O.L. Roger and Son - 50 years of business

50 Years in Business by Geoff Hagan

24yrs ago on the 31st July 2000, OL Rodger & Son closed its doors for the last time after 50yrs in business. From 1950-2000 it served the people of Barraba & district well. Not to mention the travellers passing through the town. If they weren't smiling when they walked in the door, they were smiling and somewhat bewildered with what just took place, with their experience shopping at OL Rodger & Son as they left. Locals will know what I mean.

The old shop front 1952. With John Cramp, Jim Hagan and Stuart Rodger, with the old Matador delivery van. Courtesy of Christine MacAndrew Hagan

OL Rodger & Son started off as a small general store in The Treloars Building, in the shop next door to the Bakery. In 1972 Bev and Jim purchased what was then The Golden Bell Cafe building and opened a 3 aisle Supermarket, with 2 checkouts. Also, at the front of the shop on the Northern wall was a deli display and counter, with another till. On the Southern wall was a sizable fruit & veg display.

OL Rodger & Son employed no less than 6 full time staff with part time staff coming in for a few hours 3 days a week. They also gave school kids employment for a couple hours after school, from time to time. I worked there for 20yrs from 1980 - 2000.

There was also a home delivery service and home grocery shopping list was also collected to be delivered.

Easter week and Christmas week were a real buzz and kept us all very busy. Thursday, the day before Good Friday and Christmas Eve was nothing less than a mad house. With customers lined up from both checkouts, as far up as the back wall. With shoppers still coming through the front door.

They were good days and couldn't wish for better employers. Thankyou OL Rodger & Son.