1931-  George Harding is 1st on right. Sidney Edwards is 2nd on right. Elsie Hogan is 3rd on right. Doris Edwards (McGeary) is 4th on right. Norman Ruhno with tie standing in front. Joseph John Potts is 4th on left.

Rosewood History Qld.

Memories of Ruhno’s Store

© Jane Schy 2024

So many memories…..

I’ve read many memories of Ruhno’s recounted by local residents who shopped weekly at the large store in Railway Street, and others about relatives who worked there.

These are from Facebook 2020-2023. They tell us ….

How the store offered good old fashioned service with a smile, where you received one on one service by a member of staff. You asked for items on your list and they would get them for you!

How you could get almost anything at the ’emporium’.

How there were still hitching rings on the posts (like those outside of the Royal George Hotel and the Rosewood Newsagency) from the era when people needed a place to tie up their horses in the days of horses and carts.

• Shirley Johnston – And occasionally a horse bolting up the street with the sulky rocking wildly behind. And the excitement when a Circus was in town. Images of the long ago never forgotten!

How there were big bags of flour and grain with scoops in each bag sitting near the front entrance.

• Susan Bales – I remember the cash/cheque payment pulley going up to accounts & the big bags of flour & grains with scoops in each bag near front entrance. Lolly selection was a wow factor.

How the lolly counter was the absolute favourite of the children, as were “Aunty Rose” (Imrie) and Leila Ruhno.

• Patrice Johansen – When I was a child Leila Ruhno would make a cone out of paper to put your lollies in.
• Jennifer Ruhno – The lollies served by Leelee. xxx
• John Bourke – From a child’s point of view Ruhno’s was the lollies stop on the way to Pop & Nana’s farm at Calvert.

How everyone loved to chat to “Aunty Rose” Imrie and how she and other staff members were remembered with such fondness and memories of George Harding in his white apron

• Janet Plumridge – I would spend a lot of time in Ruhno’s chatting to Aunty Rose, was fascinated by how they would send the money/payments up to the Cashier. George Harding was our next door neighbour, so knew them so well. Back then we all had a back gate between all the homes. We had Hardings on one side and Boughens on the other side. Norma Boughen and myself grew up together from babies back in the 1930s, and are still friends today.

How Mrs Ellen Innes had lovely handwriting.

• Mary Knack – Mrs Innes had the most beautiful handwriting. People would get her to write out their wedding invitations. 
• Julie Anne – I still remember Mrs Innes and her beautiful hand writing – her books were a work of art.

I read about how fascinating it was to watch Mrs Rhuno as she measured a piece of material.

• Harold Boughen – I remember being fascinated by the fact that Mrs Rhuno used to ‘smell’ the length of the material as she measured it out using her arm rather than the measure that was attached to the counter top in the haberdashery section. Then she would take a huge pair of scissors and just zip through the cloth without working the scissors at all.

How young women purchased items for their “glory boxes” from the store or how a boy or girl received a tricycle from Ruhno’s, as a gift.

• Narelle Walker – The very first things I bought for my “glory box” came from Ruhno’s. A pair of orange & white towels & a glass salt & pepper shaker set. Mum purchased my 2nd “bought” dress from Ruhno’s (navy blue with a white roll collar & white lace jabot…….fuuuh-lash!)
• Colleen Ascott Reinke – I remember buying a Cyclops 3 wheeled little bike for our daughter from Ruhnos store in 1975 and a good woollen cardigan for my husband that he still has. I came to live in Ashwell in 1966. They did handle many lines of goods in that store.

How so many folk held vivid memories of watching the Cash and Carry system of money canisters being propelled on wires back and forth to the cashier in the office, and how Mrs Innes was in the cashier’s box up high in the store. How this was set in motion by pulling on a rope and sometimes a delighted child would be allowed to stand on the counter and pull that rope. 

