up-to-date store

Certainly worth a visit despite having no stock. However, the ledgers are an interesting read at the front counter and a museum at the rear along with the RSL exhibition hall. The fee is a donation.

This is the original early 1900's interior of a large country department store. All the shelving and counters are still there, highlighted with photos from the period and actual advertisements run by the store. Not a lot to see in the store itself, it's a shame they don't fill a portion with antique items that would have been available at the time, but it's a grand space, and there's a cash railway system, the only original one of it's type left in the world. But there's also a fantastic exhibition of crochet fashions by one remarkable lady (don't laugh, some of those dresses I'd love to have in my wardrobe!), and a collection of old farm implements and drays. It's a pleaseant way to while away an hour or so. Entry is free, and if there's no volunteer on duty to open the place, you can get in via the library during it's opening hours.

We recently visited this old department store in the small riverina township of Coolamon. The store has recently reopened as a museum. It has been well thought out in its presentation of how the store looked in bygone days. Its not crowded with "junk" as some country museums are and tells a real story about what the various rooms in the store were used for. The prize exhibit of the store is a gravity driven "Cash Railway", which was enthusiastically demonstrated by an attendant when we visited. The store also has a small well presented museum of Coolamon and surrounds attached - well worth a visit. It also has good toilet facilities.Coolamon itself is a lovely town. It seems to have been recently refurbished and has some interseting craft shops and cafes. The Coolamon Hotel is a very good example of a country hotel. The town is well worth a visit.