Lightning Ridge Photographers
Dawson's Store in Morilla Street at Lightning Ridge by Sky Maxwell
The lattice-enclosed residence, general store and post office was on the corner of Opal and Morilla Streets in Lightning Ridge, across from the Imperial Hotel. It was taken over by the Artie Dawson family in 1960.
This was the main intersection at the beginning of the road south to Walgett and a hive of activity, when the Imperial (later known as the Diggers Rest) was the main watering hole in the Ridge.
Between the store and the hotel, right in the middle of the road, stood the Tree of Knowledge until 1961. It was so-named in the early days since decisions were made near it as this was neutral ground, outside police and pub domains. Many a note was pinned to it and parcels deposited under it as well. The scraggly Tree was pulled down and many still bemoan the fact that another was not planted on the same spot for future generations.
In 1975, the post office was sold and relocated. The postboxes were removed, the store was for sale in 1978 and the house was pulled down in 1981. The store and post office section became a coffee shop, Maude's Cafe. It was an eatery under various titles until 2003 when the building burned to the ground. It is still referred to as Maude's Corner by old-timers.
Then photo 1965 courtesy of Lightning Ridge Historical Society.
Dawson's Store in Morilla Street at Lightning Ridge by Sky Maxwell
The lattice-enclosed residence, general store and post office was on the corner of Opal and Morilla Streets in Lightning Ridge, across from the Imperial Hotel. It was taken over by the Artie Dawson family in 1960.
This was the main intersection at the beginning of the road south to Walgett and a hive of activity, when the Imperial (later known as the Diggers Rest) was the main watering hole in the Ridge.
Between the store and the hotel, right in the middle of the road, stood the Tree of Knowledge until 1961. It was so-named in the early days since decisions were made near it as this was neutral ground, outside police and pub domains. Many a note was pinned to it and parcels deposited under it as well. The scraggly Tree was pulled down and many still bemoan the fact that another was not planted on the same spot for future generations.
In 1975, the post office was sold and relocated. The postboxes were removed, the store was for sale in 1978 and the house was pulled down in 1981. The store and post office section became a coffee shop, Maude's Cafe. It was an eatery under various titles until 2003 when the building burned to the ground. It is still referred to as Maude's Corner by old-timers.
Then photo 1965 courtesy of Lightning Ridge Historical Society.