Mount Helena Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Helena Tavern |
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| Former names | Lion Mill Hotel Mount Helena Hotel |
| General information | |
| Status | Trading |
| Type | Hotel |
| Address | 900 Keane Street Street |
| Town or city | Mount Helena |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 31°52′47″S 116°12′28″E / 31.8796°S 116.2079°E |
| Opened | 1902 |
The Mount Helena Tavern is a historic hotel in Mount Helena, a suburb in the hills near Perth, Western Australia. It first opened its doors in 1902. Over the years, it has had a few different names, starting as the Lion Mill Hotel, then the Mount Helena Hotel, before becoming the Mount Helena Tavern. Locals often call it The Mounties.
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History of the Mount Helena Tavern
How It All Began
Mount Helena started as a place called White's Mill in 1882. This timber mill helped provide wooden sleepers for the Eastern Railway. This railway line connected Guildford to Chidlow's Well. White's Mill closed in 1888. It was then replaced by another mill called Lion Mill.
Because of the busy logging industry and two railway lines meeting, a man named Ernest Forsyth decided to build a hotel. The first Lion Mill Hotel was made of weatherboard. Local carpenters built it, and it was finished in September 1902. Richard Hummerston, who owned the local timber mill, provided the land and money for the hotel.
A Community Hub
After the tavern opened, its license was given to Frederick Foweraker in December 1902. Mr. Foweraker and his wife also helped as local first aid providers. They would help people with serious injuries from the sawmills. The townspeople even raised money to get them an ambulance kit. They also asked the Fowerakers to teach first aid classes to others.
Since it opened, the Tavern has been a central meeting place. People living in or visiting the area would gather there. It hosted many events like dances and public meetings. It also welcomed local cricket and football teams. Important people like politicians visited, and it even held log chopping competitions.
During the First World War, Australian soldiers would march from their training camp at Blackboy Hill to the hotel. The hotel also provided fun activities for soldiers who were returning home after being injured.
Name Changes Over Time
The tavern has had many different owners and managers over the years. Some of them include Thomas Radley, Ethel Bullen, Cornelius Sheahan, Stan O'Grady, William Harburn, and Murray Collins.
In 1924, the town itself was renamed Mount Helena. The main industries also changed from sawmills to fruit growing and poultry farming. In 1925, the tavern changed its name from the Lion Mill Hotel to the Mount Helena Hotel. It later became known as the Mount Helena Tavern.
What Does It Look Like?
The Mount Helena Tavern is a single-story building with an iron roof. It is made of weatherboard, which is a type of timber siding. It sits right next to the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail. The building looks like it grew over time. Different parts were added at various times, and verandas and porches were enclosed. However, it still keeps the charm of the early 1900s when it was first built. Inside, some walls have been changed or removed. But much of the original building materials are still there.
Why Is It Important?
The Mount Helena Tavern is very important to the Mount Helena community. It has high aesthetic, social, and historical value. It shows how the community helped Perth grow through its timber and fruit industries.
In 2016, the Mount Helena Tavern was added to Western Australia's Heritage Register. This means it is recognized for its special contribution to Western Australia's social history.
