Snapshot in Time: Snell and Rock families created lasting legacy in central Marine Terrace shopfronts

Two local families — the Snells and Rocks — made their mark on central Marine Terrace from the early 1900s onwards, playing an important role in advancing the early commercial life of Geraldton with their wonderful displays of assorted goods, stationary, books, musical instruments and toys. Rocks Laneway is named after the prominent family business which stood at this location for nearly 90 years. The original Stationer’s Hall was established by Charles Edgar Snell in the first decade of the 20th century. In 1908 he relocated his thriving business from a site next to the Club Hotel, to a large new shop opposite the Post Office in Marine Terrace. Known as Edgar, Mr Snell actively contributed to the business, civic and sporting life of Geraldton over many years. In 1934 he sold his newsagency and stationery interests to Arthur Paskin Rock (printer and publisher of the Geraldton Express, director of Geraldton Newspapers Limited) and built an adjacent new store he named Snells Bazaar. Offering a wide variety of goods in a new and progressive emporium format, the business prospered under the management of his elder son Bill, until finally being bought out by Coles in 1947. The above is an excerpt from the new CBD Walk Trails Booklet, released this month. It is available from the Geraldton Regional Library, Geraldton Visitor Centre and online. Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information, or to donate a historical photo or slide contact 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au