Then:
W. R. Williams Coach Builders (pictured) operated as a business for at least 68 years, from Forest Street.
He originally came to Castlemaine to fulfil a position in Mr. Myring’s coachbuilding shop near the gasworks. Mr. Gaulton purchased Mr. Myring’s business with Mr. Williams staying on as foreman. Shortly after, the business moved to Forest Street.
Production would have changed over their long period of operation from shoeing (4s. per set) and a forge in their early years to production and sale of buggies, gigs and all classes of vehicles, both light and heavy as per their advertisement in the ‘Mail’ in 1932. They imported regular stocks from England and America, which they displayed in the Showroom on the north side of Forest Street in the building now occupied by Graffiti Publications.
They also advertised the painting, upholstery and hoods of motor cars and vehicles and body builds on the premises. Williams was well-known throughout the Commonwealth and it was rare not to win a prize at shows where he has exhibited. He was a keen follower of sport and financially and personally supported many sporting bodies in the town. He was a judge at many Agricultural Shows, a captain of the Fire Brigade for 11 years and a pioneer member of the Rechabite Lodge. He died on September 3, 1917 – aged nearly 70. He had broken his leg 18 years prior and as it didn’t knit properly, he had needed to walk with a crutch or stick ever since. His son, John, had died in 1916 and this had had a marked effect on him. Image and information kindly supplied by the Castlemaine Historical Society – Exploring our Past.
Now:
The location of W. R. Williams showroom on the north side of Forest Street is now home to Graffiti Publications founded by local hot rod enthusiasts Larry and Mary O’Toole. It is fitting that the building still has a connection to Australian transport and motoring with Graffiti being the producers of the renowned Australian Street Rodding magazine.
Graffiti are celebrating their 45th year in publishing in 2022 and have produced almost 400 editions since they started out back in 1977. They have also produced a wide array of other publications including Hot Rodding International and numerous books on the subject of hot rodding. The local business are also Australian distributors for a range of other highly sought after hot rod mags including American publications The Rodder’s Journal, Rodding USA and Wheel Hub, and Australian Hot Rodder produced fellow Aussie enthusiast and local Graham Smith.
You can explore the address with Google Street View here.