• Harold Boughen – Also loved the money trolleys propelled back and forth to the cashier on wires with a big rubber band that was stretched with a mechanism by pulling on a rope. I also remember the earlier system of elevated tracks and bowling balls that was still in place but out of use by that stage. My sister, Myra, worked in the office from the time that she left school until she married.
• Kim Freeman – I remember moving from Sydney to Rosewood around 1975/1976. I was around 15/16 years of age and had to go into Ruhno’s store. I remember they took my money and next minute I watched what they did with it thinking…Where’s my change?? How am I going to get my change!!! I had never seen anything like it in my life…lol!!!
• KelnChris Freeman-van Ansem – My Grandmothers sister, Rose, worked for Lloyd for years as the cashier at the end of the “loaded” wire.
• Mary Knack – I worked in the Office at Ruhnos from Dec. 1963 (straight from High School) until May 1970. One day as I pulled the cord to send the change back, The line broke and sent the cannister flying around the shop.

How enticing and attractive the window displays were at Christmas time, displaying giant stockings, and at Easter time with amazing sugar Easter eggs (originating from a German tradition).

How the store carried large round blocks of cheese encased in rind. (Nancy Leonard)

How Ruhno’s were “cream cheque to cream cheque” financiers for a lot of the dairy farmers.

How chocolate frogs cost a halfpenny each and butter was 1s 11d a pound.  (Ruby Evans Olsen)

How George Harding began working at Ruhno’s Store when he was 14 years old and stayed there until October 1942 when he was conscripted into the Army as a transport driver. He returned to Rhunos in 1945 and in total he was an employee of Ruhno’s for 43 years.

How the last person to ride a horse to school was Lloyd Strong, who pastured his horse behind Ruhno’s.

And how Lloyd Ruhno drove to work in his large grey Chevy Bel Air. (Doug Stephan)

• Heather Brockie – My wedding car was driven by Lloyd Ruhno 55 years ago.

Shirley Johnston – Mrs Imrie’ s daughter was Dawn Imrie.

Barbara McKenzie – Yes I remember her. I think she lived in a high house in Albert street about 2 houses down on the right hand side from the corner of Albert and William heading towards the station. Andy was a very helpful J.P..

Mr and Mrs N. Ruhno were my godparents. Actually old Mr and Mrs Ruhno’s house block runs from John to Albert Street, but not right on the corner of Lanefield and Albert as their son Lloyd lived on that corner and Ludlow’s lived beside him in Lanefield Road. 

Patrice Johansen – The property was known as ‘The Laurels’ from memory. The back part added later to the original house. Owned by the Ruhno family who ran the general merchant store opposite the railway station. In my childhood and early teenage years the house was occupied by Leila Ruhno, the most wonderful lady who walked down to the shop to work every day. Her son Lloyd (only child) and his family lived in the pink house (named Alkoomie) on the corner of Albert and Lanefield Road. A gate in the back yard connected both properties. Lloyd was married to Daphne and had a son John (dec) and daughter Jennifer one of my school mates. Leila passed away around 1980 and the property was bought by Fred and Judy Huntress (both originally from Brisbane). They had my dad Bill (Arthur) Freeman, who lived across the road to the back of the property in Albert Street, do renovations for them. They raised 4 children in the home, however Fred was killed on his motorbike around mid 1990’s. The property was occupied by the eldest son for many years after the rest of the family moved away.

Gloria Hill –  I shopped there every week. I can still see the full sugar bags and the cloth flour bags standing near the counter with Lloyd measuring the produce out and weighing it. Then going over to the other side to buy lollies from Aunty Rose. Can’t forget Aunty Rose and her lolly cabinet. I knew her from when I was a child. She was no relation but I think she was Aunty Rose to every kid in Rosewood. Also the flying fox that sent the money to the office and returned with your change and docket. Then off to next door to Roy’s Butcher shop. A bit thirsty? Then off across the road beside Ruhno’s to Teddy Thomas soft drink factory. Monday to Friday I went to work at the slipper factory next to Ruhno’s (my job was to print the sizes on the soles before they went to the machinists). Across the road to the train station just to say hi to the Station Master, Mr Boyd. 

Ann Hancock – Nana loved her weekly trip there. I remember her buying Pop a pair of jeans which had to be returned because that’s what ‘the dunny men’ wore. 

