History of Tripp's Garage

Schoolchildren from Minto Public School marching in procession, passing Tripp's garage c.1950. Follan Coll
Schoolchildren from Minto Public School marching in procession in Queen Street, passing Tripp's Garage. Follan Coll c1950.

Location: Corner of Queen and Dumaresq Street, Campbelltown NSW 2560

The Tripp family operated various businesses on the south eastern corner of Queen and Dumaresq Streets for many years, beginning in 1880.

Charles Tripp Senior and his brother Thomas established a blacksmith business first. Charles Tripp Senior and Thomas seem to have extended the blacksmith business in Queen Street after 1884 to a coach building and wheelwright operation, in addition to the blacksmith shop. The building continued to operate as a blacksmith and wheelwright until after the First World War.

After Charles Tripp Senior's death in 1912, the younger Charles took over the running of the business. After Charles Junior bought a motorbike, he then went into buying motorbike parts, which eventually expanded to motor repairs and selling petrol.

By 1929, the building was now listed as a motor garage owned by Charles Tripp. The garage was named Tripp's Silver Star Garage. It sold Neptune petrol and in 1932 advertised new car batteries.

In later years the former Waratah Tea Rooms building, run by Vince Tripp and adjoining the garage, was converted into an efficient spare parts section and counter. Leo and Frank continued to operate the Silver Star Garage after their father Charles' death in 1953.

The garage was demolished in 1966. Ralph's Chemist now occupies this site.

Oral history of the Tripp family

Excerpt of: oral histories about early Campbelltown with Rita Philomena Brunero (nee Tripp), the daughter of Charles and Maria Tripp.

Image gallery of Tripp's Garage

Mechanically minded Charles Tripp was a pioneering radio buff, being a member of the Wireless institute of Australia from 1914.

Mechanically minded Charles Tripp was a pioneering radio buff, being a member of the Wireless institute of Australia from 1914.

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Boy scouts pass Tripps Garage in a parade along Queen Street, Campbelltown passing the corner of Dumaresq Street, celebrating the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1955. Jack Hepher collection.

Boy scouts pass Tripps Garage in a parade along Queen Street, Campbelltown passing the corner of Dumaresq Street, celebrating the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1955. Jack Hepher collection.

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Tripp's garage as it stood in 1940. In the twenties crowds were known to gather outside to hear radio which was in its infancy.

Tripp's garage as it stood in 1940. In the twenties crowds were known to gather outside to hear radio which was in its infancy.

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Owned by Vince Tripp this store was located next door to Tripp’s Silver Star Garage. Vince is here with unnamed children.

Owned by Vince Tripp this store was located next door to Tripp’s Silver Star Garage. Vince is here with unnamed children.

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House next to the Tripp Coach Building business. This was located in Iolanthe Street, Campbelltown. The man is a Tripp but name unknown as are the children.

House next to the Tripp Coach Building business. This was located in Iolanthe Street, Campbelltown. The man is a Tripp but name unknown as are the children.

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Former site of Tripp’s Garage, taken in 1969. The house behind was owned by the Tripp family.

Former site of Tripp’s Garage, taken in 1969. The house behind was owned by the Tripp family.

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