Drapers
E & J Bennett, Drapers
In 1906, James Stewart of Rockhampton brought the premises where the Bank of New South Wales had operated from 1897. Prior to that, from 1886, the Cobb & Co office had its offices on the corner.
Meacham & Leyland modified the building to suit its new role as a drapery and mercers business which, despite dozens of goats camped under it at night, was an important one in the business life of the town.
In 1916 James Stewart introduced a Santa Claus at Christmas week and Barcaldine children were apparently thrilled to dip into his pockets for a 3d. toy.
James Stewart operated his drapery business until 1922 when it was sold to E. & J. Bennett (Hoch, 2008, p. 57). Bennett’s sold the corner block (a shoe shop) in 1965 to the Bank of New South Wales (returning it to its original site purpose).
From 1984-1997, the business became E. & A. Coleman / K. Reynolds (Suzi K), then N. Hauenschild’s Fashions in Fabric.
In 1997, Joan and Ray Thomas purchased the store and traded as ‘Saddlery and Country Fashions’.
It is currently owned by the Rooney family, trading as Rooney’s Saddlery and Clothing.
Renovations made to the original building over the years have reduced its size.
C. B. Plumb & Co.
H. Symonds, Drapers
Henry Symonds was born in Townsville in 1881, the second son of W. G. Symonds. He opened the Eureka Saloon in the Royal Hotel in Barcaldine in 1917, a hairdressers, tobacconists and fancy goods shop.
In 1918 Henry married Eleanor, the fourth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. Murnane (arrived in Barcaldine 1887). He expanded into men’s clothing then acquired business premises from J. Catip in 1928 on the current site in Oak Street, next to the Commercial Hotel.
Henry had only been in the business for a few months when he died in September 1928. Miss Beatrice Fysh supervised the business for the next nine years. Vince Mather also joined the staff in 1928 and served 45 years until he retired in 1973.
H. Symonds’ store survived the depression years and the Second World War but was completely destroyed by fire in 1956.
It then operated in temporary premises in the Shakespeare Hotel (Beech Street) in the Commercial Travellers’ Association rooms until the new shop opened in 1957. Henry Symonds’ four daughters worked in the shop. Miss Stasia Symonds and her sister Mary Fraser continued in the business until ill health forced them to close in 1991.
H. Symonds
John Tomi
Bootmakers and Shoe Shops
Catip's Drapery & shoes
T E O'Brien
