John Fitzallen Barrett was born in 1843 in London, England and died on October 26, 1925, at his home in Queen Street, Newport, New South Wales, Australia. On October 28, 1925, he was buried at Manly Cemetery, where his wife would later join him. His parents were John Barrett (1811-1880) and Theresa Ann Mary Thatcher (1811-1878). In 1891, John married Charlotte Mary Hildebrand (1846-1938) at Petersham, New South Wales, Australia.
Charlotte’s parents were Thomas Hildebrand (1810-1891) and Elizabeth Kennedy (1810-1891). Her father was a Policeman. Charlotte was previously married to Richard Patrick Stanton (1838-1889).
John and Charlotte had a son:
1. John Ernest Barrett (1879-1946)
On December 11, 1901, John Ernest Barrett married Frances Mary Jolly (1878-1958) at Rockdale, New South Wales, Australia.
The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, Australia) - Sat, 21 Dec 1901 - Page 7 states:
A wedding took place at the residence of Herr Klomann, Bryant-street. Rockdale, on Wednesday, December 11, when Mr. John Ernest Barrett, Newport, only son Mr. John Barrett, of London, was married to Miss Frances Mary Jolly, eldest daughter of Mr. Francis Jolly, of Rockdale. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Joseph Parker, of the Rockdale Congregational Church.
The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a pretty dress of white silk, with a transparent yoke and a chiffon fichu, with a veil and a wreath of orange blossoms; she also carried a bouquet of white flowers and ferns, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridesmaids were Miss Maggie Jolly and Miss Gray (sister and cousin of the bride), and were dressed in white surah tucked bodices, with silver-grey cashmere skirts, also little Miss Klomann, who was in white silk with flounces of lace. The gold brooches worn by the bridesmaids were the gifts of the bridegroom. Mr. George Jolly (brother of the bride) was the best man.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, "the Wedding March" was played by Mr. G. Young, after which the newly married couple and about 50 guests adjourned to the residence of the bride's parents, where a reception was held, and later Mr. and Mrs. Barrett left for Newport.
The Evening News (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) - Sat, 4 Jan 1902 - Page 2
John Ernest Barrett and Frances Mary Jolly had three children:
1. John Francis Barrett (1902-1929) – Died at the age of twenty-six
2. Gertrude Mary Barrett (1905-1972) – Married D’Arcy Allman Tarrant (1903-1958)
3. Beryl Louise Barrett (1913-1993) – Married Harold Cain Smith (1911-1978)
THE PROPERTY
On December 23, 1897, John Fitzallen Barrett and Charlotte Mary Barrett purchased lot twelve (12) of section A in the township of Newport from Edward Douglas Thomson, as in common tenants (Book 635 Number 383). The land was part of 700 acres, portion seventeen (17), that was granted to Robert Campbell on August 31, 1819.
.jpg?timestamp=1772268259344)
23/12/1897 – Extract of Book/Number 635-383 John and Charlotte Barrett property purchase
John and Charlotte paid Edward Douglas Thomson one hundred pounds (£100) for the land.
23/12/1897 – Extract of Book/Number 635-383 John and Charlotte Barrett property purchase
Section of a Newport Real Estate Poster – 09/11/1880 (SLNSW FL9054474)
The Barretts had numerous mortgages over the years, starting on November 10, 1899, with Minnie Harriette Tange and ending on November 13, 1913, with the Bank of North Queensland. Following her husband’s death on October 26, 1925, Charlotte sold the property to Richard Stanton on May 10, 1926. The property sold for nine hundred and twenty-five pounds (£925).
Lot twelve is described as the piece of land containing by admeasurement one rood twentyone and one-tenth perches or thereabouts situated at Newport in the Parish of Narrabeen, County of Cumberland and State of New South Wales being lot twelve of Section A of the Town of Newport commencing on the West side of Queen Street on the North East corner of lot thirteen and bounded thence on the East by that Street bearing Northerly sixty six feet to lot eleven thence on the North by that lot bearing Westerly two hundred and thirty two feet to the waters of the Pitt Water Bay thence on the North West by these waters bearing South Westerly to lot thirteen aforesaid and thence on the South by that lot bearing Easterly two hundred and sixty four feet to the point of commencement.
THE GENERAL STORE
On February 8, 1899, John Fitzallen Barrett was issued a license to sell tobacco, cigars and cigarettes. This indicates that the general store on Queen Street in Newport was already operational by this date.
