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PAST KATANNING BUSINESS
Although in no particular order the following are some of those many businesses from our past:
From its inception Katanning has always been an important commercial hub as well as a major agricultural centre. Many people have had the opportunity to start a business in Katanning. Some have lasted only a short while. Some for much longer and some are still operating today. Some have changed owners and names several times over. But they have all added to the rich tapestry that is Katanning.
The Piesse Bros. Store was the town’s first established business followed by Piesse’s Premier Roller Flour Mill. Although the flour mill building is an icon of the town it has not operated as a mill for many years. The Great Southern Herald started soon after in 1901 and, despite moving several times, is the oldest surviving business in Katanning today. It is currently owned by Albany Advertiser Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of West Australian Newspapers Ltd in Perth. The Katanning Stock & Trading Co (currently owned by the van Koldenhoven family) is the oldest surviving business in town still located on its original site. The business was originally started by Albert Piesse as Albert Piesse & Co before being floated as a public company.
There are a few other businesses that have stood the test of time but many have fallen by the wayside.
This page is intended to show those businesses that have come and gone over the years since Katanning’s inception as a town. If you can add to the list any business, from any time, please email admin@lostkatanning.au
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1941 JUBILEE BUSINESS REVIEW
In 1939, Katanning celebrated its Jubilee Year and the world went to war. Local finances were very tight and people where looking for the best value for their pound, even if that meant spending elsewhere. In 1941 the Great Southern Herald ran a special feature promoting local business and urging people to SHOP LOCAL. Take a look back to 1941and see how many of the businesses from back then still survive today:
CLICK HERE
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It was Christmas 1904…
Great Southern Herald
24 December 1904
In 1904, The Great Southern Herald ran a Christmas feature for local business…
AROUND THE SHOPS
RICHARDSON AND CO.
This firm is to be congratulated on its beautiful display of seasonable goods. The. artistically decorated windows are filled with toys and charming gifts of every description, and their appearance cannot be too praised; Mr Walters, who is responsible for their arrangement; is greatly to be complimented.
The two outer windows are fully stocked with the best of everything in their line, in the one groceries and Christmas dainties of every description, in the other all manner of beautiful dress goods, &c., suitable for the hot weather. But the centre of attraction is in the middle window – here are to be seen a profusion of airy decorations, and a clever contrivance will lend added interest on Saturday evening.
The decorations, however, are nothing to the numerous, useful and handsome articles that they serve as a background to, Japanese cabinets, glassware; vases, &c. Inside is at least equally tempting in its display. Considering the season, pride of place is naturally given to the toys, of which there is an unlimited variety all the kinds most dear to children being well represented; the dolls in particular are worthy of inspection; but older folks are quite as well provided for, great forethought must have been used in the choice of a splendid selection of purses, leather goods, and such things, not to mention cases of beautiful perfume, boxes of choice soap, &c., in fact it is evident that every individual taste has been catered for.
In one of the show cases are to be seen some excellent samples of electro-plated ware, these have only just been unpacked, having been imported straight from London. Among them are butter and jam dishes, dainty little cream and sugar cruets, and in fact all the necessaries and ornaments of a well-appointed table. Now we reach quite the most fascinating display of all, this is the confectionery, such a high-class of which it is seldom one’s lot to see; the various things in which the sweets are put up being sufficient as pretty gifts. without their contents, some, being put up in glove and handkerchief boxes, others in sachets, but all being equally attractive. Something quite new in bonbons is to be seen; these are in the most delicate colours and artistic design, and it would be safe to, say that nothing like them has been seen before in Katanning.
In addition to all this it is hardly necessary to say that in all other departments Messrs Richardson and Co.’s stock is up to its usual high standard, and; that those who contemplate making strictly useful and practical purchases will find just as great variety and good quality as those who merely wish to buy Christmas goods.
W. J. ROGERS.
It is quite impossible to believe that Mr Rogers has been in occupation of his new and commodious store barely a week, for it already presents a largely stocked and effectively arranged appearance. The windows are full of every kind of goods, both useful and ornamental, the one stocked with all manner of tempting eatables attracting one’s attention. immediately, in the centre one are various kinds of hardware, from stoves to saucepans, all of which are of exceptional value. The third window has been devoted to a display of toys, dolls, &c., in fact all sorts of Christmas presents are exhibited here, and indeed the promise of the windows is amply fulfilled in the interior.
