Penrith High Street: A Look Back at Businesses

Penrith's High Street, particularly the block situated at the corner of High and Castlereagh Streets, holds a rich tapestry of commercial history. In earlier days, this area was a focal point, dominated by established institutions like banks, the Nepean Theatre, and the John Price funeral home. As Penrith evolved through the forties and fifties, this core remained a hub, with banks and the theatre continuing their presence, while other businesses adapted or relocated. The Price family, influential in the town's development, also had a stake in the Nepean Theatre before its ownership changed hands.

The Cornerstones: Banks and the Theatre

The Bank of New South Wales, now recognised as Westpac, occupied a prominent corner site. Its presence on High Street was not its first; it had previously been situated in several other locations, reflecting the town's growth and urban planning. The bank's current location had once housed the School of Arts before its move to Castlereagh Street. As the largest non-government bank in town, it served a significant portion of the business and professional community, contrasting with the Commonwealth Bank, which remained government-owned.

Adjacent to the bank, a shop that began as a dress shop later transformed into an estate agency. This transition was spearheaded by Bruce Spence, who also managed the Nepean Theatre. His foresight recognised the impending impact of television, introduced in 1956, on the long-term viability of cinemas. The Nepean Theatre itself was a key landmark, followed by a milk bar run by Bill Gibbons, highlighting the abundance of cafes and milk bars catering to the community's needs.

A Closer Look at High Street's Retailers

The retail landscape of this specific block was diverse. One establishment, remembered by some as the 'Glory Box' and by others as the 'Vanity Box,' offered ladies' wear or served as a ladies' hairdresser. Newspaper reports from the Nepean Times confirm that it was a beauty salon operated by Miss Marion Stanton. Her establishment provided comprehensive beauty and body treatments, and was noted for its stringent hygiene practices, with claims of sterilising all instruments and equipment after use. Miss Stanton's philosophy, that a stylish appearance was a 'social necessity' rather than a luxury, reflects the era's emphasis on presentation.

Further along, a florist named Margot Florist, managed by Mrs. Paskins and Mrs. Anderson at different times, provided fresh flowers and arrangements. Next to the florist was the barber shop of Roley Price. This section of High Street was a microcosm of the broader retail offerings in Penrith during the mid-20th century.

The Commonwealth Bank and Automotive Services

The Commonwealth Bank played a crucial role in the lives of many Penrith residents. As the largest bank in town, it primarily catered to working-class individuals and was the leading institution for home loans and individual savings accounts. Its innovative strategy of collaborating with schools to encourage children's savings, with bank representatives visiting schools weekly for deposits, fostered early financial literacy and built customer loyalty. Many would later rediscover old Commonwealth Bank passbooks with a pleasant surprise of accumulated compound interest.

Next to the bank, a business specialising in new and reconditioned tyres was a common sight. The prevalence of tyre-selling businesses, including garages, suggests that either tyres had a shorter lifespan compared to today, or the road surfaces were more abrasive. Considering the number of cars on the road at the time, this points to a significant demand for tyre replacement and repair services.

The electrical goods sector was also represented, with Ken Evans operating an electrical store adjacent to the tyre shop. This highlights the growing importance of electrical appliances in households.

The Fruit Shop and its Notable Owners

The fruit and vegetable shop in this block had a notable history of ownership. It was previously run by the well-known Penrith family, the Howells, and later by Jack Corr. Jack's brother, Harold Corr, served Penrith as Town Clerk for many years, overseeing its transition from a small town to a city. The business was subsequently acquired by the Cowans. Roger Cowan, a former school teacher, transitioned to become the secretary and chief executive of the Penrith Leagues Club. Under his leadership, the club experienced significant growth, evolving into the substantial entity it is today.

