Cullen's (Commercial) Hotel - site

Statement of Significance

The site is important for its association with an early business in the town, being the second hotel in
Williams.

Physical Description

Situated in Growse Street it reflected the development of the 'new townsite' with commercial
premises being built in the adjacent Brooking Street and the creation of the new Sports Ground
which was slightly to the N.E.. Nothing remains on the site which is adjacent to Williams Shire
Offices and Hall.

History

The Narrogin Trading and Agency Company had built a new hotel licensed under the name of
Cullen, a member of the company responsible for its construction. Within a short period this title
was changed to Commercial Hotel and this name was retained until its closure in the mid 1930's.
(1) The building was later used as living quarters for mill workers for the Worsley Timber
Company, which operated the mill near the railway station.
In August 1911, Charles Simms purchased the freehold of 200 acres of land which included the
Quindanning Hotel. At this period Simms held the license of the Commercial Hotel at Williams.
However, the law did not permit his holding licenses for two premises at the same time. Until such
time as he could quit the hotel at Williams he placed Fleetwood Curteis as licensee of the
Quindanning Hotel. Eventually Simms was able to take over at Quindanning and remained there
until his death after which his widow continued as licensee until its sale to Frank Morgan during
March 1921. (2)
During 1911, Dan Robinson purchased the Commercial Hotel and a little later acquired a farming
property a few miles north of Williams. Both these enterprises he ran conjointly until 1919 when
the Spanish influenza epidemic claimed him as a victim. One of his sons, Cecil (Sandy) Robinson,
a personable man of many avocation's, remained in the district for many more years. (3)
With two hotels in Williams, the locals preferred to use the terms - the 'Top Pub' and the 'Bottom
Pub' rather that the correct titles. Thus the Commercial Hotel, because of its higher position was
referred to as the 'Top Pub'. (4)

Condition

Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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