Powell's Building (Former) c.1905, 1954
Edward Powell, a local landowner and entrepreneur had a row of shops built in c.1905 and leased-out for a variety of retail and professional services.
In 1923 the building was leased to A G Mattiske who renamed the building ‘Beverley Drapery Stores’. He also operated as an agent for wool & wheat buyers and was one of the first in the district to sell gramophones. At the same time, a butcher, a dentist and a bootmaker operated from the premises. Mattiske ceased operations c.1930.
In the 1930’s there was a dentist, dressmakers and Mrs. A. Gill opened tea and luncheon rooms.
In 1942 the Beverley Road Board leased Powell’s Buildings for various community and volunteer activities connected to World War Two, including Australian Comforts Fund and Red Cross committees, Volunteer Air Observer’s Corps, Infant Health Centre and Nurse’s Quarters.
The Air Observer Post in the last (east) shop of Powell’s Buildings had walls lined with pictures of planes in side-view, front-view and from below to assist the observers to identify air traffic. The post was equipped with an acoustic listening device on the roof, which allowed listeners to hear all movement and noises in the vicinity and aeroplanes approaching. The observers did day and night shifts – mostly married women in the daytime & men at night. There were always two spotters rostered and a bed for the night shift volunteers to take turns resting.
In 1954 the newly renovated building with side addition set back began operating as a motor vehicle salesroom, mechanical repairs garage and petrol service station. The Eastern Districts Trading Co. operated as agents for Ford motor vehicles. In 1960 A M Davis became the proprietor of the business, renamed it Davis Motors, which continued up till the 1980’s at least. Davis Motors was a Royal Automobile Club WA agency.
Although there are changes to the shop frontages, the distinctive parapets and capital detailing of the Federation Free Classical architecture, and the 1950s mechanical garage elements provide contributions to the historic streetscape.
In 1923 the building was leased to A G Mattiske who renamed the building ‘Beverley Drapery Stores’. He also operated as an agent for wool & wheat buyers and was one of the first in the district to sell gramophones. At the same time, a butcher, a dentist and a bootmaker operated from the premises. Mattiske ceased operations c.1930.
In the 1930’s there was a dentist, dressmakers and Mrs. A. Gill opened tea and luncheon rooms.
In 1942 the Beverley Road Board leased Powell’s Buildings for various community and volunteer activities connected to World War Two, including Australian Comforts Fund and Red Cross committees, Volunteer Air Observer’s Corps, Infant Health Centre and Nurse’s Quarters.
The Air Observer Post in the last (east) shop of Powell’s Buildings had walls lined with pictures of planes in side-view, front-view and from below to assist the observers to identify air traffic. The post was equipped with an acoustic listening device on the roof, which allowed listeners to hear all movement and noises in the vicinity and aeroplanes approaching. The observers did day and night shifts – mostly married women in the daytime & men at night. There were always two spotters rostered and a bed for the night shift volunteers to take turns resting.
In 1954 the newly renovated building with side addition set back began operating as a motor vehicle salesroom, mechanical repairs garage and petrol service station. The Eastern Districts Trading Co. operated as agents for Ford motor vehicles. In 1960 A M Davis became the proprietor of the business, renamed it Davis Motors, which continued up till the 1980’s at least. Davis Motors was a Royal Automobile Club WA agency.
Although there are changes to the shop frontages, the distinctive parapets and capital detailing of the Federation Free Classical architecture, and the 1950s mechanical garage elements provide contributions to the historic streetscape.