Yates & twomey: serving the people of gloucester for 70 years
Local sources suggest the hardware store first commenced in Gloucester in the old Union Building situated on the billabong at the back of Church Street, behind White’s corner in 1932. The proprietors were Mr Max North & Mr McCullogh, who conducted a produce and seed business. They used to sell local supplies of vegetables and other produce, also skins and hides.
The business then passed on to Paterson & Easton and moved to the present building in Church Street, built by W. T. Houghton for sisters G.E. Easton and Miss M Laurie. About 1934 they had the General Motor Agency and machinery agents as well as stock and station agents, produce and seed merchant.
They sold out in 1937 to Brian Carolan, and the building was sold to Mrs. Cavanagh, wife of the local Chemist.
Brian Carolan, who was formerly employed at Gloucester Dairy Company, introduced the Dangar Gedge Malloch agency, selling milking machines, Lister separators, Lister Diesel Stationary engines and petrol engines from 11/2hp to 38hp, also the Nevertoil range of pumps, chaff cutters, field machinery, Kelvinator commercial and domestic refrigerators, Fordson tractors, produce seed and farm hardware.
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Soon after the 1939-45 War, Brian Carolan put the business on the market and in the year 1948 the partnership of J.G.W. (Jack) Yates and Ray Thomas Twomey took over. They continued the business introducing extensive hardware and building material. They also had Simpson washing machines, electric and petrol driven models, also Kelvinator domestic and commercial refrigerators. Most hotels, cafes and butcher shops were supplied with cool rooms, refrigerated showcases and Temprite beer systems.
After the death of J.G.W. Yates in 1981, R.T. Twomey purchased the business and continued on until bad health forced him to seek help and his son Ray Twomey Jnr. joined as a partner. After further deterioration in health he sold out to his son who is still carrying on the present business with his wife Sandra.
After the death of J.G.W. Yates in 1981, R.T. Twomey purchased the business and continued on until bad health forced him to seek help and his son Ray Twomey Jnr. joined as a partner. After further deterioration in health he sold out to his son who is still carrying on the present business with his wife Sandra.