Amongst other things seen here is an usually good assortment of boots and shoes, particularly in ladies makes; these have only just been imported and are being unpacked, but it may be said that there is a splendid variety to choose from.
Sweets of all kinds are to be had, but particularly dainty are some English assorted chocolates put up in pretty boxes. The extensive grocery counter commands one’s admiration, and indeed this department can supply one with everything imaginable, all kinds, of tinned dainties and savories; and a wonderful assortment of high-class biscuits; all the best brands being represented, all of these are obtainable in small tins, which needless to say guarantees their crispness and freshness.
In the ironmongery department are to be seen all varieties. of hardware, and needless to say all the appliances for cooking, and for lightening housework; near here also is the crockery and glass ware, of the former are on view some useful table adjuncts, and several charming afternoon tea sets, while in the latter there is a large variety including some exceptionally good value in plated ware. Altogether from the splendid way in which Mr Rogers has managed to arrange the store in so short a space of time, it is easily to be seen that it is possible to supply all one’ tastes, there being such a large and varied selection in every department.
CASS. BROS.
A visit to this emporium is always satisfactory, but now at this Christmas season it becomes a real pleasure. The addition to the premises has made a wonderful difference and affords an opportunity of doing full justice and showing them to the best advantage. The array of toys and Christmas goods quite charms one, and indeed one hardly knows what to choose so great is their variety.
The summer dress goods rivets one’s attention, among them being some lovely silk eoliennes, dainty muslins designs, and voiles of every description, but all these would be nothing without all their little etcetras of dress that we see here, in the shape of embroidered collars, ties and smart belts whether of folded silk or of kid, the latter being particularly up-to-date. The, trimmings for the dresses call for special mention, they are to be had in the most artistic designs in piece laces and medallions and insertions, all these being the dernier cri of fashion In the millinery we see the latest shapes, and there is an unlimited choice of charming imported trimmed hats. A special feature of this progressive firm is the large assortment of boots and shoes to choose from, indeed it would be a difficult person to please who cannot find all their wants anticipated at this establishment.
R. H. McINDOE.
A visit to Mr Mclndoe’s shop will repay one, for everything seasonable is to be obtained. Amongst other things there is a splendid, variety of mechanical-toys, and the window, is rendered unusually attractive to the young folks by a group of figures worked by clockwork, chief among them being Father Christmas. Mr Mclndoe states his tasteful and up-to-date millinery, trimmed and untrimmed, has been reduced to half price for the Christmas season, so that this should be a good chance to secure bargains. The photographs of Katanning and district have been in great demand; anyone wishing to copies is urged to secure them immediately as there are only a limited number left. That Mr Mclndoe’s collection of pot plants is extensive is too well-known to need comment, but it may be said that there are some fine asparagus plants, also some charming pink hydrangeas in full bloom.
E. H. SPENCER.
Mr. E. H. Spencer is to be congratulated on the appearance of his new premises. The window is one of the most attractive in the town, and it is rarely, one can see such a large stock of jewellery in a country town as is displayed there. That Mr Spencer has pinned his faith in the progress of this district is the fact that he has filled his shop with such a varied and valuable stock. Having proved himself thoroughly reliable in his dealings with customers in jewellery there no doubt that those desirous of purchasing Christmas and New Year gifts of sterling quality will inspect his stock, were they can see so much to delight the eye.
Mr J. McDonald’s shop is always worth inspecting, but at the present time, stocked with Christmas gifts, magazines, and papers of all kinds one can spend an enjoyable hour there.
Mr J. Gould has his window stocked with Christmas presents, cards, lollies and fruits.
Mr G. Saunders, of Austral Terrace is displaying some of his work and, to say the least of it it is very good.
Messrs Paul Beeck and R. Bechtel and Co. (the latter being managed by Mr G. Northcote) are having all the work they can do.
Mr. H. Tasssell still maintains his reputation as a skilful painter, decorate and signwriter. Messrs Rhodes Bros., the fashionable and up-to-date tailors are now firmly established in their new premises in Austral Terrace.
Mr. H. Byrne is still in the old spot Anyone wanting a new suit made in the latest style can obtain them at either establishment.
Mr. W. Baker, butcher is doing greater business than ever.
