FORMER GRANTVILLE HOTEL
1517-1529 BASS HIGHWAY GRANTVILLE, BASS COAST SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
The hotel is significant as part of the early European social and cultural history of Grantville and the development and settlement of Westernport Bay.
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FORMER GRANTVILLE HOTEL - History
The Grantville Hotel, on CA 95 of the Parish of Corinella, developed from a general store business owned by John Dickens. By 1876, Dickins had converted the store to a hotel (White 1974: 96). The hotel passed to his wife Elizabeth when Dickins died in 1883. Elizabeth purchased the holding (VPRD 5357/3794) in April 1886. By the end of 1887, the property had passed to William Joseph Smith, who leased the hotel licence to a number of different parties. In Wise's Post Office Directory of 1888-9, Henry Brooks is listed at the Grantville Hotel before Mrs Alice Coghlan took over the licence (White 1974:96). The Grantville Hotel was sold to a Mr Kingin 1892, who then sold it to Alice Thomson, who demolished the original building and built a new hotel, further along the Melbourne Road. A photograph of the new hotel, most likely from the mid-1890's, depicts a large weatherboard building, with a veranda running along the front and side. The name 'A. Coghlan' is above the Grantville Hotel sign, indicating Alice Coghlan continued her association with the hotel through the changes in ownership. William Baker Lang purchased Grantville Hotel in 1897, and by 1921, he added another building next to the hotel, perhaps a residence or extension to the hotel business.
During Lang's time on CA 95, he established a race course behind the Grantville Racing Club, and the track, fenced in on both sides, was said to be the best 'for miles around' (White 1974:170). The Racing Club was in existence until the beginning of WWI.
After Dr. Cole purchased the Grantville Hotel in 1925 and put his son in charge, the building was destroyed by fire (White 1974: 96). When the fire occurred is unclear, as local historian Joseph White claims that it was soon after Cole's purchase, though the rate books from the Shire of Phillip Island and Woolamai, still record the existence of a hotel in 1931 when James Wilson was leasing the site. However, by 1935, the net annual value of the property had dropped from 82 to 7 pounds, indicating that it was no longer a hotel building or business by this name.
FORMER GRANTVILLE HOTEL - Interpretation of Site
The site was largely destroyed by a fire so none of the structure remains. However, it is possible that some of the footings and sub-structure may still be in situ. This is supported by the existence of brick paving being in situ approximately 100 mm below the topsoil.
Heritage Inventory Description
FORMER GRANTVILLE HOTEL - Heritage Inventory Description
The Grantville Hotel was established on the site in the 1870's until it was destroyed by fire. The land was then used for pastoral purposes until recently. Test-pits indicate brick paving and European artefacts.
A windmill still stands on the site. There is also European vegetation such as rosebushes. Test-pits indicate the potential for in situ features such as brick paving. There is also a quantity of European artefacts such as ceramic, glass and metal.
Physical Conditions: The site has been significantly disturbed
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Grantville Avenue of HonourVic. War Heritage Inventory
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Grantville School Honour Roll (First World War)Vic. War Heritage Inventory
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Grantville District Honour Roll (First World War)Vic. War Heritage Inventory
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