Nolan's Pharmacy

Nolan's Corner where Brisbane and Nicholas Streets intersect was a location known to every resident of Ipswich in the 20th century. The name grew from Nolan's Pharmacy which was opened by Gerald Nolan in late 1924, and remained there for decades. The building still exists on that corner showing Nolans 1925 painted on the facade.

Before it became known as Nolan's Corner the building was referred to as Greenham's Buildings, which comprised shops at street level, meeting rooms and offices upstairs. In the 1850s London Tavern had stood on this spot, and then the Melbourne Hotel in the 1860s. Just prior to Nolan opening his chemist shop, Thomas Hugh Thomas' hairdressing salon was here.

Neighbouring businesses in the same building were: Adams Specialty Cake Shop upstairs, Harry Burke's Pharmacy, and Mitzi Lea frock salon. Rawlings were located next door on Brisbane Street throughout Nolan's tenancy. The Commonwealth Bank was a constant presence on the opposite corner, going west along Brisbane Street, from 1930. 

In 1925 Nolan's Pharmacy sold perfumes, patent medicines, prescription drugs, bathing caps, sunglasses, suncream, goggles for the motorist, fountain pens, manicure sets, hand mirrors, fans and Golden Casket tickets. Lucky Nolan sold several major prizes in the Golden Casket over the years. They also performed same day photographic development services. Later they would be local agent for Trans Australia Airlines. 

Gerald Nolan served his apprenticeship at Fox Chemist, a couple of doors from the G.P.O. in Brisbane Street. He also worked at Allen's Pharmacy in Rosewood and in 1922 acquired that business. In 1927, Nolan opened a new pharmacy in North Ipswich at the corner of Smith & Downs Streets. But it was Nolan's Pharmacy in the heart of the Ipswich CBD that he was known for. 

Gerald Nolan's family residence was Belmore, 14 York Street, East Ipswich. From 1963 it was The Duce House in East Ipswich.