Recording History

Today, with the help of Cr Jeanette McRae and Val Sheehan we were able to unveil an historic marker in Coldstream.

HOTEL AND HALL

Coldstream was known as “The Lodge” until the railway in 1889. William and Mary Ann Hussey in 1868 occupied the six roomed house with a beer parlour, later having fourteen guest rooms. A spirit licence was granted in 1868 and the building was named Sportsman’s Arms Hotel. William died in 1868 and Mary Ann married William Park in 1869. He was licensee till 1901 then Mary Ann to her death in 1917.

Popular within the district for Bullock Society, Smoke Nights and Sports Meetings. It was renamed the Coldstream Hotel after 1917. Fire demolished the Hotel in 1933, and temporary bar in 1934.

William Park built the Hall close to the hotel in 1891 and this was the focal point of the community. In 1918 it was renovated with community help and a handsome gift from Dame Nellie Melba adding two front rooms which were known as the Melba Library. It was listed as a Mechanics’ Institute.

In 1966 fire gutted the building.