Plans for Scurr Bros’ site retain history

THE Scurr family name has been synonymous with Mt Gravatt for 119 years. Now the Scurr Bros’ site will be transformed. Here’s what the family think of the plans.

The Scurr Bros' site at Mt Gravatt. Photo: Friends of Scurr Bros Hardware Mt Gravatt//John Prpic

THE Scurr family name has been synonymous with Mt Gravatt for 119 years.

The Scurrs moved to the area in 1899 and bought the land which is still to this day affectionately known as the Scurr Bros’ site.

The Logan Rd land has been home to a lot of different buildings and businesses over the years.

BIG PLANS FOR SCURR BROS’ SITE

William Scurr, the eldest son of Augustus and Martha, built a Queenslander-style house on the land in 1913.

The Scurr Bros' site at Mt Gravatt. Photo: Friends of Scurr Bros Hardware Mount Gravatt//John Prpic

By 1928, his brother Edward (Ted) had built a shed out of timber cut from Mt Gravatt Mountain on the site and started a blacksmith shop.

A few years later, in 1931, brother Thomas joined him in the family business, and then so did brother Jack.

“Times were difficult due to the depression,” Helen O’Brien, the daughter of the late Arthur Scurr who was the son of Thomas, told the Southern Star.

The Scurr Bros' site at Mt Gravatt. Photo: Friends of Scurr Bros Hardware Mount Gravatt//John Prpic

“The brothers shoed horses and started making ploughs, harrows and scarifiers and later passionfruit and egg-grading machines.

“They also sharpened the tools for the men cutting the road up Mt Gravatt Mountain.”

By 1934 the Scurr family was into motor body building as cars were taking over horses and carts.

The Scurr Bros store at Mt Gravatt. Pictured: An advert in the Sunday Mail promoting the opening of the new store in 1973.

In 1952 they moved into hardware and by 1954 the site was turned into a hardware store.

In 1962, Scurr Bros became a foundation member of the Mitre 10 chain in Queensland, with Arthur Scurr as Queensland chairman - a position he held for more than 30 years.

The Scurr brothers at Mt Gravatt. Pictured: Thomas Scurr (left) and Edward (right) at the blacksmith shop on the site of the present Scurr Bros (circa 1930). Photo: Helen O’Brien

The old hardware store was demolished in 1973 and the current building was completed and opened for businessThree generations of the family worked in the business over the years.

In 1995, Scurr Bros sold to Woodmans Hardware.

The Scurr Brothers at Mt Gravatt. Pictured: Scurr Bros in 1960.