The building at 5 John Street, Rosewood – once home to the well-known Almos Family Shoes store – is thought to also have been a popular place to stop for a milkshake and a sweet treat.
That was before Albert (Almo) and Mary Mogensen opened their business in the building in 1956.
The young couple had negotiated a swap of their Madden Lane home as part of the purchase price of the building at 5 John Street.
Almos business sold balsa wood, model plane sets, chemistry sets, fireworks, model cars, toys, school books, garden seeds and a wide range of work, sport, and fashion shoes, alongside specialised shoe and boot repairs and photography.
In 1980, Almo and Mary’s son Will, together with his wife Elizabeth, bought the business and for 42 years they focused their business on selling shoes and clothing.
Long time Rosewood resident, Shirley Boughen recalls purchasing malted milk milkshakes from the café that was situated at 5 John Street before the Mogensens opened their business.
“From my recollection and after discussing the history with a friend; a man called Denis Flanigan built the building on 5 John Street, and opened it as a café,” she said.
“A nice Peters vanilla ice cream was enjoyed by many families, and when new flavours of ice cream were introduced, it was an exciting time.
“The café was a place where families enjoyed an ice cream, a milkshake and an assortment of different sweets.
“Mr Flanigan also operated a fuel depo out of a fibro shed that was located next to the café building.”
Shirley recalled seeing Castrol signage on the shed.
“Local farmers probably purchased fuel for their tractors there.
“When the Mogensen family took over, Almo then turned the fibro shed into a photography space where locals would have their photos taken.
“The shed became known as, Almo’s Studio and over the years, numerous wedding groups and ball patrons had their photos taken there.
“I do not recall when the fibro shed known as Almo Studio was knocked down, but it is not situated on the land today.”
From café with fuel depo to specialised boot repairs, photography and gifts, 5 John Street is now awaiting its next chapter.