Alex Mair – Mr Ruhno also donated the land for the Scouts. The scouts had a little triangular block and Mr Ruhno ownd a rectangular block next door, Where the current building sits. The original den was up the back near the flagpole and is now the kitchen. He certainly would be worthy of recognition.

Ruby Evans Olsen – Remember when the Gypsies would come to town?

Trish Phil – They would they camp at what is now Anzac Park and make and sell straw brooms .

Helen Skinner Morris – As a young my mum Girlie Skinner (nee Roache) worked in the drapery section for a while.

Stephen Smith – I can remember getting organ lessons there. It was a great old store.

Vance Sbeghen – I remember old Mrs Ruhno who walked down Albert Street by our house to the store every morning in the 1950’s.

Father Bill O’Shea grew up in Rosewood. At the the centenary celebrations of St Brigid’s Church in February 2010, he spoke of Ruhnos – It was in February, 1948. I was doing the family shopping at the old Ruhno’s store, opposite the railway station. I was chatting with Rose Imrie, a great old Rosewood identity, when someone burst in and said, “The Catholic presbytery is on fire.” With a number of others, I raced around to Matthew Street, and stood across the road to watch the sad sight of part of Rosewood’s Catholic heritage go up in flames.

Betty Boughen nee Downing (17.01.1923 – 11.11.2015), wife of Mervyn Boughen, recorded these memories in 2014.
The thing that sticks in my mind are the Christmases in Rosewood and how they changed the street. They’d go out in the days prior to Christmas and cut a lot of trees and bushes and tie them to the posts. Christmas Eve was like a great big picnic. Everybody would go down to Rosewood and from John Street and all up to Ruhno’s–a big grocers shop and haberdashery and things opposite the station–it would start there. They’d have all it on these posts and these scrubby trees used to intrigue us as children. We would race around like silly things and throw them down on the ground. You’d race into another shop and you’d meet Santa Claus. Oh it was fun. That was when we were very young.

Starting at the bottom end, opposite the railway station, there was Ruhnos, a big grocery store on the corner that sold everything. They used to have the pulleys you know the chains going up and change given and receipts and they would pull this thing and it would come along the wire again. Mrs Joopie, who was one of the ladies I told you about, her father worked in the grocery section and everyone grocery order would get a cone made out of newspaper with boiled lollies in it. That was on top of the groceries. Ruhnos sold everything in their shop. The shop went from the corner right up to the slipper factory. I remember Mum saying that Mr Ruhno, old Mr Ruhno, was very good to farmers in the drought.

Amongst all of the memories of Ruhnos held in the minds of local residents would have been the store’s decorated lorry participating in many local street processions on special occasions, such as those depicted below.

At the St Patrick’s Day Celebrations in 1929 Mr. W. Ruhno’s lorry, driven by George Harding, was decorated by Mrs. H. Tighe, Miss Lexie Forbes, and Mr. AIf. Blake. It represented Faith, Hope, and Charity, with Misses Eileen Forbes as “Faith”, Athens Morton as “Charity”, and Mary O’Reilly as “Hope”. S. Morton, J. Nation, P. Morton, Marie Gough, and Nina O’Reilly represented angels.

In 1930, second prize was awarded to Mr W. Ruhno’s “Australia” lorry. First prize went to W. G. Boughen’s lorry “Faith, Hope and Charity”.

A Patriotic Carnival was held on Sunday 23rd June 1940, at the Rosewood Showgrounds. Typical of events in the war zone was “The Evacuation of Dunkirk,” a display by Mr. Norman Ruhno’s staff. George Harding is standing in front of the truck and was the driver.

The lorry appeared again in the in May Day procession in Rosewood about 1950.

Boy Scouts and Cubs marshalled outside Ruhno’s store for an Anzac Day Parade in the 1940’s.

Some of the Presentations to Employees at Ruhno’s

(From the Queensland Times)

 On Saturday evening, 4th May 1901, Mr. Fred Dutney, a clerk in the employ of Mr. J. L. Frederich for several years. and who was about to be married, received a gift from the manager (Mr. Ruhno) and employees, in the shape of a handsome time piece of a very ornate description. The presentation was made by Mr. Ruhno. Mr. Dutney, who was completely taken by surprise, briefly expressed his thanks to the donors for their splendid gift, which he said he would always cherish. 

