27/08/2026
Calling all history detectives - we have a local history mystery for you! (Well, a mystery to us, at least.)
You may be familiar with this beautiful photograph of the the original Major's Arcade on Manning Street. Major's opened in 1862 next door to the early Kiama Saddlery and CBC Bank Service, and was a grocer and drapery, and also supplied clothing, manchester and tailoring. The second photo is of the store in 1909. Unfortunately the original historic Major's Arcade building was completely destroyed by a fire in 1922.
We need some assistance. Can anyone date the third photograph, with the S. Major sign on what we presume is the ES&A building across the road, just south of the Council Chambers? According to our information, the ES&A Bank purchased the building from Stephen Major in 1875, which presumably puts the date of this photograph prior to this time?
We're throwing in a few more pics for context. The fourth photo, where you can see the original Major's arcade on the left as well as the ES&A building across the road, is presumably after the ES&A puchased and renovated it in 1875. The fifth photograph shows the ES&A building, in 1886, and the sixth photo is after another renovation, possibly in the 1940s/50s.
Please add your thoughts, wisdom and local knowledge to the comments! Thank you.
