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A corner shop

116 Farrell Street, Port Melbourne

116 Farrell St, Port Melbourne

The house on the corner north-west of Ross Street and Farrell Street was once occupied by a small shop and residence. Perhaps the light cream brick cladding on the building in 2016 could have been placed over the original weatherboard shop, or perhaps the shop was demolished and this small brick house built on the site in the 1960s.

The shop was first occupied in 1898 or 1899 by a butcher, Alexander Brownlie. For a very short time in 1903-4 it was occupied by Henry Chrimes, the first member of the Chrimes family to live in Port Melbourne. Henry migrated from England and married Catherine Ryan. They had three children: Michael Joseph, Jane Isobel and Thomas. Their sons Michael Joseph and Thomas both lived in various houses in Port Melbourne, and their children also.

Between 1904 and 1913 various bakers operated their business from this shop. From 1916 to 1930 it was run as a pastry shop, general store or confectioners by various occupiers.

In 1931 Jack Baker opened a general store there and operated it with his wife and family. After his death the family continued to keep the shop until 1955. From then until our record ends in 1961 it was a confectioners.

From 1905 it was owned by William Campbell who ran a business there described as baker/gilder, but only for 2-3 years. His wife, Mrs E.E. Campbell was still the owner in 1960.

This account of the various owners and tenants of 116 Farrell St was researched by Margaret and Graham Bride with David Thompson for History of a Street Precinct: the area bounded by Evans, Farrell, Williamstown and Bridge Streets in Port Melbourne. You can explore the history of every house in the precinct by following the links on the project’s webpage.

4 Comments

  • Greg Byrne
    Posted January 21, 2023 9.31 am 0Likes

    It was operating as a shop when I was going to primary school in the 1950s but I do not remember it being very busy. I am sure that it was not demolished. John and Val O’Calligan, who operated the corner milk bar at Bridge and Bay St, bought this shop/house and erected the external brick walls then modified the interior. Maybe they did this to avoid building permits ?

  • David Thompson
    Posted January 21, 2023 11.55 am 0Likes

    Thanks for adding to the story Greg.

  • Beryl Patullo
    Posted April 8, 2024 12.22 pm 0Likes

    that building also shows as being 179 Ross Street Port Melbourne. Butcher there and also 183 Ross st in 1901 Rate book

    • David Thompson
      Posted April 9, 2024 10.10 am 0Likes

      Thanks Beryl,
      The building numbers in Port changed in many streets in the 1890s and this building in particular had a Ross Street address when it was a shop. You can see the squared-off corner where the door to the shop was but when it was converted to a residence the only door is in Farrell Street so it makes sense to have a Farrell Street address. You can see the page for the building from our History of a Street Precinct project at https://www.pmhps.org.au/street-precinct/farrell116.htm. It includes pictures from when it was a shop. Use the small arrow buttons to the right of the photo to see other photos.

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We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet and work, the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation and pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.