On 19th February 1910, at closing time at the establishment of Mr. W. Ruhno, occasion was taken to make presentations to two employees who then severed their connection there. Mr. W. Dolling, who has been in charge of the grocery department for the last seven and a half years, was going to Brisbane to the employ of Messrs. Barry and Roberts and Miss Sarah Evans, who for the past three years had occupied the post of junior clerk, was leaving for Ipswich. Mr. W. Ruhno made eulogistic reference to the departing employees and to the regret felt at their departure, then, on behalf of Mrs. Ruhno, himself, and the remaining employees, presented Mr. Dolling with a handsome travelling-bag, and Miss Evans with a beautifully-fitted lady’s companion. Mr. Ruhno’s complimentary remarks were supported by Mr. F. Dutney, chief clerk. General regret was expressed at these departures. Mr. Dolling was secretary to the school committee (and in that capacity will he much missed), and a member of St. Luke’s parochial council. At Sunday-school reference was made to the departure of little Misses Ivy and Mabel Dolling, who had always been most exemplary scholars. Mr. Dolling’s successor at Mr. Ruhno’s establishment was Mr. H. Clark, of Brisbane and Miss Evan’s place would be filled by Miss Hannah Lane.

On 23rd August 1911,  Mr. James Rogers, who had been in the employ of Mr. Wm. Ruhno, general storekeeper for more than three years, resigned his position to engage in business in Sydney. Before taking leave of the heads of the firm and assistants on Saturday (19th), Mr. Rogers was presented with a handsome travelling bag. In making the presentation, on behalf of himself and the members of the staff, Mr Ruhno referred in kindly terms to Mr. Rogers as an employee. Mr. Ruhno was always pleased with his work, and was sorry to lose his services. He hoped that he was leaving to better his position and he wished him success. Mr W. Dolling, an, old employee, spoke of the good feeling that existed between Mr. Rogers and the other members of the staff. Mr. Dolling had worked with Mr. Rogers for three years, and had found him a good industrious fellow-worker. Mr. Rogers suitalby responded, thanking the firm and the employees for their present and their kind expression of feeling towards him. He regretted taking his departure from Rosewood, but he hoped he was bettering his position by so doing. 

On Saturday 22nd February 1913, the employees of Ruhno and Maher made a presentation to Miss H. Lane, who had held the position as typist and was taking up an appointment in Brisbane. Mr. W. Dolling presented her with a beautiful silver-backed brush and lamp and expressed regret at the departure of Miss Lane, who, he said, had always been attentive to her duties, and was courteous and obliging, both to fellow employees and customers.

On 17th August 1915, the employees presented Mr. J. B. Farrell (who was severing his connection with the firm to tale up another position) with a dressing case. The presentation was made by Mr. W. Ruhno. 

On Wednesday afternoon, the 18th August 1915, the firm farewelled another employee. Mr. Jack Hogan was presented with a gold wristlet watch, on account of him leaving for Enoggera to join the Expeditionary force. Mr. Ruhno referred to the many years Mr. Hogan bad been connected with the firm, and the capable manner in which he had carried out his duties. They were all proud of him for having volunteered to defend his country, and hoped that when at the Dardanelles, or wherever he might be sent, the little gift would remind him of the many true friends he find at Rosewood.

As was the custom in those days when a female employee married they left their employment.

1st November 1916 – After closing time on Saturday the employees of Ruhno and Maher assembled to make a presentation to Miss Vera Crowther, who has severed her connection with the firm. Mr. E. A. Maher, in presenting Miss Crowther with a handbag, referred to the manner in which she had always carried out her duties, and expressed regret that she was leaving.

On Saturday 10 April 1920, a presentation was made to Miss Rose Smith, who had been a member of the staff for many years, in honour of her approaching marriage. The presentation consisted of a dinner set from the firm, and a biscuit barrel from the employees. She was married to Mr. Andrew Crawford McLaughlin Imrie in the Congregational Church on the 17th and was given away by William Ruhno, who also supplied his car for the bridal car.

