Faces of innovation and commitment

The Faces: Frank and Neville Hargrave  

First generation on Main Street: Francis Frederick Hargrave, always known as Frank, was born on 3 June, 1906 at Iandra Estate on the Overdale Run. Frank was the third of six children born to William James Hargrave and Florence (nee Napier.)  Frank’s grandfather, John Francis Henry Hargrave, was a cousin to Lawrence Hargrave, the Australian pioneer aviator. John married Louisa Matilda Howell, whose family was one of the first settlers in this district. Frank grew up on Iandra where his parents share farmed, leaving school at an early age. As a young man, Frank share farmed his parent’s property ‘Willavale,’ around 3500 acres at Burgooney near Lake Cargelligo. Later he worked with his uncle, Jack Napier, at ‘Jarvisfield,’ Quandialla. Jack also owned the de-licensed Empire Hotel in Grenfell, which Frank managed, in addition to managing Jack’s other property ‘Walloy’ on the Adelargo Road. Frank was a good shearer and could shear up to 120 - 130 sheep a day. The young Frank spent a lot of time in the company of his cousins Bobby Napier, Ian, Sims and Trevor Reeves. These larrikins had much fun together.

In 1937, Frank married Eva Alice Harris. The couple moved to ‘Inverness’ on the Adelargo Road (currently owned by Gordon Abbott.) Eventually, they purchased the property across the road, ‘Hiawatha.’ While Frank and Eva lived there, they planted a wonderful orchard, some of the trees still growing on the site today. By 1945, Frank and Eva had six children. They sold the property and moved to town for their children’s schooling. They purchased land on the outskirts of the town in Bradley Street, much of which is still owned by the family.

Memories of Main Street: Initially, Frank worked at the flour mill. However, the flour dust caused him to suffer breathing difficulties - something that remained with him all his life. Frank left the mill and worked for Hill and Halls, where among other things, he was responsible for the sale of fertiliser. He remained there until the business was destroyed by fire in 1955. Frank then accepted a position as car salesman with Grenfell Motors Ltd. This business, owned by Keith Bolton and his father-in-law, Gordon Proctor, was at the far eastern end of Burrangong Street. Frank sold Fordson tractors and cars, John Shearer farm implements and fertilisers. When asked what had been his best day in business, Frank was always quick to reply, ‘The day I sold a whole train load of bagged superphosphate and two new Ford Fairlane cars to the same customer!’ When Grenfell Motors closed, Frank went into partnership with his son Neville and in 1964 commenced trading as ‘Hargrave & Son’, an agricultural supply business. Frank worked in the business full time until 1976 when he retired to care for Eva. Frank and Eva had ten children: Peggy (Abbott), Ron, Neville (deceased), Maurice (deceased), Barbara (Loftus), Laurence, Vivien, Trevor, Graeme (deceased) and Francis (Galvin). Frank was a hard working and industrious man, who could turn his hand to most things. He was a footballer and very good boxer, at one stage joining Sharman’s Boxing Troupe to earn extra money. He was a keen fisherman and had many tall tales of his times around the local fishing spots. In later life, he loved watching football and was Patron of the Grenfell Rugby League Club for many years. Frank had a great sense of humour and was a brilliant raconteur.  He enjoyed the company of others. Above all he was a very honest, loyal man, and respectful of women. 

Second generation on Main Street: Neville Roy Hargrave was the second son of Frank and Eva. He was born on 11 May 1940 at ‘Leumah,’ Nurse Hess’ home in Wood Street. Neville commenced his schooling at the small Quondong School and transferred to Grenfell Public School when the family moved to town. He attended Grenfell Intermediate High school where he gained the Intermediate Certificate and formed life-long friendships. While at school, Neville worked in the afternoons with ‘Darby’ Stein in West Street, making sausages. Surprisingly, Neville enjoyed eating sausages! Their friendship continued for many years.

