Central Hotel, Stanthorpe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Central Hotel |
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Central Hotel, Stanthorpe, 2015
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| Location | 140 High Street, Stanthorpe, Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1900 - 1914 (early 20th century) |
| Built | 1908 - c. 1978 |
| Official name: Central Hotel, Quinn's Hotel, Sheahan's Hotel | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600830 |
| Significant period | 1900s (fabric) 1909-ongoing (historical use) |
| Significant components | fireplace, objects (movable) - retail/wholesale/services |
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The Central Hotel is a historic building located at 140 High Street in Stanthorpe, Queensland, Australia. It was built between 1908 and 1978. This hotel has also been known as Quinn's Hotel and Sheahan's Hotel. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992, meaning it's an important part of Queensland's history.
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History of the Central Hotel
The Central Hotel in Stanthorpe was first built in 1908-1909. It was originally called Sheahan's Hotel. When it was built, it was one of the biggest buildings in the whole town.
Stanthorpe's Early Days
Stanthorpe grew quickly starting in 1872. This happened because people found a lot of tin in the area. The town became a major center for tin mining. It was the only town in the Darling Downs region that grew because of mining.
The land where Stanthorpe now stands was once part of a large farm called Folkestone Run. In 1878, the owner, Matthew Henry Marsh, turned his land into a private town called Stannum. "Stannum" is a Latin word that means "tin." The government also surveyed land nearby and created another town called Stanthorpe. Eventually, Stannum and Stanthorpe joined together to form the town we know today. The Central Hotel was built on land that was part of the original private town.
The Sheahan Family and the Hotel
The Sheahan family played a big role in Stanthorpe's early hotel business. They arrived in Stanthorpe by 1872. John Sheahan, a member of the family, opened the Hibernian Hotel.
Denis Sheahan, another family member, opened the Central Hotel in 1909. It was first known as Sheahan's Hotel. An advertisement from 1908 announced that the new hotel would be very modern. It had 30 bedrooms and 4 sitting rooms. It also featured wide balconies, hot and cold water baths, and promised excellent food. The hotel aimed to make guests very comfortable.
The Sheahan family owned the hotel until the early 1920s. After that, Queensland Breweries took over. They rented the hotel to different managers. In 1954, a private owner bought the hotel.
Name Changes and Updates
The hotel's name changed a few times over the years. From at least 1960 to 1962, it was called Quinn's Hotel. This was named after the owner at the time, Lawrence Quinn. Then, from 1962 to 1963, it was known as the Garden Hotel. Finally, in 1964, it became the Central Hotel, which is its name today.
In 1978, some changes were made to the hotel. A drive-through bottle shop was added next to the hotel. The ground floor of the hotel has also been changed over time. For example, the front public bar used to be two separate rooms. However, the upper floor rooms still look much like they did when the hotel first opened.
An interesting feature of the hotel is a collection of old glass bottles. These bottles are displayed in the front bar. They are passed down from one owner to the next, making them a unique part of the hotel's history.
What the Central Hotel Looks Like
The Central Hotel in Stanthorpe is a two-story building made of brick. It stands on the corner of High and Victoria Streets. The hotel has main fronts facing both streets.
Outside Features
A double-story verandah wraps around the building. It has decorative cast iron railings and patterns. Strong timber posts support these verandahs.
One of the most eye-catching parts of the building is the top section, called a parapet. It has fancy arched and triangular shapes. On the front corner of the roof, there's a small, multi-sided tower called a turret. You can also see four brick chimneys from the street.
On the ground floor, there are many doors and windows. The main entrance is a double timber door with a fanlight (a window shaped like a fan) on the corner. The upper floor verandah has many glass-paneled French doors. These doors lead into the bedrooms. A large bay window sticks out from a bedroom on the upper corner.
At the back of the hotel, a former open area has been closed in. This area now has a square roof structure that lets in light. On the side of the hotel facing Victoria Street, there is a drive-through bottle shop.
Inside the Hotel
The inside of the hotel has been changed over time, especially on the ground floor. However, the upper floor still looks a lot like its original design.
On the ground floor, the public bar runs along the High Street side. It has exposed brick walls and decorative pressed metal ceilings. There's also a fireplace at one end of the bar.
A main staircase with original timber railings leads to the upper floor. The ceiling above the staircase also has decorative pressed metal. Upstairs, a long hallway leads to several large bedrooms. These bedrooms still have their original fireplaces and doors that open onto the verandahs.
Why the Central Hotel is Important
The Central Hotel was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. This means it's recognized as a special place because of its history and design.
A Glimpse into Queensland's Past
The Central Hotel is a large, two-story brick building. When it was built in 1908, it was one of the biggest buildings in Stanthorpe. It shows how the town grew and developed in the early 1900s. During this time, several other large brick buildings were also built in Stanthorpe.
A Great Example of Hotel Design
The Central Hotel is a good example of a large brick hotel in a regional town in Queensland. These hotels were built to attract local people and offer good places to stay for visitors. The hotel is still mostly in its original condition, especially the first floor. This makes it a great example of its type in both how it was designed and how it functions.
Beautiful and Important to the Town
The hotel is a well-designed building located on a very noticeable corner. It adds a lot to the main street of Stanthorpe. Its appearance makes it an important part of the town's look.
A Place for the Community
The Central Hotel has been a gathering place for the people of Stanthorpe since the early 1900s. It has a strong connection with the local community. It's a place where people have met and socialized for many years.
Connected to Important People
The Central Hotel is also important because of its connection to the Sheahan family. They were well-known locals who ran several hotels in Stanthorpe during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The hotel was built specifically for them.
Images for kids
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John Sheahan, 1872
