Francis Henry William Thomas Winifred Brownrigg Peter Welsh Thomson Margaret Jean Caldow /Hodsdon Frederick Edward Senior James Roger Francis Wyman Clark Richard Robertson Patricia Mae Mulligan Joachim Dido

Biographical Dictionary - Coorow, Carnamah, Three Springs


Surname

Stanley Leopold HIDDEN

Born 2 September 1887 in Hounslow, Middlesex, England [16]
Son of Francis William HIDDEN and Emily DEW [20] [21]
Appears to have spent his first few years living in Hounslow, Middlesex, England where his father worked as a Mercantile Clerk [20]
In 1891 he was living with his parents and brothers Frederick, Archibald, Reginald and Albert at Lyndhart in Hounslow [20]
His mother Emily died in 1893 and in 1901 his father married Martha Eliza BROWN [21]
In 1901 he was living with his brothers Francis, Frederick, Reginald and Alfred at Springfield in Ilesworth, Middlesex, England [20]
Departed London, England with a profession of "Gentleman" on the steamship Palawan on 13 August 1910 for Shanghai, China [203]
He is said to have worked as an Accountant in China from 1910 to 1926 [39: 17-May-1927]
Another account stated that he spent a number of years in the Middle East before shirting to Australia in 1926 [4: 1-Feb-1947]
In 1929 he was working as an Accountant and was living with his wife Agnes at 1 Mount Street in Perth [50]
He later lived in Geraldton before shifting to Carnamah in July 1930 after purchasing a general store [4: 19-Jul-1930]
Proprietor of "The Corner Store" at 2 Macpherson Street in Carnamah 1930-1932 [4: 19-Jul-1930, 9-Aug-1930]
     He arrived in Carnamah in July 1930 after purchasing the general storekeeping business of George STODDART [4: 19-Jul-1930]
     From 1930 to 1932 he leased the business' shop premises at 2 Macpherson Street, Carnamah from Mrs Eva COWDEROY [3]
     At his store he sold a variety of drapery, clothing, patent medicines, groceries and hardware [4: 19-Jul-1930]
On Wednesday 14 July 1932 shifted his business to commodious new premises at 19 Macpherson Street, Carnamah [5: 15-Jul-1932]
     Extensive alterations were made to his new premises, which belonged to Robert MACKIE [3] [5: 8-Jul-1932, 19-Aug-1932]
     The premises had previously been the home and agency business of Scott WYLIE but had been vacant for some time [12: 23-Jun-1932]
     The premises were described as being constructed of iron and timber with a brick font [0: images 03567 / 8]
Ran his store from 19 Macpherson Street, on the north east corner of Macpherson and Robertson streets 1932-1934 [4: 15-Dec-1934]
     Along with his wife Agnes also resided in the same premises of the store at 19 Macpherson Street [4: 15-Dec-1934]
     After moving his general store held a Grand Opening Bargain Sale for his new store on Saturday 30 July 1932 [5: 15-Jul-1932]
     Continued operating as a General Storekeeper and also Commission Agent for various firms [13]
Telephone number Carnamah-4 from both his first and second premises [60]
In September 1932 an advertisement claimed his store was "the leading drapery store in the Midlands" [5: 16-Sep-1932]
Initially ran the store from its new premises under the name of "The New Store" [5: 16-Sep-1932]
Advertised his business in the Schedule of the Carnamah District Agricultural Society's Annual Show in 1933 [13]
     "S. L. Hidden Carnamah for Ladies' Wear, Men's Wear, Children's Wear. Household Drapery, Boots and Shoes." [13]
     "Chinaware, Glassware and Hardware. Full Stock of Groceries. The only "Shell" and "Imperial" Pump in District." [13]
     "Agencies: Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd.; Massey Harris and Malloch Bros.; Chevrolet, Bedford and Buick cars and trucks; [13]
      John Darling & Son; A.M.P. Society and Lloyds' Insurance. No order too small and none too large." [13]
