LISTEN NOW to the story of McPherson's Drapery & Haberdashery
As the plaque on the side of the building explains, this was once the business premises of Australia’s oldest tax payer. Bridget McPherson opened her frock and haberdashery shop here around the mid-1960s. Better known locally as ‘Mrs. Mac’, she kept a staggering array of stock, including clothing, accessories, workwear, school uniforms, fabric, haberdashery, mercery and napery. She had everything and knew where everything was – and was renowned for never changing the price on anything once it was marked. A determined search through the stacks could turn up items marked in pounds, shillings and pence right up until her last days.
In the five decades that she owned the business, she rarely missed a day’s work – even turning up on her 100th birthday in 1988. Reputedly Australia’s oldest taxpayer, she was featured in the media, answering questions in her usual pointed manner. Mrs. Mac continued working until she was 102, saying it was the people that kept her going. She passed away in Pambula District Hospital aged 103.
On the northern wall of this building take time to enjoy the mural Happy Days painted by local artist Simon Thomas, depicting a funky, retro-style view of the Panboola Wetlands.
CONTINUE NORTH UP QUONDOLA STREET