Roland’s Drapery Store

Blog: Roland’s Drapery Store
By Evan Papamichael
Writer Evan
www.writerevan.com.au
Next door to, my father’s Shoe Repair Shop in, Glen Huntly; there was a Department Store called: Roland’s Drapery. Mr Roland and his, two sons ran it, for years. It sold household Blinds, and other Merchandise.
There were varied customers who; used to, visit there. People of all ages and walks of life. I thought that it was fascinating how; Darryl Roland let my parents, choose which set of Blinds and Curtains they preferred; for the different rooms, in our house. One thing which: stands out in my mind was, the Venetian Blinds. They were in vogue, in the 1970s. They made a clutter, bang and whoop sound; when they were pulled up or down. This onomatopoeic noise, was remarkable! We did not have: central heating or air conditioning - throughout our home - unlike today. Not many households did. The Blinds and Curtains played an important role; in giving us some sort of relief; from Melbourne’s extremities of, climatic conditions. As well as Venetian Blinds, other rooms in our house had; the antiquated Canvas Blinds, which did not allow; any sunlight to enter at all, in Summer. In our new house at, present; all the rooms have; Curtains and Drapes – what a- contrast!
Mr Roland, also sold School Uniforms; for our Primary and Secondary, education. They were of, first class quality, made of the world’s best: Australian Wool (for Winter) ;and, Cotton (for Summer). I was so proud, to wear my College Grey Uniform - with a light blue shirt;and, red tie, on my first day of school: in 1971. Many schools, (especially the private ones), request that students wear a hat; in the hotter and colder, months. In my family; only my sister did, for a few years. Myself, and my siblings, attended government schools.
The Roland family also supplied: knitting wool and threads, for all types of sewing; material to make clothes, sheets, pyjamas ;and, lots of varieties of - men’s and women’s clothing. It was like a mini department store, in Melbourne’s metropolitan area. My mother purchased, for me: an Australian Merino Wool Night Robe - one Winter. You cannot find that today, in most places.
Darryl Roland would always greet me, on site with the, friendly gesture of: “G’ Day TIGER…How is my little man?” I would laugh and find - that he was a - humorous person.
The Rolands were: personal friends of my family; and, they were great company to have: near our, business.