     "Nothing is too much trouble. Personal attention to all inquiries. All Chevrolet Parts in Stock AT Hidden's, Carnamah" [13]
He would receive a telegram from wheat firm John Darling & Son each morning telling him what price he could offer for wheat [P7]
He was the H. V. Mckay-Massey Harris Pty Ltd agent for Carnamah, Coorow and Three Springs in 1933 [5: 8-Sep-1933]
     He only held the agency for the Massey Harris section, which included reliable farm machinery of every description [5: 15-Sep-1933]
     Another agent, Oswald S. SOWERBY, held the Sunshine section of the H. V. Mckay-Massey Harris Pty Ltd agency [5: 8-Sep-1933]
Through his agency for Goldsbrough, Mort & Co he sold various livestock requirements [5: 24-Nov-1933]
     such as Edwards sheep dipping powder, Vita-Lick mineral supplement, Scourot branding fluid and Wurm-Ez-Ol for sheep [5]
Held a trade exhibit of Chevrolet cars and a truck, for which he was agent, at the Carnamah Agricultural Show in 1934 [5: 14-Sep-1934]
In October 1934 advertised the Hallstrom kerosene operated semi automatic refrigerator, for which he was agent [5: 12-Oct-1934]
Became a member of the Carnamah Masonic Lodge No.150 WAC on 10 October 1930 [96]
Member of the Carnamah Golf Club 1930-1934 - Vice President in 1933 and President in 1934 [4: 23-Aug-1930,  30-Jun-1934] [5: 5-May-1933]
Member of the Carnamah Tennis Club - was Vice President 1930-1932 and Patron in 1933 [4: 11-Oct-1930] [5: 21-Oct-1932, 13-Oct-1933]
Vice President of the Carnamah Football Club in 1931 [4: 18-Apr-1931]
Attended the funeral of "Father of Carnamah" Donald MACPHERSON at the Winchester Cemetery on 14 August 1931 [4: 22-Aug-1931]
Had an account with Carnamah blacksmith, wheelwright and motor mechanics Henry Parkin & Son in 1931 and 1932 [53]
In 1932 was the owner of a Dodge car with license plate CA-78 [4: 12-Nov-1932]
Made a donation to the Carnamah branch of the Country Women's Association in 1932 to help them purchase premises [5: 29-Jul-1932]
In 1932 his name was among those recommended for the appointment of a Justice of the Peace in Carnamah [4: 16-Jul-1932]
     The recommendation resulted in him becomming a Justice of the Peace for the Victoria Magesterial District [80: 11-Nov-1932]
     As a Justice of the Peace he sometimes presided as Magistrate at cases of the Three Springs Police Court [5: 13-Oct-1933]
In September 1932 donated a sheep to the Carnamah Country Women's Association to help them raise funds [5: 28-Oct-1932]
Attended a large meeting in Three Springs to form a North Midlands Chamber of Commerce on 18 November 1932 [4: 26-Nov-1932]
Member of the Carnamah District Agricultural Society - was Treasurer in 1933 and 1934 [5: 17-Nov-1933] [13]
Member and Vice President of the Carnamah Parents & Citizens Association in 1933 [5: 17-Mar-1933, 18-Aug-1933]
Member of the Carnamah Ratepayers & Citizens Association - was Secretary in 1933 and 1934 [5: 14-Jul-1933, 8-Mar-1935]
Attended the Official Opening of the Carnamah Golf Course at Centenary Park in Carnamah on Sunday 23 July 1933 [5: 28-Jul-1933]
Attended the Coorow-Waddy Agricultural Show at Maley Park, Coorow on Thursday 7 September 1933 [5: 15-Sep-1933]
Producer of the play "Wayside Wars" at the Carnamah Repertory Club's 2nd Concert on Thursday 30 November 1933 [5: 1-Dec-1933]
Committee Member of the Carnamah Race Club in 1934 [5: 24-Nov-1933]
Attended the Annual Ratepayers meeting of the Carnamah District Road Board in February 1934 [5: 2-Mar-1934]
Attended the Farewell Social to Miss Doris MCLEAN at BERRIGAN's home in Carnamah on Wednesday 11 April 1934 [5: 13-Apr-1934]
Committee Member and Producer of the Carnamah Repertory Club in 1934 [5: 13-Apr-1934, 12-Apr-1935]
Attended the Carnamah Golf Club's Opening Season Dance at the Carnamah Hall on Saturday 21 April 1934 [5: 27-Apr-1934]
