Many will remember the old Club Hotel which burnt to the ground on 22nd December 2000. Much loved by many a local and with some stories which no doubt would make your hair curl and some best left to rest in the ashes of the hotel itself.
The Club Hotel was I am told an institution, a regular watering hole, a meeting place, and no doubt where much business was conducted and plans made for the town. There is little to be found regarding the fire itself, which in itself is somewhat strange, but I am happy to provide what information I can readily find and some old photos some of which I have colourised and enhanced.
The Club Hotel was built in 1884 and was originally called the New Entrance Hotel.
Louis Larson was manager between 1884-9 when it was owned by Mr Hunter. In 1889 Charles Brown was licensee. The hotel was then bought by Mrs Contauly in 1893, her daughter Charlotte and son-in-law ran it. Clara Gough was publican between 1894-1911.
In 1912 Molly Holly, her brother and sister owned the hotel. It is unclear how long the Hollys
owned it, but the two Misses Hallett and their sister Mrs West owned it from around 1937-1950s, during which time the establishment was an upper class accommodation resort, and Prime Minister Robert Menzies is reputed to have stayed there.
Little information is easily available regarding ownership of the hotel after the 1950s.
The Club Hotel burnt down on 22 December 2000 a tragedy for the town and right in the peak tourist season of that year. Standing in that location is now Esplanade Resort " No 1" as known locally, a modern accommodation facility replacing a part if the towns past.
Lakes Entrance Historical Society was delighted when Lynette Hallett launched her new book, A New and Commodious House. Lynette has written a fascinating history of the Club Hotel, which was the first building people saw as they came down Jemmys Point into Lakes Entrance for more than a century.
The author is related to the ‘Misses Hallett’, the formidable sisters who ran the Club Hotel during the 1930s and ‘40s. The Club Hotel, with 22 rooms, was built at the western end of Lakes Entrance by William Hunter in 1885.
This ‘new and commodious house’ was patronised by the rich and influential, but had some skeletons as well. In 1923, while levelling the ground for a tennis court at the hotel, a wooden coffin was uncovered and inside was a skeleton with ‘good teeth’. The remains were identified as those of a German seaman who drowned at Lakes Entrance in 1884.
This story and other insights into the local history can be found in this comprehensive, well-researched publication. Ms Hallett generously donated two copies of the book to the Historical Society for their assistance with her research.
On 22nd December 2000 then a fire took hold on the premises. This was to be an untimely end to a century old icon of the town
The fire was intense and made fast work of the old structure.
Little was left save but for the memories of times past.
The Club Hotel is remembered fondly by those who frequented its walls and took refreshment and shelter there. Many locals will tell you tales of its past, its characters, even its ghost.
It was I am told quaint and as colourful a building as were some of its clientele.
But when all said and done, the Club Hotel is a part of the history of our town.
A history which should be preserved for those who follow in our footsteps.
Photos: State Library Victoria from Rose Collection. Colourised by John Munns.
My greatest memories with all my friends, especially my long time friend Val, Karin Blank.
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