Statement of Significance

Associated with a prominent local businessman and politician E M Clarke and acted as the outlet for locally produced "Punchbowl" wine from the South Bunbury vineyards of Clarke and later Wm. Gibson.

Physical Description

PART DEMOLISHED. Part of the original pediment remains to illustrate the character of the building.Was a single storey brick building. Subsequent extensions c1910, saw a long, low form appear. The existing pediment can be identified from early photographs.

History

E M Clarke established a retail store in Bunbury in 1874, first renting rooms in the two storey ‘Koombana House’. In 1880, he moved his business to the corner of Victoria and Stirling Streets into premises owned by the Mainwairing family. He later purchased a Pensioner Grant (Lot P3) in Stirling Street, with a frontage of 175 feet 6 inches and132 feet deep, where he built a home, stable and large shop. Clarke’s store became one of the leading emporiums in the district. E M Clarke was the son of Ephraim Mayo Clarke, an early Australind settler, successful farmer, storekeeper and orchardist, who cultivated a 20 acre vineyard on the edge of the Big Swamp area from 1893. E M Clarke (junior) was elected mayor of Bunbury in 1888; and was a Member of the Legislative Council for the South West Province in 1901-02. During this time, he was a minister without portfolio. E M Clarke was active in virtually every aspect of economic and social life until his death in 1921. The store and house were sold for £2,000 in 1922. The single storey brick and iron building was extended c 1910, resulting in a long, low store. Part of the original pediment remains in the Bunbury Herald/South West Times office in Stirling Street.

Integrity/Authenticity

PART DEMOLISHED. Part of the original pediment remains to illustrate the character of the building.

Condition

Facade condition not known.

Uses

Creation Date

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Last Update