Visitors desiring to spend a holiday at Katanning have the: hostelries Messrs. McLeod, Gee and Pearmine or the Coffee Palace kept by Mr. J. C. Cook to choose from, whilst commodious, new tea and refreshment rooms have been by Mrs Chipper, in Austral Terrace, H. Bowker, Clive-Street and J. Pinkerton, Albion-street.
A visit to Mr. E. Gilbert’s fine shop will be well repaid. Mr Gilbert having a stock that would do credit to any chemist’s shop in the State.
Mr Greenwood’s hairdressing establishment in Austral Terrace will be found right up-to-date.
Mr C. Sallur, bootmaker, will also be found in his shop in. Austral Terrace, where he will always be pleased to meet old customers and new.
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Business Advertisements
Great Southern Herald – 1918
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Katanning Business Houses.
CHRISTMAS, 1910.
Great Southern Herald
24 December 1910 – P4
THE CAFES.
That every class of business has shared in the district’s prosperity during the past 12 months is evidenced by the extensive alterations that have been made in the town to cope with the increasing business. The larger stores are not alone in their development.
Messrs. Dave Gould and M. Lebad have both carried out improvements to their shops recently, and their enterprise is bringing its own reward. The daintiest of suppers are always obtainable here; also, fruits in season, cool drinks, afternoon teas, &c.
The same is to be said of the Vienna Cafe in the excellence of its catering and menu, whilst the Austral Cafe needs no further recommendation than its own good name. Mrs. Edwards, by her capable management, has brought the Austral Cafe to the standard of par excellence, and combines with it board and lodging in the spacious, rooms overhead.
In almost the same line of business is Mrs. Carling, of Clyde Street, where fresh vegetables are always on hand. Also Mr. W. E. Bevilaqua (with the exception of meals, &c.), the best of fruit, vegetables, &c., being always procurable.
THE TWO COFFEE PALACES
These are known respectively as Beeck’s and the Railway, the former (Mr. E. R. Beeck, proprietor), being in Clive Street, and the latter opposite the railway gates in Austral Terrace. Both these houses are always taxed to their fullest capacity. Mr. W. Brunton, the genial proprietor of the Railway Coffee Palace, finds his accommodation sadly inadequate, and he has often to turn would-be patrons away.
BOOT PALACE.
Mr. Hamilton Brown, of the Katanning Boot Palace, is one of the energetic and thorough sort. Those duties to which he has to attend are invariably done with despatch that is commendable. In the conduct of his business these characteristics have not been neglected, with the result that the Boot Palace has undergone some noteworthy changes since his advent, and now presents a pleasing appearance. All classes of footwear are stocked, and repairs executed by a competent assistant on the premises.
BLACKSMITHS, WHEELWRIGHTS, &c.
In various positions in the town will be found the establishments of Messrs. J. Squiers, H., W., & J. Mouritz, Jas. Sinclair and W. Shaw. The first-named firm, and also Messrs. Mouritz, have proved their ability in the various departments of their business on more than one occasion by the production of high class vehicles, sulkies, &c.. and are continually adding to their reputations throughout the district.
Mr. Sinclair, is also a tradesman of undoubted ability, and although his business is on a smaller scale than that of Messrs. Squiers and Mouritz, it has now reached that stage where development is inevitable.
W. Shaw’s establishment is situated in Daping Street, near the Government town well, and the proprietor is prepared to cater for all class of work.
Mr. F. L. Kleeman and Mr. Squiers undertake all funeral arrangements.
MESSRS. C. MITCHELL AND GEO. SAUNDERS are the town’s plumbers. Both businesses are well and long established and everything in the plumbing or tin smithing line can be safely left in the hands of either of these tradesmen.
MACHINERY, AGENTS, Etc.
Katanning Stock and Trading Co., Messrs. Scott & Scott, Mark King, and R. H. Mclndoe represent in this line everything that the man on the land requires. A careful study of the advertisements of these firms from time to time will repay the farmer handsomely. They specialise in all kinds of farm machinery, fencing wires, corn sacks, bran and chaff bags, superphosphates, etc. – in short, everything from the land itself.
‘MESSRS. BARRET, AND OLD & CORNISH.
