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MADIGAN'S STORE

Other Names PENSHURST STORE ,  OLLE'S STORE Location Martin Street and Bell Street PENSHURST, Southern Grampians Shire File Number 692 Level Stage 2 study complete

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Statement of Significance

What is significant?
Madigan's Store is a typical single storey bluestone general store designed in the Free Classical style. It is located at the very heart of the township of Penshurst, where two main transport routes, Martin and Bell Streets intersect. The facade of the store faces east to Martin Street, and includes two entrances with substantial timber doors and five double-hung two-paned (possibly modified) sash windows. The side of north elevation on Bell Street has a side entrance, possibly for the residence, and a twelve-paned double hung sash window. The location has had a long association with commercial enterprise from the earliest days of the township for well over 100 years. The original purchaser was James Blair, the first Police Magistrate for Portland, a Crown Lands Commissioner and one of the most important public servants in the Western District. It is not know if there were former commercial premises on the site. The building was constructed in 1863, for John Earls, trading as John Earls and Co. No architect or builder has been identified. Several important families have been associated with the General Store other than the Earls family. Harry Olle (a member of possibly the largest and most important commercial family in the town) initially worked for John Earls and later took over the store. The Madigan's (another important and influential family) was associated with this site from the beginning of the twentieth century. Although it has consistently been used as a store, for a short period in the 1920s, the store was used as a motor garage. The building is in excellent condition and retains a very high degree of integrity.

How is it significant?
Madigan's Store is of historical and architectural significance to the Southern Grampians shire and the township of Penshurst.

Why is it significant?
Why is it significant?
Madigan's Store is of architectural significance as a fine example of the Victorian period Free Classical style. The masonry and detailing of the building enhance the architectural significance of the building. Madigan's Store is of historical significance as the site of commercial activity for over 100 years. Of further historical significance is the store and the site's association with very distinguished individuals and successful families, including James Blair, Police Magistrate, the Earls family, the Olle family and the Madigan family. The location of the building on the corner of the main intersection of the town, through which the main Hamilton-Melbourne and Hamilton - Warrnambool transport routes passed is of further historical significance as it demonstrates Penshurst's role in the development of a local and regional economy. The central location of the store also re-inforces the role which Penshurst played as a central meeting point, commercial centre and seat of local government.