Gingin Hotel

Statement of Significance

Gingin Hotel is the only surviving Hotel in Gingin and has operated continually since it opened in 1903. It is a fine representative example of the Federation period of architecture and of development in Gingin at that time, making a significant contribution to the townscape heritage. It is also significant for associations with various owners and managers including John Musk, and wife Catherine, Tom Jones, and others, and demonstrates a sense of place for the social and hospitality functions of the place, that continue in the 21st century,

Physical Description

The hotel faces Jones Street directly opposite Gingin Railway Station. The two-storey building has a simple parapet with pilastered bays and an asymmetrical pediment detail with a bay identifying the main entry. Verandas at ground floor and first floor levels extend across the front and down the east side. There is a c.1960s single storey addition along the east side.

History

The railway opened from Midland to Ging in in 1891 and continued through to Mogumber in 1892 and then beyond to Geraldton. By 1902, the town was developing rapidly and the Gingin Hotel was constructed directly opposite the railway station providing a distinct advantage over the Granville Hotel. It opened on 29 January 1903. Rumour has it that two defrocked priests (Fathers Duff and Flood) were the responsible. The original licensee was Mrs Catherine Malone, with her brother Patrick Murphy taking over after her sudden death in 1905. The Granville Hotel still had the business of proving refreshments for the train railway patrons. However new management in 1908 at Gingin Hotel, William Spence (from Miners Arms in Northampton) rivalled that business. In the mid 19210, the wealthy northwest pastoralist John Musk purchased the hotel, in order to replace the lessee at the time with JVA Jones' son Tom as Manager, after he had returned from World War One. After John Musk's death in 1921, his wife Catherine took over his estate. The trains continued to provide hotel patronage for refreshments and accommodation until the mid 1940s, although railway patronage diminished after that time.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate degree Authenticity: Moderate degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Last Update