These two firms fulfil the carriers’ duties, and, as an adjunct, both supply firewood in all lengths, having up-to-date plants for the sawing of same. If any citizen requires a “Yuletide Log,” or a load of wood, these two firms are the recognised suppliers of the town’s fuel.
OTHERS.
If you want a troublesome tooth removed, or a set of false teeth of the very best, Mr. Watts, dentist, Austral Terrace, will do the needful.
For all jewellery, also repairs, etc., Mr. H. Hawke-Wegg will be pleased to attend to your requirements. Mr. Wm. Pemble has established a general commission agency in the Mechanics’ Buildings, and people desirous of buying or selling properties, land, etc., will find the proprietor has a big list of clients and many good propositions.
And last, but by no means least, is Mr. H. Biltoft, photographer. Mr. Biltoft’s window is one of the town’s attractions, and his work is the success of his business. No one need wait till they go to Perth – Mr. Biltoft has been too long at his trade to learn points from city firms, as is now acknowledged throughout this district.
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NEW BUILDING – 1925
Southern Districts Advocate
23 March 1925 – P2
During the past few years, the south end of Austral Terrace has been raised from a number of empty buildings to a hive of business industry in the old, and also a number of new buildings, and a still greater improvement is to be shown almost immediately.
The whole of the corner of the Terrace and Albion Street, where the Stock and Trading Co’s timber yard now stands, is to have erected upon it a building that will rival any other business place in the town. The structure will have a frontage of 50ft to the terrace, covering the whole space available, and linking up with the present building, while it will have a frontage to Albion Street of 112 feet, linking up with the hardware store at present there. The whole of the walls are to be of brick and a system of skylights will provide the showrooms with excellent light. The verandah is to be of the cantilever type, that is, suspended and having no verandah posts.
The architects are Messrs Oldham, Boas and Ednie-Brown, and the contractor is Mr J. Lake, of Perth. The contract for the building bare will run into something like £3,500.
Further improvement at the same end of the town is to be made by extensive additions to the motor garage and works of Mr H. Y. Yeldon, which when completed will cover a large area of land.
These additions along the terrace will give to that portion of the town a much more solid and presentable appearance.
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DEVELOPMENT ON THE GREAT SOUTHERN LINE
Sunday Times
16 August 1925 – P3
That the expansion of the motor business in W.A. is not confined to the metropolitan area is evidenced by the accompanying photograph of the new Showrooms and Garage which have just been erected by Mr. H. V. Yeldon at Katanning. Mr Yeldon has been established in the industry for several years and is regarded as one of the most competent motor men in the Great Southern district.
To meet growing business, he decided to entirely reconstruct and enlarge his premises. This has now been completed, and the result is that Katanning has one of the finest, if not the finest, motoring establishments outside of Perth.
Efficient service for the motorist does not depend solely on suitable premises, and a full staff of competent mechanics are always available to undertake any class of repair work. In addition, a well-equipped Battery Service Station is maintained.
Agencies held are for Overland cars and trucks. Willys Knight cars, and International trucks, and satisfied owners throughout the district express their appreciation of the vehicle they have purchased and of the sales service rendered to them by H. V. Yeldon.
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WHERE AND WHAT TO BUY THIS MONTH – 1926.
Great Southern Herald
3 July 1926 – P5
Mrs. Hope Gilbert has already opened quite a number of her spring frocks, and they are really delightful. These include two lovely, knitted silk models. One is of shrimp colour, the border at the hem, and the cuffs and collar being of a deeper tone. The other is of a dull gold tone, the skirt and bodice being embroidered in blue and a deep henna.
Besides these frocks there are several silk jumpers, both of plain and oriental colouring. These would be useful for sportswear and would look so smart with a plainly tailored cream skirt. For afternoon wear there is such a smart navy blue morocain frock. The skirt and bodice are both smocked in white and below the turn-back collar is a row of blue and white covered buttons. Smocking is, of course, quite the newest way to finish your frocks.
Another afternoon gown is of saxe blue morocain. The little Eton collar is edged with gold, and likewise the frilled cuffs into which the long-fashioned sleeves are gathered. A flared effect is given to the skirt by the means of two panels reaching from each side to the front of the frock, the back remaining perfectly plain. Most girlish and dainty, and so serviceable are the floral georgettes and crepe de-chenes, of which so many of the new models are being fashioned.
