A century is a long time in anyone's reckoning, but for Griffith's Taylor family, the legacy of the Taylor Bros. store has remained a constant source of pride.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This year marks 100 years since the store was built - the first ever store to grace Griffith's Banna Avenue in 1919.
It was called the place where a settler could get everything - flour, sugar, potatoes, lamps, horse feed, and even the odd piece of furniture.
To remember their pioneering ancestors, four generations of the Taylor family will be coming together at Pioneer Park this Good Friday to commemorate and celebrate.
For Eva Taylor, marrying Alan Taylor, grandson of David Taylor who built the store, having the strong connection to the building remain in her children and grandchildren is unexpected but beautiful.
"It is still a part of Griffith and its history, and to think my grand-kids are all still interested in it is amazing," Mrs Taylor said.
"They are all locals like we are, born and raised here, and it's great to say you have that connection to the beginning of the town."
Her husband Allan worked in the store with his family for some 22 years, before moving on to work for Arnott's in the district.
Griffith's first storekeeper was David Peter Taylor. He owned a store in Leeton before selling it and joining the war in 1915, followed by David Henry followed in 1916.
Two years later David Peter arrived in Griffith and bought a block of land from Malachy (Max) Fallon. David Henry arrived in July, and the building of the store began with trade starting in August the same year.
"When they started trading there was no front door, so David Henry slept across the doorway," Eva recalled.
During the depression, David Henry was known to give credit at the time, which had placed him in some financial difficulty.
Remembered as a generous man, he fought as hard as others to stay afloat.
In August 1924 David Henry bought his father out.
The store moved form its original location in 1941 and to the top end of Banna Avenue in what was known as the Rio building.
After many years of trading, they moved yet again - this time to Yambil Street in 1969.
He retired after a long 55 years, and the store closed with him in 1974.
In 1986, Griffith Central Rotary Club members pulled together to create a replica of the building for Pioneer Park Museum.
RELATED
Many members of the community donated items they had bought from the store to "preserve and display".
The store now remains there, and the Taylor family will be happy to share stories at Pioneer Park's traditional Action Day on Friday.
***
While you're with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Monday at 6am from The Area News? To make sure you're up to date with all the Griffith and MIA news you can sign up here.