"Stan" Dudley Standish O'GRADY
Born 23 August 1901 in Fremantle, Western Australia [16]
Son of "Darby" Standish Darby O'GRADY and Alice Maud DALE [15]
He worked at a large motor garage in Fremantle and then at the Government Workshops in Midland Junction [9: 29-Jul-1927]
In 1925 established a mechanical repairs garage at 16 Boojerabba Street in Carnamah [5: 6-Mar-1936] [8: page 31]
The block 16 Boojerabba Street was Lot 71 of Victoria Location 1936 and had been purchased by his father the previous year [27]
Upon completion his garage, which was the first in Carnamah, had dirt floors and a bricked pit [7: page 167]
Proprietor of the Carnamah Motor Garage at 16 Boojerabba Street in Carnamah 1925-1930 [9: 5-Aug-1927] [4: 14-Dec-1929] [5: 6-Mar-1936]
Had the telephone connected to his garage in 1926 - was telephone number Carnamah-20 [60]
His garage was an authorised service station for Oakland, Chevrolet and G.M.C. cars and trucks [9: 5-Aug-1927]
His advertisements in 1927 carried the line "All Repairs Promptly and Efficiently Executed" [9: 5-Aug-1927]
In mid 1927 his garage was "fitted with up to date machinery with which to cope with all classes of motor repair work" [9: 29-Jul-1927]
He was an agent to sell new Buick, Oldsmobile and Chevrolet cars in 1927 [9: 29-Jul-1927]
Referred to in the press as "Carnamah's bright young garage man" [4: 16-Jul-1927]
He was an agent to sell Sunbeam B.S.A., Harley Davison motorcycles and Willard Batteries [9: 5-Aug-1927] [4: 27-Aug-1927]
Advertised his garage and agency business in The Midlands Advertiser and The Irwin Index newspapers [9] [4: 7-Aug-1926]
In 1928 became an agent for Whippett cars, Willys-Knight cars and trucks, and for "advanced crude oil tractors" [4: 31-Mar-1928]
Provided a "Free Air Service" for motorists at his garage in 1929 [4: 25-May-1929]
In January 1928 spent an enjoyable holiday staying with friends in Coorow [4: 7-Jan-1928]
On the evening of Sunday 19 May 1929 a fire broke out in a building attached to his garage which was used as an office [4: 25-May-1929]
He was away in Perth at the time, however local bank manager Geoffrey K. RYDER noticed flames in the window at 6:15 PM [4]
G. K. RYDER forced his way inside, rescued the books from the burning table and began bringing the fire under control [4]
Mrs Annie BURNS saw the smoke and after alerting her husband several people proceeded to the fire and helped extinguish it [4]
Those who helped save his business premises were G. K. RYDER, John BURNS, Ray WYLIE and the BERRIGAN family [4]
In late 1929 employed the service of Charles J. DALLIMORE to build a new garage at 4 Macpherson Street, Carnamah [4: 14-Dec-1929]
The new garage, which measured 65 by 30 feet, was built from bricks made at the local Carnamah Brick Works [4: 14-Dec-1929]
It was reported in 1930 that his new garage and service station would be a great credit to both him and the builder [9: 22-Jan-1930]
From 1930 until at least 1936 his garage at 4 Macpherson Street was known as the "Carnamah Service Station" [4: 5-Apr-1930] [5]
The words "Carnamah Service Station" appeared in large print along the frontage of his premises [5: 6-Mar-1936]
His new garage was also variously known as "The Pioneer Garage" and "Pioneer Service Station" [0: images 02701 & 03682] [4: 4-Mar-1933]
In March 1930 he put his old garage at 16 Boojerabba Street up for sale for £120 cash [4: 8-Mar-1930, 29-Mar-1930]
He appears to have sold the garage premises at 16 Boojerabba Street (now Robertson Street) to local farmer John S. ROOKE [3]
At his new garage he specialised in motor repairs, turning, oxywelding and cylindrical reboring [0: image 03682]
From the premises of his garage he held stock of and sold tyres, motor tubes, petrol, oils and motor accessories [0: image 03682]