The Commercial Banking Company of Sydney (CBS)

At the corner of High and Woodriffe Streets stood the imposing, two-storied building of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney (CBS). Although the CBS as a banking entity no longer exists, its manager for many years, Mr. Don Mackay, and his popular family, were integral to the Penrith community. The family included three sons: Grayson, who became a doctor, Colin, and Ivan. The tragic car accident that claimed Colin's life in 1960 was a profound loss for both his family and the town.

A Reflection on Business Diversity

It's striking to observe the sheer number of businesses offering similar goods and services in Penrith during the 1950s, a town with a population of around 20,000. In some categories, there were more outlets then than there are now. A report from the Nepean Times in January 1954 indicated that Penrith Council had issued licenses for 14 barber shops, 10 butcher shops, 14 fish shops, 20 'refreshment rooms,' and 40 grocery and small goods stores. While some of these licenses may have been for businesses outside the immediate High Street area or possibly dormant, the numbers are still considerable. The town also boasted at least six garages, five chemist shops, six electrical goods stores, and five bakeries.

Why So Many Similar Businesses?

Several factors can explain this multiplicity of businesses:

• Electrical Goods: In an era where electrical appliances were significantly more expensive to purchase than they are today, and replacement was less affordable, repairs were essential. Shops that sold these items also offered repair services, contributing to their higher numbers.
• Service Stations (Garages): Despite fewer cars on the road, the number of garages was substantial. Like electrical shops, garages offered more than just petrol; they provided mechanical repairs. Cars were generally less reliable, increasing the demand for servicing. Additionally, full driveway service, while convenient, could slow down customer turnover, potentially necessitating more outlets.
• Cafes: The cafes of the 1950s were primarily eating houses serving traditional Australian meals, often featuring grills and salads. Chicken was less common due to its higher cost before the advent of battery farming. These establishments were also milk bars, serving milkshakes and juices in the absence of modern chain food outlets.
• Chemists: With the absence of a universal healthcare scheme until the establishment of Medibank in 1974, many people could not afford regular doctor visits. Pharmacists often served as the primary medical advisors for non-life-threatening conditions. Furthermore, many products now readily available in supermarkets, such as beauty products, analgesics, and non-prescription medications, were exclusively sold in pharmacies.
• Butcher Shops, Bakeries, Greengrocers, and Grocers: The high number of these businesses might be attributed to the lack of large supermarkets and the limited availability of frozen foods. People often lacked freezers, necessitating more frequent purchases of fresh produce. The market for sliced bread was just emerging, meaning most consumers bought unsliced loaves from local bakers.
• Hairdressers: While it's true that men did not typically visit ladies' salons, the high number of barbers compared to ladies' hairdressers might reflect fewer two-income families or the prohibitive cost of salon services for some.

The Era of Small, Locally Owned Businesses

A defining characteristic of businesses in Penrith during this period was their local ownership and operation by families. These were predominantly small businesses, with the exception of larger, locally owned department stores like Bussell Brothers. The arrival of Woolworths in the early fifties, initially as a variety store, had a limited impact on these independent retailers.

Customers had a direct relationship with the owners, allowing for personal service and direct resolution of any issues. However, the encroaching influence of supermarkets, large retailers, and chain stores would inevitably transform the town's shopping habits and its overall retail atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Nepean Theatre still exist in the 1950s?

Yes, the Nepean Theatre was a significant landmark on High Street during the 1950s.

Who owned the fruit shop on High Street?

The fruit shop had several notable owners, including the Howells, Jack Corr, and later the Cowans.

What was the difference between the Commonwealth Bank and the Bank of New South Wales?

The Commonwealth Bank was government-owned and catered more to working-class individuals, while the Bank of New South Wales (now Westpac) was the largest non-government bank, preferred by business and professional people.

Why were there so many small businesses like butchers and bakers?

The lack of supermarkets, limited frozen food availability, and the need for frequent fresh purchases contributed to the high number of these specialised food retailers.

What impact did television have on businesses like cinemas?

The introduction of television in 1956 was seen as a potential threat to the long-term viability of cinemas, prompting some business owners to diversify their offerings.