Tirana Lodge

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The former Freemason's Hotel. A two storey brick structure with attic and stucco facade erected in 1854 for J. A. Russell, the first licensee, is now known as the 'Tirana Lodge' It is an interesting early Geelong hotel, and one of 19 erected in the period 1853-54 at the height of the influx of gold rush immigrants to Corio Bay. The Building is typical of colonial Regency architecture of the 1850's and is a conservative example of this style. Contemporary hotels, the 'Bay View' and Golden Age' are more important examples of hotel architecture of this period in Geelong and Victoria. The facade of this building is no longer intact.

POLICY/RECCOMENDATIONS

Geelong Regional Commission Register

REFERENCES

National Trust of Australia (Victoria), File No. 1638, Details of History of ownership from Geelong Historical Society, 1970.

Brownhill, RW - A History of Geelong and Corio Bay - Wilke and Co, Melbourne, 1955. p.365 & 388.

Geelong Advertiser

4th May, 1852, sale by Auction notice 'Freemason Tavern', 19 rooms. Kitchen, laundry, cellar etc.

20th October, 1865 - probably For Sale notice.

26th April, 1883 - sold for ₤520 to mr M Gee of Melbourne.

20th November, 1883 - transfer of license form James B Hamilton to Richard Morgan.

27th November, 1883 - application for transfer of license by Richard Morgan.

Group

Recreation and Entertainment

Category

Hotel