Spent time at the Carnamah Private Hospital for a painful nervous disorder during July 1934 [5: 27-Jul-1934]
Producer of the play "Pearly Pearls" at the Carnamah Repertory Club's Third Concert on Thursday 26 July 1934 [5: 27-Jul-1934]
Won the "hidden prize" at the Bridge Party held at Roger and Margaret CLARK's home in Carnamah on 22 August 1934 [5: 24-Aug-1934]
Attended the funeral of Mrs Christina B. D. FORRESTER of Carnamah at the Winchester Cemetery on 31 August 1934 [4: 8-Sep-1934]
Attended the Annual Ratepayers Meeting of the Carnamah District Road Board on Wednesday 24 October 1934 [5: 26-Oct-1934]
Sang a song at the Carnamah Repertory Club's farewell evening to Mrs Olga GRAHAM on 28 November 1934 [5: 30-Nov-1934]
At around 11:30 PM on Sunday 9 December 1934 an explosion occurred within his premises at 19 Macpherson Street [4: 15-Dec-1934]
    He was awoken by his dog barking and along with his wife escaped from the building as it went up in flames [5: 14-Dec-1934]
    Although many rushed to the burning building's aid it was beyond saving and along with their possessions burnt to the ground [5]
    Although covered by insurance it didn't equal the value of what was lost in the fire, which included his stock and business books [4]
    In the early hours of 10 December 1934, along with his wife, went to stay with Roger and Margaret CLARK [4: 15-Dec-1934]
Later that month he put a notice in local newspapers instructing his clients to communicate with Clarence F. T. RYAN [4: 22-Dec-1934]
     The notice was because he was temporarily absent from Carnamah, however his absence became permanent [5: 21-Dec-1934] [19]
     In early 1935 resigned from his positions with the Carnamah Golf Club and Carnamah Ratepayers & Citizens Assn. [5: 8-Mar-1935]
     By March 1935 he had severed his business connection with Carnamah and was living in Mingenew [5: 8-Mar-1935] [19]
     He disposed of all of some of his agencies in Carnamah in March 1935 [5: 5-Apr-1935]
     The agency for John Darling & Son went to Norman W. REYNOLDS, and Chevrolet cars and trucks to William B. SHERIDAN [5]
Commission Agent in Mingenew from 1935 until his death in 1947 [19] [176]
     Agent in Mingenew for Elder Smith & Co and for the Shell Oil Company [4: 1-Feb-1947] [101: page 29]
     Also an agent for the Commercial Union Insurance Co Ltd, Bunge (Aust.) Pty Ltd and National Mutual Life Association [261]
     His agency business in Mingenew was telephone number Mingenew-39 [261]
Himself and his wife travelled to Carnamah on Wednesday 10 April 1935 to attend a social held by the Carnamah Repertory Club [5]
     They were presented with a brass minx smoker's stand as a token of appreciation for their past service to the Club [5: 12-Apr-1935]
After leaving Carnamah he was one of the Vice Patrons of the Carnamah District Agricultural Society from 1935 to 1938 [58]
     Attended the Carnamah District Agricultural Society's Annual Show in Carnamah on Thursday 12 September 1935 [5: 20-Sep-1935]
     Financial Member of the Carnamah District Agricultural Society in 1937 [13]
Attended the funeral of Carnamah agent William B. SHERIDAN at the Winchester Cemetery on 27 January 1936 [5: 31-Jan-1936]
Member of the Mingenew District Agricultural Society - was Secretary in 1938 and 1939 [4: 1-Oct-1938, 19-Aug-1939]
Committee Member of the Mingenew Hospital Association in 1939 [4: 19-Aug-1939]
In 1946 donated a trophy for the exhibitor gaining the most points in the Farmers' Classes at the Mingenew Agricultural Show [261]
Lieutenant in Mingenew's local Australian Army Volunteer Defence Corps during the Second World War [16]
Passed away at the age of 59 years at the North Midlands District Hospital in Three Springs [4: 25-Jan-1947]
Husband of Agnes [133]
Died 23 January 1947 in Three Springs; buried at the Mingenew Cemetery in Mingenew, Western Australia [176]


