In 1934 this property was bought by Arthur and Marge Rodgers and they built a new home in 1946. They operated a butcher shop up the road and lived here until 1973 when the house was sold to Peter Kowalski.
In 1980 it was bought by Ross McKenzie and Pat Ayres who converted the house into an antique shop called Cobb & Co. In 1985 it was bought by J.Joyce who commenced a restaurant also called Cobb & Co. This was later operated by Carolyn Forte as a restaurant known as Cafe Forte.
This building was completely removed and a new complex known as Meeka House built by locals Peter and Jennifer Geherardi, housing several businesses and accommodation units including 777 Pharmacy, Margaret River Art Studios and Isla Samara clothing shop.
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