Directory

Local History Sites

Wadley's Chemist Shop (1930)

Description

Growth necessitates local medical services

As Lowood's population grew, so did the need for medical services. From the opening of the railway in 1884 GPs and dentists from Ipswich regularly visited Lowood. Dr Lesley Winterbotham established the first permanent medical practice in Lowood in 1909.

The first known chemist shop was established by Allan Waters about 1903 in Main Street, near the military ground. In 1913 Lowood's first private hospital opened in Prospect Street.

Main Street gets a new pharmacy

In November 1930 The Queensland Times reported: "Mr John Walters has extensively improved Main Street's appearance by erecting new shops and renovating another. These shops are now occupied by Messrs J. Josefski (hairdresser), A. Wadley (chemist) and a cash and carry business."

                          

Wadleys become household names

The middle shop became Wadley's Chemist & Optometrist. For the next 16 years Arthur Wadley and his wife operated their businesses from here, surviving the Depression and WWII, before selling up in 1946.

In March 1946 The Queensland Times reported: "Mr and Mrs Wadley will be missed. They are both closely connected with the public life of the town, and showed a keen interest in anything for the advancement of the town and district." 

Ex-Army officer takes over

The business was bought by Major Neil Munro, who had recently returned from WWII military service. His father had owned A.C. Munro & Sons butter factory in Lowood where Neil worked before enlisting.

Landmark for many years

The town's various pharmacies operated from this shop for about 50 years until Lowood's new Guardian Pharmacy opened in Michel Street.

This shop is now a popular fashion boutique.