W. R. Holman, Newsagent

Corporal Walter Richard Holman returned from the First World War in Europe in early 1919. Before long Holman either secured employment with, or purchased outright, the bookshop & stationery business of Mr & Mrs Winks who were the new owners of the establishment formerly owned by the Misses Whitehead at 97 Brisbane Street, opposite the Palais Royal Hotel. Whatever the particulars of the matter, by 1920-1921, Holman was in control of the old established newsagency and stamped his mark on both it and Ipswich in the years to come. Prior to the war he had been a gardener with no discernible commercial experience however he quickly got into the swing of things using advertising to grow his business. He also became very active in local sports clubs like East Ipswich Cricket Club, and the Ipswich Central Girls School committee. As an artist he  generously donated his own pastels and watercolors for gifts and prizes to aid fundraising efforts wherever and whenever required. 

In the 1920s, W. R. Holman, Newsagent stocked and sold many items that are now a thing of the past including: fountain pens, milk jug beads, plasticine, Madam Weigel's dress making patterns, and boxed stationery. Other stock included: school books, latest magazines and periodicals, daily newspapers, postcards, birthday and Christmas cards, Bibles, hymn & prayer books, drawing requirements, paintboxes, scrapbooks and wallets. In 1922-1923, the shop was extended to accommodate musical instruments, sheet music and records.

In 1953, Holman celebrated 32 years as a newsagent. This was not the end of his career however, as W. R. Holman & Co. were still trading in the same location until at least 1961.

1 Mortimer Street, Ipswich was W. R. Holman's home address for decades. From there it was an easy commute to work each day at 97 Brisbane Street. The Qld Public Trustee is now situated on this site.