Wiss Brothers Store & Dwelling (former)

The Wiss brothers were among the earliest storekeepers in Engelsburg (Kalbar), establishing their business in 1890. They gained retail experience with Ipswich grocer W Siemon & Co, in the late 1880s. In mid-1890, the brothers acquired land in Engelsburg. Ipswich architect Henry Wyman designed a store and a dwelling. Lionel Wiss married Maria Wiuff later the same year. The family business became one of the most successful in the district. Lionel Wiss acquired more land in George Street and in 1909 commissioned Henry Wyman, to design a larger and more attractive store, reflecting the growth of the Wiss business and of the town. It featured an elaborate decorative facade of Wunderlich pressed metal designed to imitate bricks. It also boasted a domed ceiling and plate glass display windows and included an office, boot room and ladies fitting room. The contractors were Wilson and Pickles of Ipswich who had built the original store. Lionel Wiss died in 1932 and his daughter Adeline ran the business until its sale in 1947, although it remained a mixed business until 1966. The Wiss Emporium continues to trade, offering a range of local produce, art and crafts. The adjacent private home is not publically accessible.