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Black and White Photographic Postcard of Withnell’s York Hotel, Albany WA

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c. 1912

Overview

This black and white photograpohic postcard shows Withnell’s York Hotel, a 2-storey building located in York Street. The building features domed windows and verandah posts on both levels, which were an addition to the original building. The postcard has an ornate border resembling a picture frame.

Historical information

The York Hotel was located on the corner of York Street and Serpentine Road (formerly Norfolk Street. Alfred Gee was the Licensee of the hotel from 1894-1897; Albert Withnell from 1906-1914; John A Finlay from 1915-1918 and Mrs A. Clining from 1921-1922.
In 1921 a statewide referendum was held asking for a local opinion vote on the number of public houses in the state. Based on the Albany voters response the Albany Licensing Bench cancelled the licenses of two hotels on 27 July, those of the York Hotel and the Spencer Inn. The Bench felt that they offered the least ‘convenience’; in their locality with regards to “necessary accommodation, such as meals and beds and stabling’ and that: “We are most strongly opposed to licensed houses which provide no accommodation … and in which the only business carried on is the sale of drink …” (The Albany Advertiser Sat 30 July 1921, p3). They also took into consideration the ‘list of convictions and the police reports’ concerning both (ibid).
The hotel was finally demolished in 1961 and the site is now occupied by a Real Estate business (First National).

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-12-2025.5.6

Item type

Postcards

Themes

People
Social History

Material

Photographic Paper

Width

131 mm

Height or length

85 mm

Weight

4 g

Inscriptions and markings

On front "Withnell’s York Hotel. Albany, W.A." with "VOX ADEON / STORE BUILT / ON THIS SITE / NOW / V. Kirk" in blue in on back. There are remnants of a message that cannot be clearly read.

Contextual information

Albert Withnell was renting the premises from James Meyers (Brewer) when he applied for a Publican’s General License in 1906 for the York Hotel to be licensed as ‘an Inn or Public House’ (Albany Advertiser: Sat Aug 25, 1906). Withnell was the licensee until 1915 when J. A. Finlayson became the proprietor.
Withnell advertised in the York Hotel as being “Newly Renovated and Refurnished Throughout” in 1910 and as being The Sportsman’s Rendezvous” in 1912, along with a photo of the hotel with its covered in verandas on both levels. and a small insert picture of a man. (Alluring Albany Handbook for the “Port and Back Country and Guide to the Chief West Australian Health Resort”, W.F. Forster & Co, Albany Advertiser, York Street, Albany).

Place made

Western Australia, Australia

Year

c. 1912

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance

Social or spiritual significance

Google Maps search term / URL

https://maps.app.goo.gl/gWHZtRH1mm24SAjK8

Geotag

-35.030449, 117.912878

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