Historical information

Source National Trust: Conrad Heinz Butchers Shop - Happy Valley Road. This building was a weatherboard cottage evidently built in three stages with the front door in the central part, planked by three paned double casements, six-paned sash windows in the rear section; front section and timber veradah with scrolled vallance.

The architect and builders are unknown. The outside doors to the cellar and the simple chimney breast remain a notable feature. The original owner was Conrad Heinz a former mayor of Bendigo who with two brothers opened a butcher's shop in the building in 1872. In 1883 he moved to Mt Korong Road Iron Bark, where he carried on another thriving business and built a substantial house close by.

Konrad first made his way to Castlemaine where his sister was living but, after a short stay with her, moved to the Bendigo region where his brother was prospecting, and obtained work in a butcher’s shop. An interest in horses led to his enlistment in the Prince of Wales Light Horse, in which he served for ten years. In 1866, at the age of 20, he married Franzisca Inglefinger. She had arrived in Victoria from Wuertemberg on board the “John Linn” in 1857; she was Konrad’s junior by two years. Pastor Munzel celebrated the marriage in the German Lutheran Church in Bendigo.

Albert Conrad, was born in the Heinz home in Webster Street. In 1872 Conrad was naturalised; this enabled him to buy a property and go into business in his own right. Konrad’s friendly and helpful disposition brought many customers to his shop from Happy Valley and Ironbark and his business prospered.

When Conrad Heinz left Happy Valley Road, one brother had died, but his widow carried on the first butchering business with the help of a lad and one of her three daughters. The little shop and residence stood for over a century on the spot, almost untouched by modern progress. The shop was closed for 70 years at most. It was demolished about 1982.

Physical description

Data Forms on the house on Corner of Happy Valley Road and Wells Street, Long Gully, now demolished. Various letters to and between the Bendigo Council, the National Trust and the owners of the house.

This item contains the following document:

3084.49a Former Butcher's Shop Happy Valley Road, Bendigo, Data Form from the National Trust and various letters. (Contact the BHS for more details)