He is also known to have travelled out to farms in Carnamah to tend to broken down trucks and tractors [P129]
In 1930 was an agent for Hillman cars, Advance tractors and Willard batteries[4: 5-Apr-1930]
In 1932 had a hired Whippet car with license plate CA-14 [4: 12-Nov-1932]
Married Eva Mildred WATSON on 11 March 1933 at the Carnamah Church Hall [4: 18-Mar-1933]
His brother "Frank" Francis B. O'GRADY was his best man [4: 18-Mar-1933]
Their wedding breakfast was held at the home of Eva's parents in Carnamah, where they received numerous presents [4: 18-Mar-1933]
After the breakfast they left Carnamah by car on a tour of the south-western portion of Western Australia [4: 18-Mar-1933]
During the 1932-33 financial year purchased from Louis P. PARKER the vacant 15 Yarra Street, Carnamah [3]
Had a house erected at 15 Yarra Street, Carnamah and resided there with his wife and later daughter [3] [P4]
On Friday 30 June 1933 he began advertising his garage in The North Midland Times newspaper [5: 30-Jun-1933, 18-Aug-1933, 10-Nov-1933]
In 1933 united with other garage proprietors in the North Midlands urging locals to purchase spare parts from local garages [5: 8-Sep-1933]
Also advertised his business in the Schedule of the Carnamah District Agricultural Society's Annual Show in 1933 [13]
"The engineering House of the North Midlands is Pioneer Motor Garage, Carnamah under the personal supervision of [13]
Stan O'Grady, automotive mechanic and engineer - only skilled labour employed, R.A.C. contract service station, repairs to all[13]
classes of machinery, turning and oxywelding a specialty; Free Air Service; Free Battery Inspection, any car or part of car [13]
inspected without charge - All Motor Accessories in Stock: Tyres, Tubes Oils, Spare Parts. Tel. 20 - Carnamah - P.O. Box 75 [13]
Agent in Carnamah for Imperial tractors in 1933, and an agent for Comer trucks in 1935 [5: 17-Nov-1933, 7-Sep-1935]
Described as "an extremely good mechanic" [P129]
Regularly advertised his garage in The North Midlands Times newspaper [5: 22-Jun-1934, 10-Aug-1934, 30-Nov-1934, 24-May-1935]
Placed a mysterious advertisement promising something new in The North Midland Times on Friday 9 March 1934: [5: 9-Mar-1934]
"It's Coming !! - to Stan O'Grady's Garage - Something New ! - watch this space for further particulars" [5: 16-Mar-1934]
"Only the Confidence of our Numerous Customers, whom we have Served for Ten Years could warrant such a machine" [5]
The addition was a rotary battery charger imported from England, which was useful in charging wireless set batteries [5: 30-Mar-1934]
In 1934 his garage was an Official R.A.C. Service Station, catered for R.A.C. members and enrolled new members [5: 11-May-1934]
Requested permission from Carnamah Road Board to erect a petrol bowser outside his Macpherson Street garage in 1934 [5: 21-Sep-1934]
In September 1935 installed a modern cylinder boring plant at his garage, which enabled him to re-bore cylinder blocks [5: 27-Sep-1935]
His new cylinder reconditioning equipment "gives every cylinder that original mirror finish" [5: 1-Nov-1935]
"Only the Best is Good Enough - Stan O'Grady - Automobile Engineer, Carnamah"[5: 4-Oct-1935, 1-Nov-1935]
Stocked and sold all sizes of tyres, tubes and accessories for cars, trucks and tractors and fitted new tyres sold free of charge [5]
Equipment at his garage included valve refacing machines, special valve insert machine, electric drill, lathe, drilling machine [5]
Following a break he re-commenced advertising in The North Midland Times newspaper in March 1936 [5: 6-Mar-1936, 28-Aug-1936]
His advertisements included a photo of the front of garage premises at 4 Macpherson Street with a car out the front [5: 6-Mar-1936]
