Grenfell’s historic Railway Hotel will celebrate a wonderful milestone this weekend, December 6, when they turn 100 years old.
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The original Railway Hotel was built in 1879 with the license in the Name of Ellen Rich. The license was transferred to Alfred Rich in 1881. Thomas McFarland took over the license in 1883 and shortly after changed the name to The Osborne Hotel. The next publican was Robert Johnson followed by William Dawson. In 1899, Joseph Thompson, a new arrival to Grenfell, purchased the Hotel. In 1900 the name was changed to The Railway Hotel by Joseph in anticipation of the arrival of the Railway line from Koorawatha. The last publican to operate the Old Railway Hotel was Thomas Toohey who purchased the Hotel of Joseph Thompson in 1908.
The current Railway Hotel building was built in 1914 by Joseph Thompson, for Thomas Toohey, including the adjoining shops that run along Main St, and it remained a very popular watering hole amongst the locals.
The Railway Hotel is also famous for it’s appearance in the Australian Film “1915” starring Sigrid Thornton. Sigrid is known to have made the iconic staircase, featured frequently in the film, a very popular attraction. Built with Queensland maple and situated above the old Hotel office (also featured throughout the film). The staircase has certainly held it’s structure and old world charm as it still remains in excellent condition today. The current owners, sisters, Laurel Schiemer and Carol Logan purchased the Hotel off Greg Evans of Wagga in 2001 and continue to provide an excellent venue for the community including accommodation and the popular Fettlers Restaurant. Carol and Laurel are excited about the Hotel turning 100 and look forward to the celebrations this weekend.
The 100th Birthday Celebrations will be a memorable, entertaining event with TERRY BATU— performing LIVE Come along and listen to the unique solo guitarist Terry cover such songs from the following popular artists- Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Shadows, Deep Purple, Led Zepplin, Bob Marley, Eric Clapton, Santana, ABBA, Creedence, AC/DC, Angels and popular top 40 hits and some original songs.
In the past, Terry has supported Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, Kevin Borich, Mother Goose and Swanne he has also toured with Phil Emmanuel and, together, they hosted one of the best guitar shows in Australia.
Prizes are on offer for the best dressed 1915 era, in honour of the movie ‘1915’ filmed partly at The Railway Hotel. Plus a FREE Sausage sizzle from 7-9pm. Come along to the The Railway Hotel this Saturday and join in the Centenary Birthday Party.
