Railway Hotel, Donnybrook

Statement of Significance

Located in the centre of Donnybrook opposite the Railway Station, the Railway Hotel is a substantial two storey presence in the streetscape and has the potential to be restored to its original form. The Railway Hotel continues its role as a meeting place for townspeople and visitors, providing accommodation, refreshment and employment

Physical Description

The Railway Hotel is a two storey rendered brick building with a gabled corrugated iron roof behind a front parapet. The original two storey timber verandah and original roof of the corner turret have been removed although the bay of the turret projects from the south-west corner. The windows are vertically proportioned and mostly retain their double hung timber sash frames. The hotel has been modified both externally and internally, however the interior of the original section has retained some of its features, including a fine staircase, a pressed metal ceiling in one front room and its original fireplace.

History

In January 1900, a provisional license was granted to James ‘the Mug’ Kelly, storekeeper, of Mornington, for a hotel to be named The Goldfields Hotel, to be built at Donnybrook, where ‘a good hotel’ was needed to provide for the influx of people attracted by the gold discoveries. His application noted he had held the licence for a wayside house at Donnybrook (the Terminus, the first hotel) for three years (1895-98). W. Wallis built the new hotel, which had eight sitting rooms and 11 bedrooms for guests. Kelly hosted a dinner and dance celebrating the opening of the hotel, which a news report referred to as the Goldfields Club (Bunbury Herald 4 Oct. 1900). The gold mining era was short-lived, and, in 1910, when Thomas Walters took over the licence, he renamed it Preston Valley Hotel. In c. 1915, a later licensee, Mrs. Jane Smith, renamed it the Railway Hotel as it has remained known. In 1939-40, alterations and additions made to the Railway Hotel included providing a new lounge and adding eight bedrooms. Since 1900, under various licensees and owners, the Railway Hotel served as a popular social venue for the local community and visitors to Donnybrook, and for many years also provided hospitality and accommodation for commercial travellers and other visitors, including politicians and civil servants. Although its former glory has past the Railway Hotel continues in its role as a meeting place for townspeople and visitors, providing accommodation, beverages and meals, and as a local employer.

Integrity/Authenticity

High integrity, still used for its original and intended purpose of hotel. Moderate authenticity.

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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