Woodanilling Hotel

Statement of Significance

The place is notable as an early site in the business and commercial development of the town of Woodanilling.

Physical Description

The 'new' hotel was constructed on the south side of the 'old' hotel. It is a two storey structure facing west and the balcony overlooks the railway station and siding complex.

In late July 1908 the new hotel was started by the builders, Chapman and Firth, with the cost being 1500 pounds with a further 500 pounds allowed for extras, The bricks for the
new hotel were being made at 'Bellevue' with the old kiln still visible today.

History

This building took the place of a single storey structure built in 1900 by the owner Elijah Bell. By June 1908, the original hotel was thought to be unsuitable and a license was applied for new premises to be built alongside to existing building. The old hotel looked more like a house than a hotel. At this time there were rumours that a woman was interested in building a hotel south of the station adjoining the west side of the railway line. The tougher licensing laws coming into vogue may have seen Bell's licence revoked in favour of another application if the existing hotel was not up to standard.

While those wishing to drink were well catered for with another hotel at Moojebing, those against the consumption of alcohol were equally active. In September 1907, the Temperance League (Woodanilling branch) had its general meeting with the officials being Rev J Smith, Rev W Kennedy, Rev A Gilmour, E Baxter, A Baxter, Mesdames Kennedy, Hobart, Trye, Wilson and Sullivan. The Temperance Movement was strongly supported and some time later a referendum was held on the prohibition of alcohol. The strength and success of the Temperance Union at Woodanilling could be gauged by the estimate that in 1907, out of 86 signatories to the pledge, 76 were known to be still 'tee- tee'. Practical jokes were played by the locals on the tea-totallers during the monthly meetings. During the September 1907 meeting, one such joker decided to leave the gatherings without their billy. During the merriment of the games being played by the Temperance Union, the 'joker' stealthily removed the boiling billy and as he scampered off into the darkness he tripped and amidst 'horrible dictu' he fell onto the billy. Unperturbed by this event, the pot was refilled by the tea-totallers and a fresh billy was soon singing in time with the merriment inside.

Integrity/Authenticity

Original Material: Most

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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