I noticed such a charming one of floral crepe-de-chene. The colour scheme is in mauve, and yellow and green. This particular model has long sleeves, and groups of knife pleats are inserted in the skirt. There is another of floral georgette in browns, and petunia, and greens, just such a frock that would suit almost any occasion. The majority of the voile frocks are richly embroidered in a contrasting colour. There is a brown embroidered in black and blue, a red in black, and again a green embroidered in yellow and black.
Of the lovely evening frocks recently opened at this establishment only one remains. This is a handsome creation of blue and silver tissue. Godets are inset in the skirt, and at the back there is a wide loose panel reaching from the neck to the hem, caught and pouched at the waist. Opal-coloured spangles in a conventional design at the waistline provide an uncommon finish to a frock that would be the delight of its owner.
At the Westralian Farmers they are at present showing spiral stockinette by the yard, and to anyone with the slightest knowledge of dress making this much worn material offers wonderful opportunities for the simplest manufacture of frocks and jumpers, etc.
In the showroom they have a special table display of babies’ woollies, including coats, shawls, bonnets and vests, all of the softest of cream wool with silk finishings. The attraction about these dainty garments is that all are samples and so one is not likely to see elsewhere a duplicate.
Another useful item, or items, is the selection of floral crepe pyjamas, which most young girls effect these days. These are all in the most charming colours and designs.
The thrifty housewife should not omit to visit Bateman’s who is at present holding a sale of his various lines of goods. There you may procure fine quality flannelette at the attractive price of 9/11 for a dozen yards. Then there are striped bath towels at only 1/6 each.
For women there are plain princess petticoats edged with lace, and the prices range from 5/11 to 7/6. Most women who shop for their menfolk know Pelaco, the trademark which means fine quality and hard-wearing properties, when they see it in shirts of fresh-looking blues, etc. A shirt of this make is now reduced to 8/11 and is extraordinarily good value for the money.
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1910 – THE CLOSING YEAR
Great Southern Herald
24 December 1910 – P2
THE review of another year in the life of our town and district gives cause for very general satisfaction. Land settlement has proceeded steadily, and the work of every new settler has further enhanced general values throughout the district.
Provision for the requirements of the ever-increasing body of land occupiers has swelled the volume and profitableness of every town business. To keep pace with the increasing trade, stores have been enlarged, and many new residences have been erected for business people. Increased capital has been imported to the district by the Agricultural Bank, and the commercial banking companies. In a word, both town and district have made steady and pronounced progress.
The hopes of the early months of the year that the season would equal that of 1909 have not been fully realized. The rainfall was not favourably distributed. The greater proportion fell too early, and the winter cold was too prolonged to suit the agriculturist. Still, the harvesting so far as it has gone is somewhat reassuring. The yields are better than the mid-season estimates.
Over against the falling off in wheat yields, there has been more than ordinary success in the wool clip, and sheep and lambs have brought good prices. The trend toward mixed farming has gone steadily forward, and that involves the gradual merging of small holdings in the neighbouring properties of practicable size. Critics who do not understand the position of affairs may lament this merging process; but the cruellest of situations is that of the man cramped by insufficiency of land for a paying proposition. The “intense farming” so loosely talked of by theorists must have a market close at hand. Under present circumstances the settler in a district like this must have plenty of scope if he is to do more than eke out the barest livelihood.
The progress of this district is but a fair reflection of the general advance throughout the State. All the agricultural and pastoral districts of the State have shared in the spirit of enterprise which has characterised the year which is now closing. The great mining industry has also had its revival, the results of which can hardly yet be estimated.
Confidence and enterprise on the part of the administrators of the country’s affairs have been prime factors in this most gratifying progress. Under the Premiership of Sir Newton Moore and, in no diminished degree, under Mr. Frank Wilson’s administration, everybody in the State has been encouraged to do his best. It rests with the people in general to exemplify similar confidence and enterprise. Scope and opportunity exist here for many millions of people. Industry and thrift in such a country cannot long be denied their legitimate reward.
The work of the old year is closing, and Christmas brings once more to everybody – to the disappointed as well as to the successful – its message of peace and goodwill.
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CAN YOU HELP?
Do you have any information or photos about old Katanning businesses?
If so, I would love to hear from you. You can email me at admin@lostkatanning.au
or submit the form below.
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