As you walk along Flinders Street, keep an eye to your right! You're looking for a three-storey building that stands out with its creamy facade and the bold "WILLMETT" at the very top. Below that, you’ll see “STATIONERY WAREHOUSE” clearly marked across the first floor, helping you spot this historic gem.
Now let's dive into its fascinating history in a fun way!
Welcome to the T. Willmetts & Sons Printery, a place where the clackety-clack of printing presses once filled the air! This heritage-listed former printing house, designed by Waggepetersen & Bevan, was built in stages between 1883 and 1886 for the ever-thankful Thankful Willmett-a man whose name seemed pre-destined for gratitude!
Originally constructed as Willmett’s stationery shop and printing house, this three-storey masonry marvel became a hub of activity and innovation. Imagine the hustle and bustle as paper, books, and music sheets flowed through its doors, keeping the town’s literary culture alive and kicking.
Why, in 1883, this building even hosted Townsville’s first telephone call-now that’s a call you'd want to answer! Despite a fiery setback in 1885 which destroyed much of the shop, Willmett's resilience shone through as the printery survived and continued to thrive. By 1886, the current structure we see today was standing tall, incorporating not just a printery but also warehouse space, offices, and a retail shop.
This wasn't just any printery. From account books to cookbooks, including the bestseller "Mrs. Maclurcan's Cookery Book," this place had it all. It was a family affair, too, with Willmett’s offspring joining the business over the years, expanding its reach and keeping the presses running well into the 20th century.
So, tip your hat to this remarkable testament to Townsville’s commercial and cultural history. It’s more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a story of innovation, resilience, and family enterprise.
