Site 9 Pearce Brothers Store

59 Roy Street

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In September of 1889 brothers, Thomas & Ernest Pearce from Bacchus Marsh opened the first retail store in Jeparit. The Post Office, which was at the Hindmarsh Station, was soon after transferred to the new store. This store was used as a polling booth in 1890.

F.W. Strauss bought the business from Pearce Brothers in 1906. Later, “& Sons” was added to become “F.W. Strauss & Sons”.

Mr & Mrs Fred Strauss had five children, Harold, Ray, Frank, Jack &, Evelyn. With the exception of Jack, they were all involved in the business at one time or another until the grocery and menswear section closed in 1969. That year the remaining drapery section was sold to H.I. & B. Zanker. This business then closed in 1975. The building and land was sold to Cliff & Olga Gebert who in 1979 demolished the building to build their new home which they moved into in 1980.

Disclaimer: All information contained on these pages has been prepared over years of research from a small local volunteer group. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge. We always welcome suggestions for corrections or further information to add to the heritage sites. Please forward any comments to info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.