The Central Hotel has been a longstanding landmark through its many owners has and still is a popular watering hole. Some tasty meals served there too! But what many lament is the old Club Hotel, which burnt to the ground over 20 years ago.
Some may recall John's Fish n Chip shop located roughly where the Bamboo Motel now stands.
The photo shows from left the Bamboo Coffee Lounge which was bought in about 1961-62 by Con and Dot Coucoulas and turned into a motel called Bamboo Motel. Next to that is the Tween Lakes Motel, built by John and Marcelle Kostantinidis in 1959, and next is Johns Cafe which was acquired by John Kostantinidis in about 1938. The back section was removed and moved to Coates Rd in 1983, when the rest of the motel was built with office and residence in front.
There was also a Cafe on the corner of Cairstairs Ave which Dot and Con bought in the 60’s, then removed and built additional units. (info provided by family member - Thanks JM)
Victoria House is mostly long forgotten but stood where the Esplanade Motel stands close to post Office Jetty
Harbeck's Store was a long survivor before modern development took a hold and shops where built on the corner of Carpenter Street and opposite what is still called by some Harbeck's Wharf.
Accommodation has always been a major economic stimulus in the town and Hooper's Maranui Guest House was just one of many along the Esplanade.
We all know the Bellevue Motel and underneath one of my favourite haunts Albert & Co, who not only keep my food fetish under control but also my caffeine addiction! But it did not always look as it does today
The Glenara Hotel has long been around and now operated by the RSL still provides for the town with its Scallop Pot Bistro and RSL Service to the community
Skippers was well known and stood where the Lakes Community Club now resides
A view of the Esplanade looking west circa 1950's
The Fishing Industry has always been a part of the town in fact, were it not for the industry the town would not be the way it is. but it wasn't always like it is today. Here seen on the late 1950's.
The old Slipway was the work-site for the repair and maintenance of the fleet, now disused and waiting for a new lease on life
Last but by no means least who can recall having a trip on this old beauty. One of Peel's fleet of passenger boats the Blackbird which still operates today along the Yarra River in Melbourne. Peels of course a family business which has been operating for 100 years this year 2020
So a little bit of town history to keep you occupied whilst we are isolated, but perhaps once the freedom to roam returns to us all, we will have a better appreciation of our town and its place in history.
Enjoy.
Images from Rose Collection
Images colourised by John Munns
Really enjoyed the photos. My family and my cousins family stayed in Lakes years ago. The buildind was in the main street and there was a school behind it. It was eventually pulled down and I think a servo was built on the site. Any idea what the buolding was. Dad told us it was a boarding house for fisherman! Very happy memories of staying there
ReplyDeleteFantastic Photos of Lakes as I remember parts of it from my childhood staying with my Grandmother. My Grandmother used to cook at the Club Hotel in the 1940, 50, 60's. Also my Mother knew the Builders and owners of the Glenara as they went to school together (around the 1920'30'). I can also remember the foreshore having a Carnival arrive ever year, was around Christmas. Also a Horse race at Bairnsdale was named after my Grandfather. Downward ???? have to find the newspaper page it was listed in. Thank you for the Memories. (will have to look through all the photos Dad took of the early years of Lakes)
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