This building was built for Captain F. Lamb in 1924/5 as a general store and residence. Joseph Henderson operated a general store from 1926/36 and George Fearn a deli and tearooms from 1936/7 until 1942. Mrs Alma Whitewood continued the deli until she sold in 1952 to Kath and Sydney Johnston who continued the same business until it was bought by South West Farmers in 1953.
In the back of the store a large area backed onto Fearn Ave and over the years open air picture shows were carried out. This became known as the Sunny West Store which sold all sorts of farming merchandise. Now it is part of the Coles Supermarket Complex.
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