Robert James REA’S EMPORIUM
R J Rea’s Emporium, Billiard Saloon, Cycle Depot. H Pope Pioneer Store.
R J Rea Billiard Saloon
After a round of experience on the fields, MR. R. J. Rea was one of the first, if not the first, to secure a business block, and start operations in Kookynie. Mr Rea, attracted by wondrous tales of gold, came to this State in April, 1895, and entered into business in Shenton street, Menzies, as watchmaker and jeweller. The trade, however, was overdone, and Mr. Rea shortly afterwards moved farther afield and next “put in hid pegs” at Niagara, where in addition to his watchmaking and jewellery business, he started a bicycle repairing shop. The steel steed being in great demand in those days, and also liable to mishaps, this proved a wise step. Subsequently Mr. Rea purchases the Niagara news agency and the hairdressing and tobacconist business from Messer Stewart and Mullane. Sometime later Mr. Rea concluded that the character of its mines, that the Kookynie district must eclipse Niagara as a commercial center, and he decided upon another move. He then transferred his business, and sometime later secured a billiard room license. There was no town laid out at that time, and the business areas were granted subject to survey. The first business area was granted to Mr. T. Sullivan on behalf of himself and Mr. Rea, and Mr. Rea’s present front shop was, erected Theron the first permanency in Kookynie. From that the town moved forward. The next step was when Warden Owen selected the present town site, and the lots were then surveyed. The holders of business area were the allowed to the town lots, and Mr. Rea transferred his building to its present site, having purchase half the lot from Mr. Sullivan. Mr. Rea has now built up a substantial business that is unique in regard to its comprehensiveness.
Landauer’s Buildings
Like many another business man on these fields, Mr. Landauer had some experience of mining from the time he sought elusive alluvial at Kanowa, until he established his chemist business in Kookynie. He arrived here in February 1899, and worked on the Cosmopolitan six months before he started business. He commenced in a small hessian camp, and this small business was a great boon in those days; in fact there was no other medical attendance nearer than Menzies. About two years later, Mr. Landauer has completed the handsome row of five shops, in one of which he now conducts his pharmacy business, he established himself in his present premises in July, 1891. Mr. Landauer is now about to enlarge his shop and provide for summer business by putting in an American soda fountain.
The Mayor
Kookynie’s first Mayor, Mr. Thomas Campbell, is a native of Victoria, and held a good position with Goldsborough, Mort, and Co. Limited, before he came to this state some eight years ago. Since the Mr. Campbell has been intimately associated with the northern portion of these fields, and he has always taken an active part in public matters. He spent many years in Menzies, where he enjoyed great popularity, and he was Mayor of the town in 1898. In 1899 Mr. Campbell came to Kookynie, and he and his partner took over the Kookynie Hotel from Mr. R. H. Ryan he soon became an active public worker, and on the constitution of the Municipality he was elected first Mayor of the town. During his tenure of office, Mr. Campbell has done much good work for the town and district. In fact, he has worked so hard that others have shown inclination to leave everything to him, but his energy has enabled him to carry all burdens placed upon his shoulders; and now, thanks largely to his indefatigably, Kookynie is one of the most progressive mining municipalities in the State.
Kookynies first Mayor, Thomas Campbell
Britannia Coffee Palace
This establishment occupies a splendid position at the end of Cumberland Street, and handy for men employed on the mines, by whom it is well patronised. The building is commodious and lofty one, the property of MR. C. W. Arnott, who has erected so many important buildings in these fields. The Coffee Palace is managed by Mr. T. Britton, who has been associated with the running of restaurant since the days of the goldfields, and in the good times of Coolgardie, successfully conducted a similar business there. Since he came to Kookynie, Tommy Britton has always endeavoured to give satisfaction to his costumers, and his dished are well known by the novel manner in which he has advertised them: he has charge of the culinary department himself, and assisted by an efficient staff of under cooks he is always able to keep peace with the needs of his many boarders. The dining-hall holds eight large tables, so that a great number of person can find seating accommodation at the one time. The staff of waitresses is also competent to cope with all demands, and those whose employment renders it necessary for them to take a hasty lunch, find there is no delay in having their wants attended to. The manager is also a champion of unionism and union rates of wages, and he practices what he preaches in this direction. The tariff and other particulars appear in our advertising columns.
E Boms, Kookynie Cafe
Montgomery’s Store Kookynie 1912
H Pope and Co Pioneer Store
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