Tattersalls Hotel (fmr)

Statement of Significance

Rock-Inn Hotel is a fine example of Federation Filigree style combining Italianate details. Rock-Inn Hotel is aesthetically linked to the Metropole Hotel, Albion Shamrock Hotel, and the Grand Hotel in Burt Street, with its parapet and external masonry walls at the building line. Rock-Inn Hotel is a dominant element and landmark in the streetscape of Burt Street. Rock-Inn Hotel has historic value as a demonstration of the development that occurred in Boulder around the turn-of-the-century as it became the service centre of the district. Rock-Inn Hotel is representative of the Australian pub tradition as a two-storey hotel with verandahs, usually located on a prominent street corner in a suburb or country town. Rock-Inn Hotel is significant for its continuity of use.

Physical Description

A two-storey building designed in the Federation Filigree style, c. 1890 - c. 1915, and built on a corner site to the street alignment. The building once had a verandah and balcony that extended across the facades and over the pavement. The exterior features a balustraded parapet; and a triangular pediment at the building truncation that highlights the entrance on the ground floor. The upper storey is dominated by rock-faced stonework whilst the ground floor level walls are partially rendered. The lower level, as the principal floor, receives the most attention. The windows are typical plain arched sash windows recessed behind the outer face of the building. The windows on the upper level are plain, rectangular versions of the windows below.

History

The building was established as a hotel and continues to be used as a hotel. The Insurance Plans for Boulder c. 1900 illustrate that Lot 70 had four buildings constructed of brick. Facing Lane Street were Offices and the Tattersalls Hotel, facing Burt Street was Stephen’s Tobacconist and White Boot Shop (which had a small iron extension). A verandah extended across the building facades (including the hotel) and over the pavement. The building has a bar in remembrance of the famous sportsman (billiards) who played there at various times, Walter Lindrum (Boulder's Hidden Secrets, 1993). General Comments: The role of hotels was crucial to the social and economic life on the goldfields. If mines were the sources of the miner's wages, the hotels were the sinks into which a lot of it was poured. Hotels not only provided alcoholic drinks, food and accommodation, but provided men with comfortable surroundings quite beyond their normal experience. Hotels were also vital social centres for travellers and residents alike (Webb, 1993: 543-544).

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: Moderate

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

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