In 1929/20 a residence and shop was built for Norman and Kath Terry. Mrs Terry opened the town's first news agency.
The business was sold to a J.P. Manoni in 1937/8 who operated the news agency and a Mrs Alma Whitewood who operated in part of the building selling pies and confectionery.
In 1942/3 Jack and Agnes Thomas took over the news agency until 1954. From 1956/57 the local newspaper in the "Margaret River Times" was operating under Gerry Middleton and Simon Terry and later in 1959 Norman Fuller up to 1966/7. The building was demolished in 1967 by the local Apex Club for fundraising. In 1985/6 the site was rebuilt using the rammed earth building technique and the restaurant in Spaghetti Bowl Restaurant. Now it has the Burger Baby Grill restaurant and Marine Co clothing store.
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