Main St Buderim History
Middy’s Complex in Main Street, Buderim is named after Ernest Middleton.
“Mr Ernest Middleton (he was always called Middy) had his shop where Middy’s complex is now. Middy’s shop had the slogan “We sell anything and everything” and he certainly had a big variety of goods. From a front window of tantalizing lollies at the front to farm tools and heavy work boots out the back, to Fancy Goods, Kitchen Utensils, haberdashery and linen work to the left and groceries and anything else to the centre and right side of the shop it was a treasure trove to wander through (if you could squeeze through)! Many goods hung from the ceiling and you had to duck your head often.”
MORE ABOUT ERNEST ‘MIDDY’ MIDDLETON
Ernest Middleton was born in Brecon, in Wales and at age 26, he set sail for the Antipodes, in 1908 paying for a Hawkers and Peddlar license in Auckland. In a letter from his mother, dated 1909, his mother offers Ernest a loan of 300 pounds at four percent interest to help him start in business. After emigrating to Australia in 1909 Ernest travelled around before opening a store in Eudlo.
Middy’s, as he was universally known, was a keen sportsman. He was president of Buderim Cricket Club and Buderim Sports Club and served on the committees of the Bowls Club, Golf Club and Billiards Club. In 1920 he formed the Buderim Football Club which he ran until it folded in 1928. He received an enticing offer to play for one of Brisbanes leading soccer teams, but refused for business reasons.
He was a Maroochy Shire councillor and president of Buderim Show Society and other community groups including the Memorial Park and Recreation Reserve Committee.
Ernest died in 1959, aged 77, and for many years the store was operated by his son Glynn until he sold the shop and house to Buderim Nominees who developed the current Middy’s Complex. Ernest is buried in the Buderim Cemetery, Queensland.