On Saturday 20th May 1922, Mr. M. J. O’Reilly, who, for a number of years had been attached to the firm, was farewelled and presented with a pair of gold sleeve links. The presentation was made by Mr. W. Ruhno. It was Mr. O’Reilly’s intention to enter business on his own account. 

Miss Elise May McLaughlin, whose marriage to Hector Percival Parcell took place on 8th December 1923, received several valuable presentations prior to her departure from Rosewood. The staff of W. Ruhno  presented her with a silver cake basket, members of the Rosewood cricket club presented a silver-mounted oak tray, and the Congregational tennis club, a silver biscuit barrel.

In January 1924,  Mr. A. J. Loveday, who had held the position of accountant at Ruhnos for many years, left that position to enter into partnership with Mr. J. M. Bruce, colliery owner. He was given an inscribed gold watch by the firm and other presents from the employees.

On 24th April 1924, the employees assembled for a presentation of pyrex ware to (William) Norman Ruhno in honour of his approaching marriage to Leila Florence Coogan. Mr William Dolling spoke and was supported by Mr. Edward John Hogan.

Then on Monday evening 1st September, at the business premises of W. Ruhno, the staff assembled to make a presentation to Mr. E. J. Hogan in honour of his intended marriage to Elsie May Sellars. Mr. W. Ruhno, in making a presentation of a handsome case of stainless carvers, expressed the good wishes and congratulations of those present. His remarks were supported by Mr. N. Ruhno and Mr. W. Dolling. Mr. Hogan appropriately responded. Misses E. Sellars and Molly Thomas (married Gerald Nolan) were the guests of honour at a pre-wedding evening, in the Farmers’ Hall. They were each presented with a silver cake basket and oak tray by Mr. R. J. Walsh.

On 14th April 1927, Miss Daisy Henrietta Allen married Thomas Stanley Haley in the Ipswich Central Congregational church.

Miss Daisy Allen was the recipient of several presentations recently. At Mr. W. Ruhno’s establishment, where she has been accountant for some years, she received a case of stainless carvers from her fellow employees and a dinner service from the firm. On Monday night Miss Allen was the guest of honour at a social evening in the Farmers’ Hall. Mesdames Imrie, C. Akes, H. Capern, E. J. Hogan, and Miss M’Laren being hostesses. On behalf of her friends, Mr. W. E. Thomas presented Miss Allen with a Doulton tea set and sweets dish. A musical programme was rendered by Mrs. E. J. Hogan, Misses Jean Loveday, D. Edwards, G. Roache, and Mr. Edwards. Music for dancing was supplied by Mrs. Fraser (piano). Miss M. O’Shea (violin), and Mr. S. Edwards (mandolin), Miss Rose Allen, who has left for Tweed Heads, was also presented with a manicure set, with the good wishes of her Rosewood friends.

28th May 1929 – Prior to severing his connection with the firm of Mr. W. Ruhno, Mr. James Harding was presented with a travelling rug by members of the staff. Mr. S. Edwards, the senior employee, made the presentation and in expressing regret at Mr. Harding’s severance with his fellow employees, wished him every success in the future. Messrs. A. Blake. J. Sillman, and J. T. Wyatt supported the remarks. Mr. Harding suitably responded.

On 30th May 1929, Jack Sillman, who had been associated with the firm for almost 14 years, was farewelled and presented with a gift from members of the staff before leaving for Innisfail. Mr. Ruhno said he had carried out his duties in a commendable manner and presented Jack Sillman with a gold Eversharp pencil. Staff members voiced their regret at his departure, and wished him every success. Mr. Sillman feelingly returned thanks and said he would never forget the good time spent amongst them.

At the close of business on Saturday 28 January 1933, the employees of Ruhnos assembled at the office to farewell one of their comrades. Miss Ellie Hogan, who had held the position of cashier and typist for nine years and had resigned, prior to visiting Rockhampton and the coast. Mr Ruhno presented her with an initialled Moroccan handbag and autograph on behalf of her fellow employees and wished her a happy future. Mr and Mrs Ruhno and Norman gave her a monogrammed travelling case. Messrs. E. Edwards, J. T. Wyatt, and A. R. Blake spoke in appreciative terms of Miss Hogan’s efficiency, adding their regret at losing her from the staff. Miss Hogan thanked those present for their gift and kind expressions. The gathering comprised Mrs. W. Ruhno. Mrs. E. S. Innes. Mrs. A. M. Imrie, Misses D. Edwards and J. Bowles, Messrs. N. Ruhno. S. Edwards, J. T. Wyatt, C. Harding. J. Potts. A. R. Blake. C. Dutney and R. Yarrow.

