the e.s & a bank in berry traded through the last years of the 19th century and up until 1942, when it closed its berry branch. in june of that year the municipality of berry purchased the property from the bank for £1,200. from 1943-1948 the premises served as the council chambers and the town clerk, henry stenning, occupied the residence. in 1948 the shoalhaven shire council was formed by the amalgamation of several councils including berry, with all assets being transferred to shoalhaven. mr stenning was not employed by the new council but continued to rent the residence until 1950. shoalhaven shire council leased the premises back to the e.s.& a bank when it re-opened in 1951. alterations in 1951 included the removal of two fireplaces, alteration to the manager's office, addition of toilets to rear verandah of the bank, and a bathroom and kitchen upgrade.