02/03/1899 - License for the sale of Tobacco, Cigars, and Cigarettes, under the Tobacco Act of 1884
The newspaper article below provides further evidence that the Barretts were storekeepers on Queen Street in Newport, at least by 1899. One might assume that the waterfront cottage was theirs for rent. The launch service only appeared around 1909, when they advertised for the purchase of a 30-passenger motor launch. It’s likely that John Francis Barrett’s son started the Pittwater launch service; he would have been about thirty years old in 1909. The Newport Hotel, Scott’s Guesthouse, the Public School, the Post Office, Steamers, and Residents would have supplied a steady stream of customers for the general store.
The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) - Sat, 10 Jun 1899 - Page 4
There is no evidence to confirm who built the original building on the site. We can safely say that the building was already there when John Fitzallen Barrett was issued a license to sell tobacco on February 8, 1899, and when they advertised a furnished cottage on June 10, 1899.
Given that the Barretts purchased the property on December 23, 1897, they had about a year to build the store and residence. It is also likely that the buildings were built by a previous owner, and the Barretts simply moved in and started trading. We may never know the true history of the building.
.jpg?timestamp=1772268765555)
Barrett’s Store, Queen Street (Kalinya Street), Newport - View looking south and shows the Post Office in the left background on the eastern side of Kalinya Street and the Newport 'Pub' hidden by Barrett's Store and residence. Photo supplied by Geoff Searl (Avalon Beach Historical Society).
View looking north down Queen Street (Kalinya Street), from near the corner of Beaconsfield Road. Barrett’s Store is on the left, just past the road down to the Government Wharf. Photo supplied by John Morcombe (Historian)
On June 30, 1903, John Fitzallen Barrett registered his business, the General Store at Newport. The registration book is held at the State Archives.
The Mosman Mail and Warringah Elector (Mosman, New South Wales, Australia) - Sat, 7 Nov 1903 - Page 3
Below is an extract from a newspaper article published in the Mosman Mail. The article was written to promote the area and raise awareness of its beautiful scenery and available facilities for the visitor. This extract mentions Barrett’s Store and its location in relation to other established businesses.
The Mosman Mail and Warringah Elector - Sat, 5 Dec 1903 - Page 2
MOSMAN TO NEWPORT.
By " PHREN." (Concluded.)
As you pass the public school at Newport, you see ahead of you the attractive facade and grounds of the Newport Hotel. There are lawns in front, shaded by widely branching trees, under which there are usually some children playing in the care of their nurses. The view from the back is exceedingly fine, taking in the romantic Pittwater, with its surrounding heights mirrored in the glassy surface. Boats are kept for hire, and there are other fishing facilities, and a hall for dancing and concerts.
The road branches to the right at the hotel, and passing the post office (nearly opposite), takes you first to the boarding house called "The Bungalow," a fine stately place, reached by broad steps and beautified by gardens. Nearly opposite, "The Bungalow" is Mr. J. F. Barrett's store. Mr. Barrett is also THE NEWSAGENT and takes an active interest in everything that concerns the district. Orders left with him for the Mosman Mail will receive prompt attention.
Farther on, you come to the stylish boarding house kept by Miss Scott. This has been a wellknown establishment and popular for many years.
A great many go there now on Saturdays and Sundays, cyclists by the hundred fly up and down the road from Manly, and the boat "Woy Woy" visits it once a month on a tour of those magnificent and most romantic inlets of the Pacific called Pittwater and Brisbane Water.
From Manly to Newport and back on the EXCELLENT LINE OF COACHES, run by C.H. Massey and Co., of Manly, can be done nicely in a day from the city. The first coach leaves Manly at 9.45 or 10.00 a.m. If you stop at Narrabeen, you will have five hours for dinner, shooting, fishing, bathing, and seeing the sights. At every point, almost a grand vista is presented. Just this side of Newport and to the left on coming back, you witness a vast expanse of THE PACIFIC OCEAN.
View looking down Beaconsfield Street, Newport; the hotel is visible in the distance. Turn right at the bottom of the road to arrive at Barrett’s store and the wharf. Photo supplied by the State Library of New South Wales.
From as early as December 5, 1903, Barrett’s Store was a stockist of the ‘Mosman Mail’ Newspaper. At that time, he was the only advertised stockist north of Narrabeen.
