Heritage Centre
In 1875,Mr Ethelbert Heber Hewett built one of the first buildings in Crystal Brook township, certainly the first two story one.Situated in Brandis Street, just around the corner from the main street ( now named Bowman Street), it certainly was a prominent building in early times.
Mr Hewett had it built with pointed stone and used it as a butcher shop.
It was presumed that the building was used for a couple of years as a single storey building, the top storey was added a little later when Mr Hewett and his large family desired to live on the premises.
It is reasonably obvious that a different builder added the top storey, as the difference in style is noticeable.
In 1900, people named Mercer acquired the premises and it was used as a bakery and tearooms.
The underground ovens, which we presumed were put there originally, are quite unique and are situated in one of the two cellars.
In 1911, the Dawes family took over and used the premises as a grocery store and it remained so until the death of the last Dawes family member, Mr Reg Dawes in 1972.
The estate auctioned the property in December 1974 and prior to the sale, the local Council imposed a demolition order, visualizing the area for a car park! Mr P Croser was successful at the auction, the Council was runner up.
When it was feared that the building was in danger of being demolished, the Crystal Brook branch of the National Trust was hurriedly formed on 23rd December 1974 and negotiated with Mr Croser to save the building. The demolition order was held back.
