A. Snell & Co Produce Store and Garage

A produce store was first established on this site by Alfred James Snell Snr, whom Snell’s Park was named after.

The property was originally part of a large landholding purchased by Snell circa 1906. The property included Devonia (the homestead), a cottage on the corner of King and Harper Streets, a mill on Roy Street, Snells’ Garage, and a large orange grove.

In 1922, the Harvey Road Board permitted Alfred Snell Snr to erect a galvanised iron building at 18 Harper Street. With his wife, Caroline, Alfred Snell established the first mail-order produce business in the State, a wholesale potato, fruit, and produce store, and a fruit case-making operation, all while managing several farming properties, including his surrounding orange groves.

In 1932, his son, Alfred Snell Jnr (1889 – 1971), established a garage on the site. Snell Jnr was a mechanic with a wealth of experience in Western Australia and also managed the Big Weir construction project machinery.

Following Snell’s unexpected death in 1935, Mr E. Davis bought the garage, service station and produce merchant business from A.Snell & Co. circa 1940.

E. Davis & Son adapted to changes in agriculture, later selling milking machines, tractors and hay-making equipment.

The Rushton and Ward business occupied the northern building from around 1969. Their business included a 24-hour towing service.