The Corner Store - a landmark of Gisborne’s history

The building that we proudly occupy has a long history, being one of the oldest surviving buildings in Gisborne. Built in 1860 to house a General Store called ‘Hussey’s Corner’, with living quarters on the second floor, it served the needs of the population in this rural area, as well as travellers passing through and resting, on their way to the Goldfields. It continued on as a general store for over a hundred years, storing hay and grain, and selling food items as well as candles, boots, drapes, cloth, ties, sheets, perfume and of course great supplies of soda water and whiskey. All the important items needed by the occupants of a growing country town!

In the 1970’s, the Historical Society, with the support of 150 local ‘objectors’, managed to save the building from being demolished to make way for a small shopping plaza, supermarket and parking space. The list of locals putting in a petition includes well known local families such as Riddell, Saunders, Dixon, Dalrymple, Ross-Watt and Fisher, many of whom have streets and reserves in Gisborne named after them. We are grateful that they have been successful, so that we can continue to enjoy these beautiful premises. The building has retained the charm and many features of early colonial architecture and layout, including the bluestone foundations, the original windows (some of the window panes are even intact to this day) front door, staircase and fireplaces. Our building is on the heritage list, classified by the National Trust of Victoria. We all love the distinct feel and warm atmosphere of years gone by, conveyed within its walls.

Take a look back through time, from the 1880s to the present.