From The Irwin Index newspaper, Saturday 19 July 1930:
Change of Business at Carnamah
"Mr. S. L. Hidden, who was recently in business at Geraldton, has purchased the general storekeeping business hitherto carried on by Mr. G. Stoddart at Carnamah, and intends to carry large stocks of the best lines in drapery, clothing, grocery, hardware, and other lines. Prices will be based on the lowest rates consistent with quality, and by paying strict attention to the requirements of his customers. Mr. Hidden expects to merit a continuance of the patronage accorded to Mr. Stoddart by residents of the district."


From The North Midland Times newspaper, Friday 8 September 1933:
Around the Shops - Goods Which Can Be Bought Locally - Hidden's Store
"Another good range of drapery and men's and women's ware is seen at Hidden's, where ample shop room and window space gives a good opportunity for display. A good range of dress materials for show frocks is now on hand, and we also noticed a large number of men's blazers and sports coats."


From The Irwin Index newspaper, Saturday 25 January 1947:
Death of Mingenew Resident
"It is with extreme regret that we record the death of a well-known resident of Mingenew in the person of Mr. Stanley Leopold Hidden. The deceased gentleman, who was fifty-nine years of age, had been in ill-health for some considerable time past, but it was only on Wednesday night last that he was admitted to the North Midlands District Hospital at Three Springs, in which institution he passed away during the early hours of the following morning. The late Mr. Hidden had conducted an agency business at Mingenew for many years and is survived by his wife. The funeral took place in the Mingenew Anglican Cemetery yesterday morning."


From The Irwin Index newspaper, Saturday 1 February 1947:
Obituary - Mr. Stanley Leopold Hidden - Death of Prominent District Resident
"By the death of Mr. Stanley Leopold Hidden, of Mingenew, in the early hours of Thursday morning of last week, the district has lost one of its outstanding citizens and the community is much the poorer for his passing. Ever ready to do that little bit more for his fellow citizens, the deceased gentleman endeared himself in no uncertain measure to his ever increasing circle of friends. His sound advice and guidance was eagerly sought and freely given on any matters with which he was conversant, and his memory will ever be cherished by a community that mourns his untimely passing. Together with the residents of the district we pay tribute to his sterling character and kindly disposition, and we join in expressing regret at the loss sustained by his death. Born in London in 1887, the late Mr. Hidden spent the early years of manhood in the Middle East, arriving in Australia in 1926 as a member of the staff of Will & Co. Four years later he went to Carnamah, at which centre he spent three years and then transferred to Mingenew. Among many and varied activities at Mingenew during the intervening years, the deceased gentleman was agent for Messrs. Elder Smith & Company Limited and the Shell Company of Australia Limited, and by strict attention to his daily work, combined with excellent business principles and unfailing courtesy he established a great monument to his memory. He was a justice of the peace and frequently occupied a seat in the Mingenew Court, a prominent member of the masonic fraternity, an ex-secretary of the Mingenew Agricultural Society and officer in charge of the V.D.C. at Mingenew during a period of World War II. About two years ago he was the victim of a serious illness, for which he underwent two major operations, and in making a partial recovery he resumed business and heroically continued with the courage and determination that he had displayed right throughout his life. The deceased gentleman is survived by a widow, who has been the recipient of innumerable expressions of sympathy in her sad and somewhat sudden bereavement. The funeral took place in the Anglican portion of the Mingenew Cemetery with the Rev. F. W. Murray officiating at the graveside. The cortege comprised of over forty motor vehicles, and the attendance was a striking tribute the respect and esteem in which the deceased gentleman was held by the district community. The casket-carriers were Messrs. W. W. Holmes, C. C. Readhead, C. Watson and J. B. Humphrys, and the pall-bearers were Messrs. J. G. Russell, E. F. Wick, H. W. Smith, H. H. Rhodes, E. C. Crain and J. O. Broad. A large number of floral tributes were laid upon the grave."


Reference:  Carnamah Historical Society & Museum and North Midlands Project, 'Stanley Leopold Hidden' in Biographical Dictionary of Coorow, Carnamah and Three Springs, retrieved 28 March 2024 from www.carnamah.com.au/bio/stanley-leopold-hidden [reference list]




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