Catalogue - "Bairds" 1939

Born in Ballarat, Victoria, in 1869, William Hutchison Baird moved to Coolgardie, Western Australia, in 1896. Using the experience he gained working for the Ballarat Hardware Store, William founded the first Bairds store in his new hometown. The following year, William opened another store in Kalgoorlie, followed by one in Boulder, in 1898. His brother Adam Baird joined the company in 1899, along with another brother, Robert, and their three sisters, Elizabeth, Jessie and Ann. Although established as a family company, the stores were managed by William Baird, as Managing Director and Adam Baird, as Chairman of Directors.

In 1903, the family opened a store in Hay Street, Perth, while retaining the three stores in the goldfields. The Hay Street store prospered and within a few years, the Baird family were able to increase their property holdings by leasing a block which ran from Hay to Murray Street. Adam Baird designed an arcade between Hay and Murray Streets, which became known as the ‘Bairds Arcade’ and featured individual stores immaculately stocked with all manner of homewares, pantry staples, toys, fashion accessories, hardware, sporting equipment, lamps and more. In 1917, the business was renamed ‘Bairds Company Ltd.’ and the family purchased an adjoining building in 1919 which extended from Murray to Wellington Streets. By the 1960s, Bairds employed over 900 staff and in 1965 a new store was opened in Fremantle.

In 1946, William Baird became ill, but he continued to take an active interest in the affairs of the firm from his home until his death on Sunday, 30 May 1947, aged 78. Adam Baird became Managing Director of the company, continuing until his death aged 80, on Tuesday, 9 February 1954.

Adam Baird’s son, Keith Hugh Baird (known as ‘Mr. Hugh’ to the staff), took on most of the company’s responsibility, until his death on 18 July 1965, aged 53. In 1969, Myer Emporium Ltd. bought out the firm.

(reference: "History of Perth's Lost Department Stores Revisited" by Rose Raymen. Article in National Trust of WA)