Historical information

Robert Samuel Valentine Cocking (1882 - 14/5/1945)
Born in Bendigo, Val Cocking began hi retail career at Myer Bendigo before opening his own draper shop c. 1912 in the lower block Pall Mall. In 1914 he moved his stock into temporary premises while he renovated his new shop, which combined the former Post Office Hotel and adjacent grocery and stationary shops. The new emporium opened in Aug 1918 selling drapery and soft goods. Mr Cocking was a champion rifle shooter; President of the Bendigo Chamber of Commerce; President of the Sandhurst Football Club for 18 years and President of the Bendigo Cricket Club.

Bennetts Hardware shop was in Hargeaves St near the entrance to Allan's Walk in the 1950's.

Beehive buildings.
This was originally the Sandhust Mining Exchange and as such was the oldest purpose built exchange in Australia and was one of only two in regional Australia. It was initially established in the 1850's to service the miners of the area. It's first double story incarnation as the Bendigo Stock Exchange, contained up to 2000 stockbrokers and 5000 shareholders. In 1871 the building burnt to the ground and the new and current building was completed in 1872. The modern building was designed by Charles Webb, who was also responsible for the Royal Arcade in Melbourne. and features a pitched glass roof similar to the Royal Arcade, Melbourne.

Physical description

Three samples of wrapping paper from a. Cockings, b. Bennetts Store & c. Beehive stores