Neville left school in 1956, working initially at Grenfell Motors and then with Barry Holland. In 1958, he moved to Weethalle where he lived and worked for four years with his uncle Charlie Bennett in the Post Office. While at Weethalle, Neville began playing rugby league, usually in the lock position. Neville returned to Grenfell and worked for Joan Sweeting at ‘Girrahween.’  Neville planted many of the rows of trees that remain a feature of that property today.  At the age of 24, he went into partnership with his father to own and operate Hargrave & Son Pty Ltd.  A new era had begun for the Hargrave family. The business Hargrave & Son commenced trading at 156 Burrangong Street, Grenfell, in July, 1964. The premises, owned by ‘Pop’ Sherwin, were built in 1910, and were originally a wine shanty and later used by a dentist. Hargrave & Son was initially operated solely by Frank Hargrave and his son Neville. Over the years, numerous other family members worked in the business. They included sons Maurice, Laurence, Trevor, Graeme and sons-in-law Rodney O’Connor and Anthony Galvin. Trevor joined the business as a partner in 1976, and his son Philip worked in the business from 1995 to 2004. The business employed many other locals until it was sold in February, 2007. Throughout the period of its 43 years of operation, Hargrave & Son received many business awards and accolades. The business sold fertilisers, chemicals, John Shearer farm implements, Honda motor cycles, pressure systems Onga pumps, fishing gear, farm insurance, general hardware and produce. Neville undertook several agronomy and soil science courses to improve his knowledge and advice to clients. In 1975, Hargrave & Son Pty Ltd. became a member of the Combined Rural Traders buying group, an association that continued until the business was sold. In 1996, they appointed their first agronomist. Frank and Neville were always very proactive in encouraging the local farmers to adopt innovations in agriculture and were instrumental in getting Barry Holland to grow one of the first Rapeseed (Canola) crops in the district. Initially the business operated solely from Burrangong Street - but in the early 1980s, the adjoining building was purchased from Don Needham, who had conducted an auto electrician work shop on the site.  Hargrave & Son then owned and operated several other sites in the Main Street.  However, it was best known for its depot in West Street and the premises in Wyalong Street, Caragabal. Hargrave & Son commenced trading in Caragabal in March 1987, and had a lasting impact on the district. It provided a real boost to the community, and became a hub for locals, while also playing an important role in the water supply scheme.  At Caragabal, Hargrave & Son built from scratch an agricultural centre, comprimising a storage shed, a four-bay bulk fertiliser shed, a 20-tonne weigh bridge and later, a stand-alone office. Hargrave & Son also became renowned in Caragabal for legendary Christmas parties! 

Where Are They Now?: Frank died in 1990 and Eva died in 2008. They are both buried in the Grenfell Cemetery.

In 1971 Neville married Carol Walsh, a teacher at The Henry Lawson High School. Neville and Carol had two children, Rebecca and Andrew, both of whom were educated at Grenfell Public School and The Henry Lawson High School. Rebecca went to university and graduated in Biomedical Science with First Class Honours and then studied Medicine. Today she practises as Dr Rebecca Hargrave, owning and operating her own medical practice in Brisbane, employing five doctors. Rebecca is married to Martin McDonald and they have two sons, Hamish and Alastair. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree and currently lives and works in Hobart.  He is married to Monica, a doctor who practises as Dr Monica Hargrave. They have two children, Matilda and Stuart.

Sadly, Neville died in 2015 and did not get to enjoy the retirement he so rightly deserved. He is buried in Grenfell Cemetery next to his parents. Neville and his father, Frank, were very close and worked well together as a team. In many ways, Neville was very like his father. They were both known for their honesty and integrity in business and their understanding of clients and their hardships. The CRT slogan describes their retailers as ‘Your Local Bloke’ and that is exactly what Neville and Frank were. Neville was a talented man who enjoyed working with his hands, drawing, painting and gardening. At his funeral, Neville was described as a man of ‘Faith, Hope and Charity.’ The familiar sight of Neville on Main Street, and his friendly and interesting talks, are much missed. He was a Rotarian for 27 years. The Hargrave Family have had a very long association with many aspects of retailing in Grenfell, spanning over 70 years. During this time, they have been known for their commitment to the Weddin Shire, their reliability and integrity.

Thanks to Carol Hargrave (Carol.Hargrave@bigpond.com) for participating in ‘Faces in the Street.’