Ryder's Pioneer Store, and A.S Loder - Uki Supermaket

From Needle to Anchor

The first Uki General Store was built in 1909 for F.J. Ryder, who lived in a small residence on the rear laneway beside the store. In early 1914, he sold it to Mr. A.S. Loder, a local bullock driver with quite a character.

Tragedy struck on Sunday, August 30th that year, when a fire started in the Uki Post Office and spread to destroy the E.S. & A. Bank, Post Office, Auctioneers Premises, Loder's Residence, and the General Store. After the fire, the store operated from the Uki Hall until a new two-storey building was constructed, with the residence on the top floor. The store reopened on May 24th, 1915.

The Biggest Store North of Newcastle

A sign inside proclaimed they sold "Everything from a Needle to an Anchor"—and they weren't exaggerating! The shop offered furniture, drapery, groceries, clothing, footwear, produce, and hardware. It boasted the most extensive floor space of any store between Newcastle and Brisbane and employed up to 14 people.

During Len Loder's time, the grocery section had sawdust on the floor sprinkled with kerosene to prevent dust. Staff weighed grocery items like rice, sugar, and dried fruits into brown paper bags, stamping each with the item and weight. Many farmers bought sugar in 70-pound bags and flour in 50-pound bags at six shillings and 11-pence per bag.

Cash Cups and Courtship

Cash purchases were handled through an ingenious cash cup system—a spring-loaded container mounted on a wire. The shop attendant placed the receipt and money in the cup, which travelled along the wire to the overhead office when the spring was released. The cashier put change in the cup and returned it to complete the transaction.

This system led to a sweet romance: when shop assistant Lionel Mitchell was courting Ella Womersley, who worked in the store office, he would send her lollies via the overhead wire system!