Pindar Hotel (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The Pindar Hotel Fmr is a representative example of the vemacular 'oorner pub' built in the Federation period. The place has a landmark quality due to its two storey form, its prominence in the streetscape and its relationship with remaining buildings in the small Pindar townsite. The place is held in high esteem by the local community and is an important tourist attraction.

Physical Description

Prominently located on a corner in the small townsite of Pindar, facing south and addressing the railway and the Mt Magnet Road beyond, the Pindar Hotel fmr is a two storey stone building with a single storey section to the rear. The front (south) and east elevations have a two storey verandah, while there is a full length single storey verandah on the west side extending around the angled comer. The main roof is hipped metal tile while the balcony and verandah roofs are corrugated iron. Windows are timber sash and are enhanced by brick quoining which also features to the corners of the building. Internally the building features pressed metal ceilings, a wooden staircase with turned posts, several fireplaces with wooden mantle-pieces and timber floors. (Refer to the conservation plan for a detailed description of the building)

History

InNovember 1892 Reserve 1019, containing 1019 acres, was created around Pindar Well for the purposes of a resting place for travellers. However, it was the construction and opening of the Geraldton to Cue railway that saw the small townsite of Pindar develop. Having arrived in Mullewa in 1894, work on the Geraldton-Cue railway line continued with the section between Pindar and Cue being opened on 1July 1898. On 22 February 1901 the Pindar Townsite reserve 6989 containing 243 acres with 32 half acre town lots was officially gazetted. The Pindar Hotel is believed to have been built in 1905, by Mr Slevin, a local builder, although the application for a Wayside House License was not granted until March 1908. Emmett Michael Gill, who was the owner of the Wurarga Hotel, operated the Pindar Hotel as well as the local store. Known locally as the Pindar Pub, the hotel was the focal point for the small town and was frequented by local residents, travellers, teamsters, railway and station employees, pastoral station workers and sandalwood cutters. Following Emmett Gill's death the Pindar Hotel was transferred to his widow Mary Augusta Gill and then onto her son, E.M. Gill. Following Gill Jnr's death in 1962, his estate was granted to his widow Olive Rose Gill. With declining patronage, especially following the sealing of the Pindar-Mullewa Road in 1972, and with much talk of the closing of the Geraldton to Meekatharra raifway, the Pindar Hotel closed on 5 January 1975. Since then the building was used as a residence and from 1994 as a bed and breakfast. (Refer to the conservation plan tor a detailed history of the building)

Integrity/Authenticity

Original Fabric: Largely intact Modifications: Roof material

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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