At the time he was the Carnamah agent for Hillman, Humber and Talbot cars, and Commer trucks [5]
By mid 1936 he was an agent for Olympic cycles, which he advertised as "Champions of the Road" [5: 26-Jun-1936]
From July 1936 he advertised that he could supply full stocks of all Castrol motor oils from the Castrol oil depot [5: 10, 17 & 24-Jul-1936]
Had a McCormick Deering tractor on display at his garage for the local agent W. George MULLIGAN in August 1936 [5: 7-Aug-1936]
Conducted a stand including a Commer truck at the Carnamah Agricultural Show on Thursday 10 September 1936 [5: 4-Sep-1936]
"Proved and Improved - Commer - The Hallmark of Quality" - "Pioneering Roadless Country in Every Corner of the Globe" [5]
"Ask the Proud Commer Owner and then Your Choice will be one of these outstanding British Empire Products" Buy Now! [5]
District Representative for Chevrolet products; sold and serviced Buick and Chevrolet cars and trucks [0: images 02869 & 03567]
"Cold Wintry Mornings 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. - Crank! Crank! Crank! What is the matter? No Spark! No Start!" [5: 16-Apr-1937]
"Don't Let This Happen to You - We Can Have Your Magneto Overhauled, Cleaned and Tested - We Stock [5]
Impulse Starter Parts, Magneto Parts, Bearings, Prison Rings, Valves, Batteries - Everything for Car, Truck or Tractor" [5]
Agent for Dunlop pneumatic tyres in 1937 [5: 14-May-1937]
In early July 1926 he returned to Carnamah after a short business trip to Perth [9: 9-Jul-1926]
Member of the Carnamah Lodge of the Manchester Unity Oddfellows Friendly Society 1927-1934 [4: 23-Aug-1930] [5: 11-May-1934]
He was secretary of the Carnamah Lodge until resigning in April 1927 [39: 26-Apr-1927]
Attended Charles ROBERTSON and Winifred M. LANG's wedding dance on 27 March 1928 at the Carnamah Hall [4: 31-Mar-1928]
Attended the wedding dance for Alexander J. F. BROWN and Clara V. BERRIGAN in Carnamah on 28 August 1928 [4: 8-Sep-1928]
Best man at the wedding of Frank BADRICK and Mrs Mary WHITE in Carnamah on 25 October 1928 [4: 3-Nov-1928]
Attended the Plain and Fancy Dress Ball held at the Carnamah Town Hall on Thursday 8 August 1929 [4: 17-Aug-1929]
Won the Car Driving Race at the Carnamah District Agricultural Society's Annual Show in 1929 [4: 28-Sep-1929]
Attended the Grand Ball following the Carnamah Show and opening of Centenary Park on 19 September 1929 [4: 28-Sep-1929]
Attended the funeral of "Father of Carnamah" Donald MACPHERSON at the Winchester Cemetery on 14 August 1931 [4: 22-Aug-1931]
Master of Ceremonies M.C. of the Oddfellows dance held at the Carnamah Town Hall on Saturday 2 July 1932 [5: 8-Jul-1932]
On the evening of Thursday 15 March 1934 attended the Carnamah Race Club's Annual Dance at the Carnamah Hall [5: 16-Mar-1934]
Attended the Carnamah Football Club's Grand Opening Ball at the Carnamah Hall on Saturday 12 May 1934 [5: 18-May-1934]
Attended the funeral of Mrs Christina B. D. FORRESTER of Carnamah at the Winchester Cemetery on 31 August 1934 [4: 8-Sep-1934]
Won the Sheep Weight Judging at the Carnamah Agricultural Show in 1934, by guessing the exact weight of 142½ lbs. [5: 14-Sep-1934]
Member in 1934-35 and Vice President in 1935-36 and 1936-37 of Carnamah's Parkinson Tennis Club [5: 1-Feb-1935] [56]
Won the Gents' Stepping 100 Yards at the R.S.L. Sports Meeting in Carnamah on Easter Monday 22 April 1935 [5: 26-Apr-1935]
Member of the Carnamah Golf Club in 1935, 1936 and 1937 [5: 21-Jun-1935, 15-May-1936, 14-May-1937]
Attended the funeral of Miss "May" Mary L. LANG of Carnamah at the Winchester Cemetery on 26 November 1935 [5: 29-Nov-1935]
Advised the Carnamah District Road Board in March 1936 that a danger sign in Marchagee was obscured from view [5: 20-Mar-1936]
