Wokalup Tavern

Statement of Significance

• The place has historic value as a demonstration of the confidence in the future of the town and district in the early 20th century. • The place has social value as the gathering place for the community of Wokalup since 1906 • The place has aesthetic value as a good example of the Federation style by prominent architect E. Bowser Cumpston.

Physical Description

Two storey brick construction with later single storey additions. The corrugated iron hipped roof extends over the verandah to the front elevation, providing a covered balcony to the upper storey, supported by timber posts above and steel pipe columns below which have replaced the original timber columns. The flat arched windows to the front elevation are double casements with timber frames and top lights. The rest of the windows around the hotel are timber framed double hung sash openings. The front entrance doorway has a panelled door incorporating glazed panels with matching side lights and fan light under a flat arch.

History

On 6 May 1906 an application by Edward Higgs for a provisional licence for Wokalup was granted on condition that a bond of £500 be entered into and that the erection of the proposed building be started within the month. The Hotel was designed by architect Louis Bowser Cumpston, a Perth based architect who achieved many commissions in hotel designs. The West Australian of 9 October 1906 advertised that the Wokalup Hotel was just completed and tenders were invited for the purchase of the lease. The advertisement continued; “Successful tenderer will have to furnish the Hotel. Wokalup is about midway between Pinjarra and Bunbury, on the Bunbury Perth Main Line, and is the junction for Millar's' Karri and Jarrah, Ltd., Mornington Mills, which is situated about 6 miles from Wokalup, where some 400 men are permanently employed. The total population of Mornington Mills is about 600. The Mill Train runs to Wokalup several times daily, and terminates at Wokalup Station, opposite the hotel. The opening of this hotel will fill a much-felt want by the travelling public. The hotel is a two-storied brick building, consisting of 8 bedrooms, dining room, 2 sitting-rooms, drawing-room, commercial-room, billiard-room, bar, kitchen, and scullery and storeroom.” On the night of 22 February 1928, a bush fire threatened the Bundidup homestead. A telephone call to the hotel brought a quick response from the mill hands, who arrived to save the homestead and livestock. In April 1938 the Wokalup publican was fined for having exhibited for sale two bottles of whisky which had been adulterated by the addition of water. Another publican, in 1950, was fined £14 for permitting liquor to be served after hours and allowing unauthorised persons to be on licensed premises. In 1964, a fierce storm damaged the hotel roof. The Wokalup Tavern has had many owners, licensees and publicans. In recent years a dance floor, a liquor store, a TAB and an enclosed beer garden have been added.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate/ High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update