About Us
About Us
C & V Nielsen PL T/A Van Cooten’s Howard Drapery
We are Carl & Vicki Nielsen and are the current owners of Howard Drapery. We are a local family of 6. We have four children – our two youngest as keen sewers and you will often see them helping in the drapery on a Saturday or during school holidays. Vicki has been sewing since she was a teenager and we have always wanted to own our own business so when the opportunity arose in 2023 to own the amazing and iconic Howard Drapery, we took the opportunity. It has been a wonderful adventure and we thoroughly enjoy meeting and serving our customers from near and far, hearing their life and travel stories and seeing their beautiful art and crafts is our privilege.
About Mr Van Cooten
In 1889 Mr John Hughes VanCooten became a business partner in the Grocery, Hardware & Stockfeed business in Steley St, Howard. The business was originally opened in 1884 by White Brothers. In 1917 the store was renamed VanCooten & Sons when John H. Vancooten purchased the business and formed a partnership with his 2 sons William & Alexander Ernest. Mr Charles Whitby and his son Mr Trevor Whitby later became investors in the Van Cootens Grocery, Hardware & Stockfeed Business.
Mr Trevor Whitby
About Mr Trevor Whitby (owner of Howard Drapery 46 years)
Mr Whitby was born in Maryborough Hospital in 1943. He attended Howard State School and grew up in Watkins Street, Howard. He began working in Van Cootens Drapery when he was 15 and later bought the Howard Drapery in 1975. He ran it for 46 years before sadly passing away in 2021. During his many years of ownership Mr Whitby became well known across the country for his jam packed store with a huge patchwork range, his travel near and far with wife Ivy to Quilt Shows and for his conversations. Returning customers often reflect with fond memories of chats with Trevor and their stories from past visits and how, despite his overwhelming amount of stock, he always knew where everything was.
About Mr Fred Woods
The original owner of the drapery. Built as a drapery with a living area/home at the back by Bauers from Bundaberg in (est.) 1952.