Then on the 13th May, Miss Doris Edwards who was leaving so she could marry Gordon Alexander McGeary, was presented with a handsome silver sugar bowl and spoon. Mr. W. Ruhno referred to Miss Edwards’s excellent qualities and made the presentation on behalf of the firm and employees. Miss Edwards feelingly responded. Mr. S. Edwards also returned thanks on behalf of his daughter.

On Friday evening the 19th April 1940, at the business premises of W. Ruhno, a presentation from the staff was made to Mr. Jos. Potts on the eve of his marriage to Miss Miva Alice Quinn. On behalf of the employees, Mr. N. W. Ruhno presented Mr. Potts with a handsome rose-bowl on an ebony stand, and expressed to him the best wishes of his fellow employees. Messrs. S. Edwards, J. T. Wyatt, and G. Harding, of the grocery department supported Mr. Ruhno. Mr. Potts returned thanks for the good wishes and gift. 

On Saturday18th October 1941, Miss Joyce Bowles, who had accepted a clerical position with a leading oil company in Brisbane, was presented with a solid silver pencil by the staff at Ruhno’s general store when, after nine years’ service, she severed her connection with the firm. At the invitation of Mr. Norman Ruhno, Mrs. E. S. Innes (accountant) made the presentation. Mrs. Innes paid a tribute to Miss Bowles for her conscientious and efficient service as a member of the office staff. All fellow employees supported her. Miss Bowles suitably responded.

On 19th January1942, after closing time at W. Ruhno’s, a presentation was made to Sidney Edwards was leaving for Brisbane to take up military duty as a member of the Home Guard. On behalf of the staff, Mr. Ruhno presented an auto razor shaving outfit in leather case to Sidney, who said he regretted leaving, but considered it his duty to take the step he had.

On Friday night, the 9th October 1942, in the office at Mr. W. N. Ruhno’s store, a money belt was presented to Mr. George Harding, third member of the grocery department to leave for military duty. Mr. Ruhno expressed regret that conditions necessitated Mr. Harding’s departure, and wished him a safe return. Mr. J. T. Wyatt, on behalf of the employees, supported Mr. Ruhno, and presented to Mr. Harding a token from those present. Mr. Harding responded. 

On Saturday, 6th January 1946, a presentation was made by the employees at Ruhno’s store to Mr Gus Reinke, who, as the firm’s truck driver, was retiring. On behalf of the employees Mr. Norman Ruhno presented Mr. Reinke with a brush and comb in case, to which was attached an artistically inscribed card as a token of the  happy days spent with the firm. Mr. Ruhno’s remarks were supported by Mr. J. T. Wyatt. Mr. Reinke responded. It was also announced that Mr. Geo. Harding, formerly with the military forces, had rejoined the firm.

On 17th March 1948, a silver cigarette case was presented to Reg Dutney when he left for the R.A.A.F. He had been an employee for five years.

On 4th April 1950, on the eve of her retirement from duty on the office staff of W. Ruhno, the employees assembled to wish Miss Imrie every happiness in her approaching marriage to Thomas Price. Mr. N. W. Ruhno presented Miss Imrie with a crystal salad bowl from her fellow employees. Mr. Ruhno spoke favourably of Miss Imrie’s work. Mr. J. T. Wyatt endorsed his remarks, and Mrs. E. L. Innes congratulated Miss Imrie on the high standard of her work. Miss Imrie responded.

9th November 1950 – On the eve of her departure from the store, Miss Doreen Bassett, a shop assistant, received a crystal perfume bottle presented by Mr. W. N. Ruhno, who spoke of the high standard of Miss Bassett’s work, and the high esteem in which she was held.

© Jane Schy, 2024