The Mosman Mail and Warringah Elector (Mosman, New South Wales, Australia) - Sat, 5 Dec 1903 - Page 3
On October 5, 1906, John Fitzallen Barrett, Storekeeper of Queen Street, Newport, applied for a Colonial Wine License.
The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) - Sat, Oct 1906 - Page 10
Colonial Wine License Definition:
“A Colonial Wine License was a specific type of liquor license in 19th and early 20th-century Australia that authorised the holder to sell wine, cider, or perry (pear cider) produced from fruit grown within the Australian colonies. These licenses were designed to promote the local wine industry and allowed for the sale of wine for consumption on-premises or sometimes off-premises in small quantities”.
Barrett’s store was located on Queen Street, between Gladstone Street and The Queens Parade. The store was one lot from the corner of The Queens Parade West, that run down the hill to the wharf. Queen Street was later renamed, with the store having the address of eight (8) Kalinya Street, Newport. The store was on the street frontage, while the family lived in a cottage at the rear.
Barrett’s Store Location - Section of a Newport Real Estate Poster - 06/12/1919 (SLNSW FL9042393)
Section of an Aerial View of Queens Street, Newport - c1935 - Searle, E. W. (Edward William) (National Library of Australia photo)
On April 17, 1909, John Ernest Barrett’s wife, Frances Mary Barrett, is advertising for the purchase of a launch that is suitable to carry thirty passengers. This could be another boat to add to their fleet servicing Pittwater.
The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) - Sat, 17 Apr 1909 - Page 3
The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) - Tue, 30 Sep 1913 - Page 14
In the 1911 Sands Directory, J. F. Barrett is described as a Newport Storekeeper.
1911 Sands Directory - J. F. Barrett - Newport Storekeeper
On September 10, 1913, John Ernest Barrett advertised the business for sale. Both the general store and the Motor Launch businesses were for sale for £1100 and included all stock and fittings. Poor health was cited as the reason for selling the 14-year-old business. His father, John Fitzallen Barrett, would have been seventy years old and only twelve years away from the year of his death. We can assume the business did not sell, since he continued to promote it and relisted it for sale in April 1916.
.jpg?timestamp=1772269855529)
On April 30, 1915, John Ernest Barrett promoted the services his business offered in The Sun newspaper. The services included motorboat hire, a Pittwater and Palm Beach ferry, goods delivery by launch or horse and cart, and furnished cottages for rent.
The Sun (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) - Fri, 30 Apr 1915 - Page 8
View looking south, showing Barrett’s Store and the rebuilding of Newport Hotel beyond. The Hotel was demolished and rebuilt in 1913; the architects were Eaton and Bates. J. E. Barrett is written on the awning fascia, and signage for drapery, fancy fare, stationery, ironmongery and trips around the bay every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Photo supplied by John Morcombe (Historian)
THE FERRY SERVICE
On January 26, 1916, Barrett’s were advertising for a motor launch driver. This is one of many such advertisements around that time. He was always looking for drivers and deckhands for his launch business. It is assumed that the launches also delivered goods from his store to remote properties on the western foreshore and Scotland Island. He provided a valuable service for the community and visitors to the area. In the early days, Newport Wharf was the transport hub, providing access to properties further north, a connection to the coastal streamers, and a gateway for holiday makers exploring the Pittwater region.
The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) - Wed, 26 Jan 1916 - Page 18
In 1916, John Ernest Barrett had a Government contract to provide ferry services for Pittwater. This included providing transport for children travelling to and from school, delivering mail and a regular run to Palm Beach Wharf. An extract from the contract reads as follows:
PORTERAGE ALLOWANCE - March 31, 1916
From Newport, via Towler's Bay, Careel Bay, Barrenjoey and back to Newport, calling at places where school children are landed en route; and Newport and Barrenjoey. (The Basin and Mackerel Beach to be included in route once a week). This route covered 12 miles.
Frequency: Once daily on school days only, and twice a week during school holidays. Annual payment of 26 pounds for the service with a three-month termination period. Newport to Palm Beach Route six times per week for 6 pounds, a distance of 5 1/2 miles.
Barrett Pittwater Launch Service - Commonwealth Gazette - 31 March, 1916
Barrett’s Launch at Newport in about 1906. Photo: NSW Records and Archives
Barrett’s Launch is coming into Palm Beach Wharf – Likely to be about 1912. Photo: Goddard Family albums
On March 24, 1920, John Ernest Barrett advertised the general store for sale. There is no mention of the launch business at this point in time.
