DAWSON'S CASH STORE (FORMER)

The former Dawson's Cash Store, at 25-29 Stanley Street, Toora, built in 1911-12 is significant. The brick Federation corner shop with splayed corner has a unique curved timber framed, sheet metal parapet depicting a pair of whales with raised tails meeting at the splayed corner. There is also a later extension on the Stanley Street elevation, with a parapet and building to provide a side vehicle entry and outbuilding. Other key features include: 

Non-original alterations and additions, other than those specified above, are not significant. The extension of the building on the Stanley Street end is significant as it may be the original residence from the domestic entry style.

Historically, the brick shop was constructed in 1911-12 to be a 'cash store', run by Ms Susan Dawson. It is possible that William Dawson constructed the store, as he was a local contractor, constructing many local houses including 16 Welshpool Road, Toora (see TO-WE-016). In 1923, the store was sold to the Great Southern Cooperative and became the Cooperative's Toora store, selling household and farm goods. The former Dawson's Cash Store demonstrates the development of Toora and illustrates the importance of Toora as a growing commercial community during the height of the local dairy industry. (Criterion A)
Aesthetically, the former Dawson's Cash Store is on visually significant corner in the heart of the commercial centre of Toora. This, combined with the substantial size of the building, its unique and extravagant parapet and its close proximity to other locally and regionally significant buildings such as the former Union Bank of Australia (see TO-ST-030), makes it a local landmark within the community. This building makes a significant contribution to the character of Stanley Street and Toora. (Criterion E)