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Examiner's complete view of propertyExclusive for you: Who was C. H. Smith?Updated April 23 2019 - 4:36pm, first published 4:00pmUpdated April 23 2019 - 4:36pm, first published

4:00pmFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyExclusive for you: Who was C. H. Smith? For most Launcestonians the C. H. Smith building was a metaphor for stagnation.

development plans, the site sat at the entrance to the city, slowly falling into disrepair.

Graffiti that adorned the western side spelled out what it had come to represent: "Progress in this city is dead," it decried.

However, the rebirth of the site, under the guidance and investment of developer Errol Stewart and architect Scott Curran, has given the city renewed confidence.

The metaphor has changed to one of rebirth and confidence in a strengthening economy.

Launceston author, historian and former associate editor of The Examiner, Julian Burgess, has penned a feature for readers on the history of the building.

As well as detailed knowledge of this site's history, Burgess has a personal connection; his father was company secretary of C. H. Smith in the 1960s.

"As a kid I used to play in the buildings with the Smith boys," Burgess said.

"The chandlery storeroom was like an Aladdin's cave to me with all the brass and chrome fittings and old style navigation lights.

"It was a very diversified business, they were importers and exporters, shipping and travel agents and retailers of marine hardware.

"Over the years they shipped wool and apples to the United Kingdom and even bought mutton birds from Flinders Island for resale

"There were a lot of other different tenants in the Charles Street buildings in the 1960s including sailmakers, metalworkers and boat builders."

For the next 24 hours this story will be for your eyes only. The stories will appear in print over two days (Wednesday and Thursday) as a two-part series.

If you would like to know the story behind any other buildings or places in Launceston, send us an email at [email protected]. We will find the experts to share the history with you.

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