The Carnamah District Road Board confirmed his advice and removed gum suckers that were causing the obstruction [5: 24-Apr-1936]
Attended the Carnamah Golf Club's 1936 season Opening Day at Centenary Park in Carnamah on Sunday 26 April 1936 [5: 1-May-1936]
Attended the Coorow Golf Club's Opening Day for the 1936 season in Coorow on Sunday 17 May 1936 [5: 22-May-1936]
Member of the Carnamah Ratepayers & Citizens Association in 1936 [5: 12-Jun-1936]
Member of the Carnamah Badminton Club in 1936 [5: 19-Jun-1936]
Donated a trophy to the Carnamah Athletic Club for their Bike Races at Centenary Park in Carnamah on 12 July 1936 [5: 10-Jul-1936]
In January 1937 advertised that he had an Indian Scout motorcycle for sale in excellent condition [5: 29-Jan-1937]
Member of the Carnamah Cycle Club - was Inaugural Committee Member and Timekeeper in 1937 [5: 21 & 28-May-1937]
During a hurried visit to Perth in mid August 1937 he purchased a new standard Chevrolet sedan car [5: 27-Aug-1937]
Motored to Perth as a passenger on Sunday 19 September 1937 and returned to Carnamah later in the week [5: 24-Sep-1937]
He travelled with "Jack" John K. DIGBY and they were also accompanied by local builder Charles J. DALLIMORE [5]
Sold the business of his 'Pioneer Garage and Service Station' in Carnamah to Eric W. WRIGHT in March 1938 [5: 1-Apr-1938]
After selling his business he left Carnamah and shifted to 56 Preston Street in the Perth suburb of Como [3]
He retained ownership of his garage premises at 4 Macpherson Street, Carnamah which he leased to Eric W. WRIGHT [3] [5: 1-Apr-1938]
Later leased his garage premises in Carnamah to Eric H. GURR before selling them to him during the 1945-46 financial year [3]
Returned to Carnamah for a few days with his young son in August 1942 [0: image 04129]
Enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy on 10 March 1943 [16]
Senior Mate F/V252 on the HMAS Leeuwin in the Royal Australian Navy during the Second World War [16]
Discharged from the Royal Australian Navy on 20 March 1946[16]
Resided at 56 Preston Street in the Perth suburb of Como until at least 1980[50]
Father of Winnie [0: image 02861]
Died 1 April 1981; ashes interred at Karrakatta Cemetery in Perth, Western Australia (Niche Wall) [2]
From The Midlands Advertiser newspaper, Friday 21 May 1926:
Carnamah Service Station
"The usual sign of prosperity nowadays is the possession of a motor car. Carnamah now has many of such signs and what is essential for the happiness of the motor owner is a handy repairing garage. In the Carnamah Motor Garage conducted by Mr D. S. O'Grady, the district is fortunate in having available a Service Station where any and all motor troubles are promptly and efficiently righted."
From The Irwin Index newspaper, Saturday 7 May 1927:
D. S. O'Grady - Carnamah
"The garage of D. S. O'Grady, Carnamah, is one that motorists can enter without fear of encountering incompetent workmanship or excessive prices. In fact it is becoming a by-word among the motoring fraternity, who have had experience of his skill and the despatch of his service, that O'Grady is a dependable man to whom repairs are necessary. Being a far-sighted man, Mr. O'Grady realises that Carnamah has a great future before it, and, not to be behind the times he is, in the near future installing new machinery which will make the garage one of the most up-to-date on the Midland line."
| Reference: Carnamah Historical Society & Museum and North Midlands Project, 'Dudley Standish O'Grady' in Biographical Dictionary of Coorow, Carnamah and Three Springs, retrieved 24 April 2024 from www.carnamah.com.au/bio/dudley-standish-ogrady [reference list] |
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