Dudinin Store

Statement of Significance

The place is of considerable significance being the oldest remaining building in Dudinin. It represents associations with Wogolin and the establishment of Dudinin. It demonstrates a continuity of use, and ways of life which have changed over time. The place also demonstrates associations with early pioneers and settlers of generations of Dudinin community. The trees commemorate members of the community who made the ultimate sacrifice. The place is integral within the remaining townsite of Dudinin and significant in demonstrating the character of Dudinin.

Physical Description

Brick construction with a corrugated iron roof. The double entry is central and flanked by shop windows each side. A bullnose verandah extends across the shopfront, and the parapet is embellished with ornamental corners. Living quarters and storerooms are attached to the rear of the shop building.

History

Ellis originally had a store in Wogolin. When the railway went through Dudinin and a settlement developed, Ellis dismantled his Wogolin Store and buift the brick store in Dudinin in 1915. (He over financed the operation and sold to Bulton of Wickepin in 1916?) In 1919, Bulton sold to the Yilliminning- Kondinin Co-op, which was formed in 1914 as a branch of the Westralian Farmer's Co-op Ltd. The Co-op had stores at most centres along the Yilliminning-Kondinin railway line, except Kulin. The first Dudinin Co-op manager was George Evans followed by Fred Birch before R Frearson in 1924. Miss Lazenby was Frearson's secretary before taking over the store. The store operated the phone exchange from 1926 when the railway phone was discontinued. The store also operated a gallon licence, (which was the subject of a local petition in 1940) Post Office, Commonwealth Bank agency, fuel, stock and machinery agencies, and the mail run. In 1937, Tommy Ledwith bought the store for his daughter and son in law, Mary and Michael Brick. After the Dudinin Bakery closed, Brick took over the bread run in the early 1940s, delivery bread from the Narrogin Bakery. In 1947 the Bricks established the school bus run, with two buses. Mr Brick ran the store until he died in 1978, and his sons continued the tradition until recently when the descendant of a Dudinin farming pioneer took over the store. The four trees planted in front of the shop in Johnson St are a memorial to two members of early settler families, Albert Mullan and Frank Healey who lost their lives fighting for Australia during the New Guinea campaign in World War Two.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: intact or redeemable Authenticity: medium degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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