Who We Are
The Story Of Caba’s Drapery
In the late 1920s, Tom Caba came to Australia from Syria in pursuit of a better life for his young family. They were sponsored by Tom’s brother, Archimandrite Nicholas Caba of the Melkite Catholic Church in Australia. With £150 in his pocket, Tom travelled north looking for a shop to run a drapery business. He investigated Coffs Harbour, Grafton, and Casino but eventually returned to Coffs Harbour. Coffs was appealing… it had something!
How right he was… Coffs Harbour did have plenty. Tom began trading in a small shop at the Jetty but soon sought a move to the more progressive “Top Town.” This hardworking businessman negotiated the purchase of an old cottage west of the main business district, where the business stands today. The vendor, James Landrigan, allowed Tom to pay for the £150 purchase in instalments. The front two rooms of the old cottage were quickly converted and trading began.
Tom and Maud’s children, Mary and Joe, soon welcomed siblings Tony, Grace, Joan, and May. The family lived in the back of the cottage, and the children attended St Augustine’s Primary School. Tom periodically took his wares by horse and cart to the farming areas of Boambee and Karangi, often returning with fresh produce from appreciative customers.
At different stages, all of Tom’s children worked in the business, with Joe and Tony taking over after the unexpected passing of their father in 1950. The traditions of founder Tom Caba are honoured daily in the service provided to all Caba’s Drapery customers. Whether it’s a packet of pins or a complete home refurbishment, each customer is given time and personalised attention rarely found in stores today. The third and fourth generations, led by Joe and Shirley’s daughter Joanne, continue to offer the best value-for-money products and confidently guarantee everything they sell.
Come in to see what the Caba family and staff have to offer. You’ll find them doing business at a comfortable pace in the ‘no-frills’ shop, surrounded by great-quality stock.
