King George Hostel

Statement of Significance

Demonstration of a way of life. etc.
The building is an important reminder of the provision at that period of accommodation for
people employed in large country towns, apart from hotels and boarding houses. When it was
built Katanning was the centre of a thriving agricultural district and also an important railway
centre. Incorporation of the ground floor shops reflects the period.
Historical Significance
The link with the Piesse family - prominent in the district for so many years - is important.
(The Katanning history index has 36 different entries under Piesse!). The Flour Mill and
Kobeelya are among the best known places with which they are associated.
Environmental Importance
The building enhances the Katanning townscape and is significant both for its design and its good
state of preservation.
Social Significance
It is esteemed by the community for its link with the development of Katanning, the social
functions held there, and its fine state of preservation.
Scarcity Value
Not many country towns have such a well-preserved example of a hostel built for
accommodation of business and government employees etc.

History

Assessment 1992
Construction: c.1910
Builder: Alex Thomson

The King George was built by Alex Thomson as a hostel as distinct from a hotel for Melville Piesse son of F.H. Piesse at a period of prosperity for Katanning and its district when accommodation for workers was required. The practice of having shops along the street front under the balcony was followed. Melville Piesse died in 1920 and his estate was managed by his father F.H. Piesse. Following the economic downturn after 1929 Melville's brother Harold and his family lived in a flat in the King George Hostel building. From its inception the hostel was managed for the Piesse family. There is a reference to a dinner given in December 113 by Road Board Chairman Alex Thomson at “Mrs C Edwards Hostel." Alex Thomson was an experienced builder who settled at Katanning after gaining the contract for the Royal Exchange Hotel in 1905 and he built a number of the town's prominent buildings as well as surrounding homesteads including Ross Andersen's Illareen.
The building which is largely in original condition is of brick and stucco with a_roof of French tiles, local bricks being used. The floors are wooden as are the verandah posts. The total length of the balcony is 140 metres with all bedrooms opening onto it with double doors. There are six separate shops on ground level including an accountant's business which opened in the building in 1913 and which is in original condition and does not use electricity. The shops and stairwell have pressed metal ceilings and the wooden staircase is in original condition. In the hall is an ornate wooden hall stand with a crest and F.H.P. carved into the top. The public dining room - no longer used as such - remains, also the original large stove and the baker's oven.
The hostel is now privately owned and occupied by its owners, who let a few rooms to the public. King George Hostel, with its prominent site on the comer of Albion Street and Austral Terrace, is most important to the Katanning streetscape. Its turret is a focal point on the corner. It faces the Katanning Railway Station.
Since its opening it has played an important part in the social life of Katanning and has associations with the notable Piesse family. The present M.P. and Minister Graham Edwards lived there while a railway employee at Katanning *

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.