Named after William Fraser, the last squatter to hold the licence for the "Tallygaroopna" run, which he purchased in 1862, the area has a rich historical significance.
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Following the loss of most of his holdings due to the 1869 Lands Act, Mr Fraser purchased considerable properties in the Shepparton township (c. 1873).
Among these properties were the blocks from High St to Fryers St (on the east side of Wyndham St), as well as the adjacent block south of High St.
In 1876, there was an agitation in Shepparton for a post office to be erected by the government.
The government had reserved an area of land where the Presbyterian Church (now Scots Church) stands for this purpose.
However, this site did not meet with the approval of the citizens, and feelings ran high in the town.
At the time, the new site was considered to be altogether out of town, as Welsford and Wyndham Sts were the main business centres.
Mr Fraser owned land where the post office now stands, and this site was generally favoured; indeed, Fraser himself was keen to have it chosen.
Opposition arose from landholders near the site originally chosen by the government.
However, the government was inclined to accede to the wishes of the predominant party led by Mr Fraser.
They excused themselves, stating that no corner block was vacant, much as they would have liked to build the post office in Wyndham St.
Mr Fraser, a far-seeing Scot who owned considerable land on the east side of Wyndham St, quickly found a solution.
He offered to open a street from Wyndham St to Maude St so that the government could have a corner block.
This offer was accepted, and Fraser St was opened accordingly.
The official documents record: “One acre two roods 16 3/4 perches of land was transferred in February 1882 to Her Majesty the Queen by Mr William Fraser, Senior, of Shepparton, for use for public purposes.
“This area was transferred as a gift for the erection of public offices (Post and Telegraph offices and Law Courts) at Shepparton, and the nominal consideration as mentioned in the transfer was ten shillings.”
The present post office and law courts were erected on this site.
The foundation stone was laid in 1882, and in 1883 the buildings were completed and opened for business.
Source: History of Shepparton 1838-1938 by W.S. James
Geoff Allemand is an amateur photographer and Lost Shepparton Facebook page admin. Please share your Pics from the Past at pastpics@mmg.com.au
Fraser St, 1965.
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Maude Street Mall construction in Fraser St, 1988.
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Maude Street Mall opening, November 9, 1989. The view down Fraser St.
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