The premises of E. Shaw, built in 1862 and photographed in 1962. Photo: Museum of the Riverina.
This week it’s a walk down memory lane, or at least an old Wagga lane, with the team at the Museum of the Riverina.
This brick building was constructed by Ebenezer Shaw in 1862.
Little is known about Ebenezer. He established his business in partnership with Frederick Wright, but the partnership was dissolved in June 1863 and Ebenezer carried on the business under the name E. Shaw.
When this photograph was taken circa 1962, the store was 100 years old and situated in the laneway between Edmondson’s and David Jones (formerly David Copland’s), facing Gurwood Street.
Ebenezer conducted his business as a general merchant from Shaw’s buildings for many years. When he retired, the buildings were used for various purposes. They were occupied by Smith and Jay, plumbers and tinsmiths. Later, they were occupied by William Shaw and Sons, general merchants.
In May 1936 this building was threatened when a fire broke out in an oil store at the back of David Copland and Co. As one of the oldest parts of town, the area was crowded with store sheds, some of which were timber.
Near the burning storeroom were stables containing four horses, which became panic-stricken as they sensed their danger. These may be the stables that are seen here, still standing in front of Ebenezer’s original store.
Sadly, many of Gurwood and Fitzmaurice streets’ old buildings had begun to be demolished by 1937. This piece of history, bearing Ebenezer’s name, was still standing on 10 May, 1962, when this photograph was taken, but it was lost sometime thereafter.
Image and information supplied by Michelle Maddison, curator of the Museum of the Riverina.
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