Then:
Newham’s Newsagency (image courtesy of G. and L. Barry) was once located at 207 Barker Street Castlemaine next to the George Clark building. This photograph was taken in 1923 with W. F. (Bill) Newham standing at the front of the shop with a customer, Essie McLean, later Mrs. Barry. The shop typically sold all manner of publications as can be seen on the overhead facade as well as a myriad of goods that are displayed in the front window. At this time in history this part of town was in the centre of commercial activity and a newsagency occupied the site for over 70 years. After Bill Newham retired, new proprietors continued to conduct the newsagency business until in recent times the O’Brien family moved the newsagency to Mostyn Street which is now a busier part of town.
Now:
After the newsagency business vacated the shop area, other businesses moved in and for a lengthy period of time Leech’s Jewellery Shop occupied the site before the business also moved to Mostyn Street. This modern day photograph reveals that the shop has had a fresh coat of paint and the present occupant of the site is Beleza, a business that specialises in school uniforms. Now image and historical details courtesy Ken McKimmie.