In the mid 1950's Mr Reynolds from Busselton had plans to set up a garage and the foundations were laid but water drainage from a spring caused problems so in 1958/9 he sold out to Laurie Rowe who built the Caltex Service Station.
Mr Rowe moved out in 1961 and leased the property to Jim and Mae Wise till 1976. Then it was sold to C.R. Noakes and Co who sold to Greg Smith and Louise Goodall. In 1984 it was bought by Neil Myles and the building was converted into a vegetable market store before it was completely demolished in 2011. The whole site was excavated up to the back lane (Ned Higgins Lane) and a number of shops and accommodation units were built including Sushi Master Restaurant and Eden Aesthetics.
If you would like to learn more about the local history of Margaret River, visit The Old Settlement Museum down the river.
The old school, the group settlement house, the blacksmith workshop, and many other buildings with household items, tools and machinery offer an insight into the history of early life in the district and the families that once lived and worked the land.
For opening hours and information, visit mrdhs.com.au
References
Margaret River Town 1894-1984 by Mavis Wise
Margaret River Stories by Guy Jennings, ISBN 9780646575346
A History of the Catholic Community of Margaret River District by Merilyn Hutton
Margaret River & District Historical Society photo collection
John Alferink from my recollections of the town after being in the area for over 68 years, John Alferink 2021