Thomsons Stores

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE


Thomson's Store
140 Gray Street


This building has regional significance as one of the earliest large stores in Hamilton and beyond, described in 1893 as having `the most extensive wholesale and retail trade in the west, supplying every requisite for household, farm or station.' ([i]) The building has historical importance for its associations with the Thomson family, Scots who came to Victoria in 1852 and settled in Hamilton, soon becoming prominent in town affairs. ([ii]) Thomson's iron store was established on its present site in 1866 or earlier ([iii]) and was replaced in 1872 by a stone store, ([iv]) which forms part of the present building. Thomson's is a key building in the Gray Street streetscape. The store expanded in the 1870s, 1880s and later ([v]). In 1937 John Thomson & Co. became a public company. ([vi]) More recently, in 1983-84 an area behind Thomson's was acquired by Woolworth's and a large supermarket and several specialty shops were erected. ([vii])


The existing facade probably dates from the 1880-s expansion. From that time it remains substantially intact. The original verandah was wooden and appears in many early photographs of the street. The present verandah is quite recent. The building is in good condition and is a keystone in the streetscape of Gray Street .