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Don Thomas Stockman Outfitters & Saddlery
Who was Don Thomas??? John Donaldson (Don) Absolem Thomas Don and the Jag
In 1932 Don drove a modified T-Model Ford to Alice Springs and started a Bush
Taxi and Bush Mechanic Service in Todd St. (now Todd Mall), next to the present
Westpac Bank.
Later he opened a second-hand furniture shop (on the southern side of the present
Qantas building) where he held evening auction sales, with his congenial manner
and ready wit the auctions were a highlight and entertainment for all.
Don started his dealings with R.M. Williams during World War II. Stockmen at that
time ordered their goods direct from R.M.Williams but before their parcels
arrived at the Post Office they had enlisted and joined the war. Don sold
on the goods for the R.M. company and continued with the agency. Later he
opened the now "Don Thomas Stockman Outfitters" (further down the road)
and in doing so became one of the first registered R.M.Williams agencies in a
now world wide company.
Don's stock of brightly colored shirts, dresses and blankets were a real hit with Aboriginal
people on stations. To this day requests are still specificly asked for "Don
Thomas' goods".
Both bush and town race meetings received cups and trophies from the
generous benefactor - who also helped many financially to continue the now great
traditions. The current owners still support these events, with the exciting reimergence
of the Harts Range Bush Races (August) and the Alice Springs Rodeo (Sept).
In 1936, Don attempted an "Accross Australia" record from Darwin to
Adelaide in a T-Model Ford. He first had to take petrol supplies to north
and south destinations as there was no supply along the track. He then had
to drive to Darwin along the rough tracks to start this feat. He hurtled
through the NT unhindered but disaster struck in SA when broke a universal
joint, ending the attempt.
In 1951, still the fast car enthusiast, Don saw a red Jaguar XK 120 in Todd St.
It had just been driven down from Darwin in record time, so impressed was Don,
he bought an identical model. He attempted to make a fast trip to
Tennant Creek in his red Jag but again disaster struck, whilst speeding at
about 200Mph one of the racing tyres destabilized and he limped home.
Don became a familiar figurecruising around the town and through the hills on
Sunday afternoons in his open topped red Jag, his white hair blowing in
the breeze and always with a smile and wave for everyone.
Don Died on 1972, mourned by his family and the whole town
photo supplied by his son Glen
Early Advertising - An advertisement from the local paper
'Centralian Advocate' - 1948
Hoofs and Horns - September 1972
Don first went to Alice in 1930, and at that time there would have been less than
100 people in the town. He was well known throughout the length and breadth
of the outback, and was remembered with gratitude by thousands of people whom
he helped over the years. The Australian
Aborigines in particular looked at Don as their friend. He also had
a deep affection for children and
was not only patron of the Alice Springs Pony Club, but helped a number
of schools.
Don was well known for many years as the owner of a man's shop in Alice
Springs, and anybody wanting R.M.Williams gear naturally thought of Don. When
he first went to Alice he instituted the mail run, and was a welcome sight to
the people on the lonely cattle properties for many miles around Alice. He
was an expert mechanic; his advice was sought by many for all types of mechanical
problems, and many a windmill was fixed by Don in those early days. The
old-timers' Hostel, which recently celebrated its Jubilee, will always remember
him, and the Don Thomas Cottage is there as a memorial of his assistance to the
old-timers.
John Flynn (Flynn of the Inland), Skipper Partridge (who was the padre of the
Inland Church) Albert Namatjira and many other Territorians were all warm friends
of Don. Reg Williams (RMW) and the writer of this obitury, Mike Cummings,
also counted him their dear friend for more than 30 years.
I am sure that the Alice Springs will not seen the same to people now that Don
has passed on. He lived to the ripe age of 82 years, and leaves behind
a legacy of goodwill that will live on for many years in the outback.
12 months - $5.50 or 24 months
- $10.50
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