House & Shop

Statement of Significance

This building is significant because it is considered the first private home built in the town of Koorda with the shop next door being built a little later. The owner, Will Morgan, was one of the first business proprietors in the town and as agent for Westralian Farmers dealt with most of the wheatbuying of the district at that time. It has had constant use as a home ever since. The shop is the only one still standing in the main street with its original verandah over the footpath.

Physical Description

This building is like many houses erected in the district. It is a simple four roomed cottage of weatherboard with a corrugated iron roof and lined with plasterboard with a verandah back and front, the floors and joinery all being of jarrah. A shop constructed of similar materials was added to the south side right on the street frontage in 1924.

History

The Western Mail of 23rd August, 1921 reported that a great deal of improvement had taken place at Koorda. Stan Winter built a house for the Morgans, the first private house in Koorda townsite, on the south corner of Haig and Railway Streets. Will Morgan then had his agency for Westralian Farmers and the Wheat Pool at the southern end of his front verandah. In June 1924, privileged friends and clients were invited to a party at Morgans' house in Koorda. They listened to a wireless set manufactured by Westralian Farmers known as a "Mulgaphone" and heard speeches and music amidst a steady barrage of static, but the next day Will Morgan could give his clients the overseas wheat price direct from Westralian Farmers before any of the other wheat buyers. Westralian Farmers continued to handle most of the business in Koorda, Dukin and Narkal. Will Morgan was finding it hard to cope with the agency work, the organising of wheat lumpers and the clerical work needed to help the growing influx of new farmers. He built an office on the south side of his house and employed Colin Elliott, a young qualified accountant and auditor. He was very soon keeping the books and acting as business consultant for the farmers and business men of Koorda, including the butcher and blacksmith. Having served some time in a law firm, he was able to draw up agreements for the many contractual arrangements being made for clearing, fencing and dam sinking. Colin Elliott was also a splendid footballer and cricketer and was soon known far and wide and was very popular. In 1924 the Morgans sold their house and business to Colin Elliott and returned to a farm they'd held since the early days. Colin Elliott's business grew so much he took in Clyde Calderwood as partner and the town had another accountant, good athlete and splendid footballer. However in 1930 Colin Elliott left the district and the Ninghan Trading Co. took over his agency for Dalgety & Co. and Clyde Calderwood went out to Mollerin. Colin Elliott had been involved with the building of the Tennis Club and the first Repertory Club. In 1929 as agent for Dalgety & Co., the second biggest wheat buyer in the district he built a weighbridge to be used by all the private wheat buyers. Walter Henry Lancey and his wife Kathleen bought the freehold in 1934 and had the Shell and other agency businesses. The shop then became a greengrocery and cool drink shop and in 1937 the first electric counter refrigerator was installed. At this time it was owned by Charles Ellis of Wongan Hills who also ran the town's electric supply plant and the Engineering Works in Allenby Street. In 1946 Joseph Gallagher, Junior, Fruiterer bought the property and business. Successive owners have been Keith Rewell and Frank Anderson as tenants in common in 1964 then Keith Rewell in 1973, James Greenshields in 1980 and now the present owners David and Christine Bruce in 1989. The house has been lived in by many people over the years and the shop has been used for many purposes including a secondhand shop and storage but has in recent years been used as part of the house next door.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: The house has been altered many times over the years but still displays much of its original character. Modifications: Additions to back of house.

Condition

Excellent

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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