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McDOWELL, Sir Frank Schofield (1889-1980)

Sir Frank Schofield McDowell, retailer, was born 8 August 1889 at Petersham, Sydney. He was the third child of John McDowell, a draper from Ireland and his native-born wife Alice nee Schofield. In 1889 his father had established a drapery store in George Street, Sydney, and at the age of 15, Frank joined the business of McDowell and Hughes, drapers and costumiers. He was soon managing the shop. In 1920, the business became McDowell’s Ltd. situated on the corner of George and King Streets, Sydney

In 1935 he succeeded his father as managing director and chairman and was a trustee and committee-member (1932-67)  to the Retail Traders’ Association of New South Wales of which his father had been a founder. Recognising that shopping was moving to the suburbs, McDowell’s opened stores at Hornsby and Caringbah in 1961 and Dee Why in 1963. The multi-level store in Caringbah was built on the former site of Burns’ Timber Yard on the corner of Kingsway and President Avenue, Caringbah. The store promised friendly service and a family atmosphere for both staff and customers and was popular with Shire residents.

Knighted in 1967, Sir Frank stepped down as managing director in favour of his son, John but remained chairman of the board. In 1971 his company’s shareholders accepted a takeover bid by Waltons Ltd. When Waltons folded, the bulding in Caringbah was converted to shops and offices.

On 30 November 1911, at St.Paul’s Anglican Church, Burwood, Frank McDowell married Ethel Sophia Perrott. They had six sons and a daughter. Their sons and grandsons worked in the store.

Frank lived at Cronulla next to Oak Park where he still swam daily at the age of 87. He played golf, was a member of South Cronulla Bowls Club, was Patron and Life Member of Chatswood Golf Club, vice-president of St.George Veteran’s Cricket Club and Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales helping to set up the Frank Whiddon Masonic Homes. He was member (from 1927) and president (1945-57) of the Rotary Club of Sydney, a trustee of the Australian Museum, a member of the advisory board of the YMCA and President of the All Nations Club. When the first sod of the proposed Sutherland Shire Hospital was turned in May 1950, Sir Frank had the winning bid when the spade was auctioned.

Survived by his children, Sir Frank McDowell died on 1 November 1980 at Calvary Hospital, Kogarah and was cremated with Masonic rites at Woronora Cemetery.

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