Jack and Matilda Caldow built one of the first shops in the town, on a site that later became Hendry's shop. The building consisted of four rooms, being a dining room, a barber shop and two living rooms at the rear.The two front rooms were of timber frame covered with hessian,. The hessian was white washed and a cement floor was put down. The dining rooms were of iron. when the barber shop was set up, word went around that the first customer was in the chair. When the few local residents hurried to witness this great event, they were amazed to see an old nanny goat (animal variety) sitting there. The other room contained a tea shop known as the Bon Ton Cafe.

Mr. Caldow later sold to a Mr. Montgomery who later still, sold to George Hendry. The later, with his son and staff built it up to be a thriving business.

Bert Caldow was 61 years of age, when he died in the Gnowangerup Hospital on 8th July 1926. He had been a sufferer for many years The passing of Mr Caldow goes another of the early inhabitants of the town, he having arrived here in the latter part of 1910, and with his wife opened a boarding house in Yougenup street, and also conducted a general store until October, 1921, when he sold the business to Mr Geo. Montgomery.

At one time he occupied the premises of the Imperial Supply Stores, which were later burned down.

After disposing of his grocery business and store buildings he moved out on to his farm about four miles north of the town, into the development of which be entered with characteristic energy, despite the great drawback of intermittent ill health.

At all times Mr Caldow was ever ready to help a deserving cause : worked to his capacity for the district which be called home; and by his manly fight against great adversity won the admiration of all who had the pleasure of knowing him. The world is the poorer for his passing."