Constructed using Uralla red brick for Mrs Elizabeth Cooper. First
leased by J. Watts and used as a roller skating rink (note the small
ticket-seller's window in the eastern wall) and later by Obadiah
Carter as a general store. The original awning and posts have been
removed, but not, as rumour has it, by wayward skaters.
23. Store,
1872, Cnr Hill and Bridge Streets
Rear section destroyed by fire in 1885, exposing the back wall of
rubble basalt. This building has had many uses over the years. The
recent superb rebuilding of the verandah awning, by Peter Feitz of
Rocky River, perfectly complements the 1920 facade
Mr
C.E. Solomons, a local businessman, built the corner portion, with
its impressive Victorian Italianate decorative parapet. This
building was purchased by Fred Trickett in 1920 and extended further
along Bridge Street. Fred was a son of Ned "The Slab" Trickett,
World Champion Sculler 1876-1880, Australia's first international
sporting champion. (See "Trickett's Triumph", an exhibition at
McCrossins Mill Museum.)
25. Bardsley's Shop and Accommodation House,
1886, Bridge Street
Built as a general store with family accommodation on the first
floor, for Thomas Bardsley. The builder was Mr Elliott and the
bricklayer R. Anderson. The private
entrance is seen on the right side. This later became
the entrance to a billiard room. (Note sign on the southern wall.)
The Wallace family later began their business career in Uralla in
this shop, whilst raising a family of twelve children. The footpath
verandah was removed, leaving a balcony featuring cast iron columns
and lace.