Gnowangerup History

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STEWART & SONS

Katanning Stock and Trading had an Agency in Gnowangerup from around October 1912. George A. Parry purchased it from them, and started trading in his own right from 12st April 1913.
In April 1936 Samuel Stewart with wife Dorothy were early business pioneers in Gnowangerup when they went into partnership with Gerge. Parry, with a hardware shop on the corner of Yougenup Road and Allardyce Street. the store was named “Parry & Stewart”. George and Sam continued trading under this name for several years.
Sam invested much time and energy into civic duties and social activities within the Gnowangerup District.

YOUGENUP ROAD SHOWING PARRY'S STORE ON ROGHT #1

YOUGENUP ROAD SHOWING PARRY'S STORE ON  LEFT                #2

ADVERT IN GNOWANGERUP STAR NEWSPAPER #3

Sam and Dorothy had four sons, who were all born in the Old Hospital in Gnowangerup: Gordon Thomas (b. 4 Jan 1920), Norman Samuel (b. 27 May1921), Athol Hall (b. 2 May 1924 ) and Bruce Barr (b.30 May 1927). 
The boys spent a very happy childhood in Gnowangerup and were to enjoy a special life-long bond with their parents and each other.
All four sons were upright and well respected citizens of Gnowangerup, in their youth and in their mature years.The men shouldered their responsibilities in public affairs of the town. Each of the four sons joined the armed forces in World War II.
1939 marked the start of World War II. Their three eldest sons joined the Royal Australian Air Force as mechanics.
Initially, Bruce Barr was not old enough to join up so he left school and joined Sam at the hardwre shop. 
Bruce joined the forces later. Sam joined the local Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) from 4 April 1942, and was officially discharged on 11 April 1946.

In the 1930’s Sam Stewart and William Brade were in charge of all arrangements for the military functions held for returned soldiers, including funerals for returned soldiers who were given impressive military funerals.
In 1941 he was State Vice President of the RSL.
In 1945 World War II finished, and their three sons returned safely to Gnowangerup. 

George Parry retired to Albany and following their service in WWII in 1946 Sam’s sons Athol and Gordon joined him in the business now named "Stewart & Sons". 
Born and educated in Gnowangerup, Norman joined the airforce in World War Il and after hostilities, he joined in partnership with his younger brother Bruce to farm "Teddington" which he and his brother Gordon commenced to develop when they first left school. In 1951 Athol and Gordon bought out George Parry’s share which included the land and buildings. Norman and Bruce took over ‘Teddington’. Later Bruce’s son Greg took over the farm.

STEWART & SONS BUILDING DURING RENOVATIONS 1966-67 #4

STEWART & SONS STORE AFTER RENOVATIONS EARLY 1980's #5

CHANGED TO FARM WORKS GNOWANGERUP #6

CHANGED TO GNP HARDWARE #7

In 1970 Sam was admitted to permanent care home in Perth for treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease. After a period of battling this debilitating illness Sam passed away on 21st February 1972 aged 87 years. The family and the District had witnessed the passing of a pioneer, soldier, business man, community leader, singer, and devoted family man. 
Dorothy died just 4 months later on 21 June 1972. They are buried in a double grave at the Gnowangerup Cemetery, Methodist Section No 87.
Treasured memories are held by those who knew Samuel Stewart. His living descendents in 2009 include nine grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; & great great grandchildren.
The surname Stewart was known in most organisations for their willingness to promote progress in the community. Each of the boys excelled in sport and were excellent ambassadors for Gnowangerup.

Athol Hall Stewart:
During his time in business Athol continued and increased his participation in affairs of the district.
Athol was a member of the Gnowangerup Hospital Board for 35 years, received Honorary Life Membership ship of St. John Ambulance, was a serving Brother of the Order of St. John and a Life Member of the Gnowangerup Sub Centre of St. John Ambulance.
At sport he played football, lawn bowls, tennis and golf, taking his share, or more at times, of secretarial and committee positions in all of the clubs.
The Gnowangerup Parents and Citizens Association was another organisation which received the valued input given by Mr. Athol Stewart over many years.
Athol loved his home town Gnowangerup, but the most important love of his life was his family.
Sadly Athol Hall Stewart aged 76 years, passed away suddenly on October 3rd, 2000.

Norman Samuel Stewart:
Norm retired into town a few years after having sold his interest in the property.
Like his father before him, Norman was actively interested in the RSL and held the position of secretary for more years than we can remember. A keen sportsman, he played football for the Gnowangerup club and golf with above average ability.
When he joined the Bowling Club, he accepted responsibilities as a member and served a term as Club President.
Sadly Norman passed away on November 22nd, 1984

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

References:                 Article:      Merilyn Stewart
                                                 Documents and written material supplied and produced by Jody Pech (Samuel’s grand daughter)
                                                 Documents from the National Archives, War Memorial Records
                                                 Articles from The Gnowangerup Star

Image: Sadie Stewart