Cue Hotel (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The former Cue Hotel has high social and historic significance as one of the three remaining hotels in Cue. The building is also a prominent element of the Austin Street precinct and is believed to have been the first two-storey structure built in Cue.

Physical Description

The two storey building is of timber frame construction and clad in corrugated iron, with vertical ripple iron to the top floor. A two storey verandah runs the length of the facade. The balcony is shaded by a mono-pitched roof which is separate from the main roof. The balcony roofline is broken by a triangular pediment above the main entrance. The balcony is supported by stop-chamfered timber posts decorated with iron brackets. The building has a parapet disguising the several roofs behind. The facade is richly adorned with lacework, timber windows and lead light glazing. The decorative cast iron brackets each side of the ground floor posts and cast-iron balustrade infill panels to the first floor are reconstructions that follows the original style. The upper level has square-headed double-hung sash windows.

History

Originally built as a single storey structure in the early 1890s, with a simple concave verandah and parapet fronting the street, the hotel was owned by Payze, Carlisle and Co. It was described in 1897 as, "One of the oldest established hostels in Cue, about halfway up the west side of Austin Street, immediately opposite the old public well...". The conveniences were said to include shower baths, bedrooms, dining room, a billiards room and a parlour opposite the bar. Although enlarged c1894, when Mr J.V. Kearney purchased the Cue Hotel in 1902 he planned to erect a new two storey structure in its place. [Murchison Times and Day Dawn Gazette, 15/4/1902, p2] A newspaper report in 1903 states: " ..the present building was commenced late in November last year, and as its large dimensions became apparent, the arguments were many as to whether the place warranted such a fine building. ...In all there are 42 rooms, including large and commodious single and double bedrooms, rooms for commercial purposes, bathrooms supplied with hot and cold water, saloon and general bars, &c; also two nice large balconies running the full length of the building, back and front...Acetylene gas has been installed throughout the hotel, and gives the place a much brighter appearance than the old kerosene lamp, which should gradually die out as far as lighting business places at Cue is concerned." [11/4/1903, p2] The Cue Hotel was the only two storied building in Cue at this time. The building is presently used as hostel accommodation.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Degree Modifications: 1950s style terrazzo modifications to the street front.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update