Canberra Hotel, Brisbane facts for kids
The Canberra Hotel was a unique hotel in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was known as a temperance hotel, which means it did not sell any alcohol. It stood on the corner of Ann and Edward Streets.
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The Canberra Hotel: A Special Place
The Canberra Hotel was special because it was a "temperance hotel." This meant it was a place where people could stay, eat, and meet without any alcohol being served. It was built by a group called the Queensland Prohibition League. This group believed in a lifestyle without alcohol.
A History of Temperance
The land where the hotel was built had a long history with the temperance movement. Before the Canberra Hotel, a building called the Temperance Hall stood there. This hall was used by the Brisbane Total Abstinence Society. The foundation stone for the Temperance Hall was laid way back in 1864. It was built to help people live without alcohol.
Building a Dream Hotel
The Queensland Prohibition League decided to build a new, bigger hotel. They wanted it to be a modern and comfortable place that still followed their no-alcohol rule. The foundation stone for the Canberra Hotel was laid on July 30, 1927. The Lord Mayor of Brisbane, William Jolly, helped with this special event.
The hotel was designed by architect Arnold Edwin Brooks. It was paid for by generous people like William Robert Black and George Marchant. They also got a loan from a group that supported temperance. The original plan was for a five-story building. But soon after, they decided to add two more stories, making it seven stories tall. They also added hot and cold water to every room. This made the hotel even more modern and comfortable for guests.
Grand Opening Day
The seven-story hotel was built with strong concrete. It was officially opened on July 20, 1929, by George Marchant. During the opening dinner, portraits of the main supporters, Black and Marchant, were shown. These paintings were made by artist Norman St Clair Carter.
How the Hotel Operated
Many people wondered if a hotel without alcohol could be successful. But the Canberra Hotel proved them wrong! It became very popular. Between 1930 and 1935, over 442,000 guests stayed there.
The hotel was so successful that in 1934, they decided to make it even bigger. They planned to add three more stories, which would add 200 more rooms. The architect had designed the building so it could be easily expanded. These additions would have made it the largest hotel in Australia.
The Lamplight Bar
One of the most interesting parts of the hotel was the Lamplight Bar. This was Queensland's first non-alcoholic bar. It offered a huge range of non-alcoholic drinks, like virgin cocktails. Because it didn't serve alcohol, it was a popular place for school formals and weddings. For example, Joh Bjelke-Petersen and Florence Bjelke-Petersen held their wedding at the Canberra in 1952.
In 1952, there were plans to build a second 11-story building next to the hotel. This new block would have added another 200 rooms.
The Hotel's Final Years
The Queensland Temperance League owned the hotel for many years. But in 1985, they sold it. The new owner decided to get a liquor license. So, for the first time, alcohol was served at the hotel on March 3, 1986.
In 1987, the Canberra Hotel closed its doors for good. It was then torn down. There were plans to build a very tall office tower on the site. However, that project never started. Later, a different office building was built there for a software company called Mincom.
The Queensland Temperance League also planned or opened other Canberra Hotels in different towns. Today, the Queensland Temperance League is known as Healthy Options Australia. They help people with mental health and addiction issues.
Images for kids
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Temperance Hall and the Colyer Refreshment Rooms, around 1921.
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William Robert Black, a supporter of the hotel.
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George Marchant, another key supporter.
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The Canberra Hotel in Toowoomba, Queensland, around 1948.
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The Mincom building, built on the site of the former Canberra Hotel in 2004.