.jpg?timestamp=1772270737609)
When the store was sold, the family moved to Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia. In the 1930 Census, John Ernest Barrett and his family were living in Lurline Street, Katoomba, and he was working as a Motor Proprietor.
John Fitzallen Barrett died on October 26, 1925, at his home in Newport. This death notice states that his children were already living in Katoomba and that his son, John Ernest Barrett, was commonly known as Jack.
The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) - Wed, 28 Oct 1925 - Page 14
On October 28, 1925, John Fitzallen Barrett was buried at Manly Cemetery. The funeral directors were Waugh and Company of 92 The Corso, Manly, New South Wales, Australia.
The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) - Wed, 28 Oct 1925 - Page 13
His wife Charlotte passed away in 1938 and was interred with him. The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Mon 4 Jul 1938 - Page 10 records:
BARRETT.—July 1, 1938, at a private hospital, Randwick, Charlotte Mary Barrett, relict of the late John Fitzallen Barrett, and late of Newport, aged 93 years. (Private interment at Manly.)
John and Charlotte Barrett Grave Stone - Manly Cemetery
This was the store entrance in about 1943. The store became known as Campbell's Store, named after Charles Keith Campbell, who ran the business from October 9, 1941 and purchased the property on November 13, 1945. Young Elsie Illingsworth is standing on the left of the group of four. Photo supplied by Geoff Searl (Avalon Beach Historical Society) but originally from John Illingsworth
Historic National Library of Australia records from 1950, record a Philip Cohen was listed as a newsagent and storekeeper residing at 8 Kalinya-st, Newport. He and his wife Thelma are noted for their stance against the closing times, which were part of regulations then.
Many remember stores being closed on a Sunday during these times - even into the early 1970's.
The Cohens' stance was reported across New South Wales, the ACT and in Queensland.
The Canberra Times ran:
Two Shopkeepers Gaoled
SYDNEY, Thursday.—A Newport shopkeeper and his wife were gaoled today for refusing to pay a fine for trading after hours. The couple, Mr. and Mrs. Phil Cohen, who own a smallgoods shop, are expected to be in gaol eight days.
They are the first shopkeepers to go to gaol for not paying a trading hours fine.
Within 30 minutes of police calling today the Cohens had packed their belongings and were driven off under the escort of a sergeant and a constable. Friends took over the shop.
The Cohen children were at school at the time. Friends said they would take care of the children.
Mr. and Mrs. Cohen were each fined £2/10/- and 15/last month for trading at 4.45 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 1963.
The N.S.W. Minister for Labor and Industry, .Mr. Maloney, said today he was sorry the couple had elected to go to gaol rather than pay the fine.
Mr. and Mrs. Cohen had adopted a "foolish attitude," he said in reply to questions in the State Legislative Council.
Mr. Maloney said the Cohens had been warned on two previous occasions and told of their-obligations under the Shops and Factories Act. They had expressed open defiance of the Act. he said. Two Shopkeepers Gaoled (1964, April 10). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104277993
Cohen Fine Paid
SYDNEY, Wednesday. — Mr. Phillip Cohen, the Newport shopkeeper who was imprisoned for after-hours trading, was released today after somebody paid his fine.
He was due for release tomorrow. Mrs. Thelma Cohen was gaoled for one day last week.
Mr. and Mrs. Cohen became a ''cause celebre" when they preferred gaol to paying fines for after hours trading.
Mr. A. Thompson, the secretary of the Amalgamated Independent Traders' Association, will discuss future action with the Cohens.
Another small shopkeeper, Mr. John Fisher, the proprietor of a grocery shop in Manly Street, Sydney, and his wife Margaret were fined to-day.
They were each fined £1/10/- with 15/- costs in the Chief Industrial Magistrates Court.
Mr. Fisher was freed from Long Bay on Monday after 72 hours custody for not paying a £2 fine.
He was convicted on the testimony of an inspector who said that groceries were exposed for sale at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 16.
Mr. Fisher said, "I will pay my wife's fine but I will go to gaol." Cohen Fine Paid (1964, April 16). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104278916
Mr Cohen, Newport, 1966 / photographs by Victor Johnston, courtesy Australian Consolidated Press and Consolidated Press and Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales - also some of the interior the Barretts old shop of then:
