Penshurst History
This is the first in a series of small articles on the businesses that have operated in Penshurst over the last 120+ years. It is only fitting that I begin with Tucker's Corner, certainly a landmark building and perhaps the oldest still standing. Today it is a wonderful coffee shop that is run by Trent and his very capable staff.
Tucker's Corner
By Debbie Hardy
In February 1883, 240 allotments of land, said to comprise the first portion of the Penshurst Park Estate were to be offered for sale at public auction. The estate was situated just beyond Hurstville Railway Station and described as beautiful sloping basaltic hills, timbered in a park like manner.1 The first part of Penshurst to be settled was that between the railway line, Penshurst Street and Dumbleton. (King Georges Road).2
In the late 1800s (exact date not known) George Percy Tucker was one of the first to buy into the new estate. He erected a single storey weatherboard building (see picture 1) and set up his new business Tucker and Son Estate Agents at No. 2a Penshurst Street.
picture 1 – Tucker's weatherboard building, late 1800s
There is speculation that the man in the doorway is George Tucker, the founder of the business. If you study the photo of the automobile there is a lady in the passenger seat, maybe Mrs Tucker.
The Douglas Motorcycle parked out the front was of the type used during the 1914-1918 war years. Douglas supplied the British Army, as their machines were reliable and trusted. Many were exported to Australia, where they were popular with returned servicemen.3
picture 2 – Tucker's Corner circa 1923
The two-storey building that stands today was built in 1925 replacing the original single storey weatherboard shop. It was around this time that George Tucker started to use the expression “Tuckers Corner” in his advertising.4 In 1926, Tucker, George Percy was the listed owner of a ‘shop, etc’ at No.2 Penshurst St Penshurst, the property recorded as standing at the intersection of Railway Parade (later Bridge St.) and Penshurst St.
The premises of Geo Tucker, estate agent and Crawford J S, dentist, were registered at No. 2 Penshurst Street Penshurst in 1927.5
picture 3 – Tucker's Corner circa 1930
In conclusion over the last 100 years Tuckers Corner has seen many businesses come and go. Ray White was the last Real Estate Agent to operate out of the old Tuckers shop.
picture 4 – Tucker's Corner today with the new safety rails installed
References:
1 Sydney Morning Herald, 6/1/1883. P. 17
2 Penshurst in the Early Days. Hatton. D.J. Hurstville Historical Society. No. 11. 1981
3 The London Douglas Motor Cycle Club. www.douglasmcc.co.uk
4 Tuckers Corner, Penshurst St and Railway Parade (later Bridge St, 1923) Georges River Library Local Studies Collection.
5 Sands Sydney and NSW Directory (1858-1933), 1927 edition, Georges River Libraries Local Studies Collection.