Donnybrook Hotel

Statement of Significance

Donnybrook Hotel was the first hotel to be built in Donnybrook and is a substantial two storey building that is a landmark in the town centre. It is highly valued for its contribution to the social activities of the town.

Physical Description

Donnybrook Hotel is a two storey rendered and painted building with a corrugated iron roof in the Federation Queen Anne style. There is a half timbered gable at either end of the front facade, with a pedimented gable in the centre of the roof between with the words "DONNYBROOK HOTEL PITMANS." In the centre of the ground floor, two round arches form a loggia with the front door recessed behind. There are a number of vertically proportioned windows that are not placed symmetrically. Internally, the entry has the original staircase with pressed metal below it. The large dining room has its original high pressed metal ceiling. The sixteen rooms upstairs still provide accommodation to patrons. There is an original narrow passageway.

History

In 1895, the railway opened and on the main street, across the road from the railway station, James Kelly (popularly known as ‘Kelly the Mug’) built the first hotel in the town, a single storey hotel of timber construction named the Terminus Hotel, which opened on 4 July, and became a popular social venue. In 1897, he made several improvements to the hotel, installed a billiard table and obtained a Billiard Table Licence. In April 1898, it was transferred to W. Clowes, who renamed it the Donnybrook Hotel. In January 1900, Mrs. Clowes sold it to Fred Lindrum, of Kalgoorlie, formerly of Victoria, who promptly made some improvements and planned to erect new two storey additions. He was a well known champion Australian billiard player and his sons, Fred and William, who learnt to play while at the Donnybrook Hotel, became world champions. Further research may reveal any changes to Donnybrook Hotel before it was transferred to George Pitman for whom substantial two storey additions of brick and stone construction were completed in 1907. The Pitman family continued to operate the Donnybrook Hotel until c. 1923, when it was leased to Mr. and Mrs. Cohen, who disposed of the lease to Mr. and Mrs. Leslie, of Collie, in 1925. The hotel operated under various licensees in the twentieth century .and it has remained a popular social venue in Donnybrook through into the early 2000s. The timber front verandah was removed in the 1950s; at some date the brickwork was painted over; and under ownership of Edward Butler (c.1975 - 79) extensions were made to the building.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate. The place is still used for its original and intended purpose of hotel but the front facade has been modified. The timber front verandah was removed in the 1950s, the original brickwork has been painted over and the windows have been modified.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update