The Birth of a Legend: The History of Geraldton Building Company and the Men and Women Who Made It Possible by Keith R Smith

Book Description

Secondhand. Very good condition. Minor wear to book corners and edges. Dust jacket has some light creasing at top edge and at spine. Interior and binding are excellent. Large inscribed by previous owner on preliminary blank page.

Geraldton Building Company can trace its roots back to 1894, when John Crothers established himself as a builder and contractor in Kyabram, Victoria. In doing so, he set the foundation for a contracting dynasty that was to last for more than 100 years.

In 1896, Crothers moved with his wife and family to Kalgoorlie, where he established the Crothers Steam Joinery Works. During Kalgoorlie’s building boom of 1896-1907, he built many of the town’s most important buildings, including the York Hotel and the Town Hall.

In 1908, he moved to Geraldton, where he and his sons went on to change the face of the city, erecting some of its best-known buildings. In 1946, Geraldton Building Company was born from a partnership between Mr Crothers’ son Alfred and Alfred’s nephew Bert Pepperell.

Geraldton Building Company landmarks include the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Geraldton Regional Hospital, Geraldton Civic Centre, Town Towers, the second St John of God Hospital, and the original Geraldton Regional Library.

Coinciding with the development of the Pilbara iron ore industry, Geraldton Building Company went on to play a big role in the development of North West WA. (Geraldton Guardian)