The earliest reference to operating a store in Munbilla was in June 1890. The Harrisville branch store for Cribb & Foote was closed Monday, Wednesday and Friday in order for their representative (Mr. W. F. Woodcraft) to collect produce from farmers etc. [1]
An article in August 1893, details the drowning death of Heinrich Dietz in the Bremer River. It mentions that about 3-4 years prior, Heinrich was in a business partnership with Mr. Dickmann as a storekeeper in Munbilla (approximately around 1890/1891). [2]
Fowl case at Harrisville.
[From our own correspondent.]
At the Police Court here, on Friday last, before Messrs. R. H. Boyle and James Bannet, a fowl case with some-what amusing incidents was heard. Alfred Groom was charged with having about the 8th of March stolen one white hen and one speckled hen, the property of Edward Kehoe, at Munbilla. [3]
It is noted that in August 1891 A. J. Grooms was involved in an insolvency case with John Ewart (Munbilla farmer) as a creditor. [4] In January 1892, Alfred James Grooms was mentioned as a storekeeper and poultry dealer in Munbilla. You could also purchase the Queensland Times subscription through A. J. Grooms. By September 1892 he was adjudged insolvent. [5]
The earliest reference for the Wiss Bros. branch store in Munbilla was in June of 1910. [6] They were advertisements by W. Marsh & Co. Nursery (Ipswich) for fruit trees had the Wiss Bros. branch store in Munbilla as one of their agents. Advertisements can be found from 1910 through to 1916. It was also stated that the Wiss Bros. bought out the Humphries and Tow branch store in 1914.
Movements in Land and Business.
Several estates have been subdivided and sold in our township, and the building trade is brisk. I hear Wiss Brothers have purchased Humphries and Tow's business at Munbilla. [7]
Some time in 1915, Mr. A. Pearson had built a new store in Munbilla.
Successful Social and Dance. (29-04-1915)
A social and dance in aid of the Munbilla School of Arts were held in Mr. A. Pearson's new store on Monday, night last. Although originally the event was intended to take place on the previous Friday, owing to uncertain weather it had unfortunately, to be postponed. Nevertheless, there was a fair attendance, Milora, Milbong, and Engelsburg also being represented. Preparations and arrangements were capably carried out by Mrs. Leahy, of the Munbilla Hotel, also by Mrs. Hurford and Mr E. Smith. Violin and accordian music was supplied by Mr. Weise and Mr Hahn respectively and Mr. J. Ward acted as M.C. At 12, O'clock generous refreshments were served, and dancing was resumed. At 2 am., a gay rendering of "Tipperary" brought to a close a successful and enjoyable evening. [8]
In late 1927, Mr. Arthur T. Kirchner had sold his General Store to Mr. Hugh W. McCaan (of Milora). The residents of Munbilla hosted a farewell dinner in the School of Arts. The function was proclaimed to be the largest ever held in the hall, with over 200 people present. [9] Mr. Hugh W. McCaan had leased out his farm in Milora in order to run the General Store. Unfortuantely, in early 1930, Mr. Hugh W. McCaan suffered a seizure and died. He had only operated the store for a little over 2 years. [10] Mr. Hugh W. McCaan's store was most likely located on one of three lots (126, 127, 128) based on details of his will. [11]
Sometime in 1945, Mr. O. Lewald had begun to run a general store in Munbilla. In 1950, Mr. O. Lewald's store and dwelling were completely destroyed by fire about 10.30 p.m. on Sunday 12 March 1950. [12] [13] This was probaly the store that Mr. A. Pearson had built in 1915. [14]
KALBAR. March, 16. - Mr. O. Lewald, whose shop and dwelling at Munbilla was totally destroyed by fire at the weekend, had carried on a flourishing grocery business there for the past five years and the service to the district will be greaty missed.
Newspaper articles 1890 - 1894
Newspaper articles 1914 - 1930
General store - Lot 125 [15]
Munbilla General Store - 1964 [16]
The firemans view ahead towards Anthony from C17 778 - leaving Munbilla railway station. You can see the General store on the left in the distance.
Munbilla General Store - 1988 [17]
Munbilla General Store - 1988 [18]
- [1] QT article Saturday 28-06-1890
- [2] The Telegraph Wednesday 08-08-1894
- [3] QT article Tuesday 15-03-1892
- [4] Evening Observer article Saturday 01-08-1891
- [5] QT article Tuesday 27-09-1892
- [6] QT article Saturday 18-06-1910
- [7] Catholic Advocate Thursday 06-08-1914
- [8] QT article Thursday 29-04-1915
- [9] QT article Friday 11-11-1927
- [10 The Queensland Illustrated Weekly Thursday 27-02-1930
- [11] The Courier Mail - Monday 13-02-1939, page 8
- [12] QT article Saturday 18-03-1950
- [13] QT article Thursday 16-03-1950
- [14] Fassifern Guardian Wednesday 22-03-1950, page 2
- [15] 188-214 Run 11, 12-03-2002 Aerial Map, (QLD) Dept. of Natural Resources and Mines
- [16] Look Out for Train: 7 - To The Scenic Rim 1 (page 46)
- [17] Picture sourced from Boonah & District Archives (AC-29-15 L-7-3)
- [18] Picture sourced from Boonah & District Archives (AC-29-16 L-7-4)