By Joy Gothe
There would only be a few locals now would remember that Lilydale once had the enjoyment of four Hotels.
In earlier times there was once another hotel that existed on the site where the Post Office now stands.
In 1865 Henry Davey Artis bought the Commercial Hotel (formerly the Hope Hotel) from James Balchin who built the hotel, along with the Lilydale Hotel in 1862.
The Hotel being a single story weatherboard structure, with a long front verandah.
He also purchased the general store next door with his newspaper advertisements informing people of the district that had, in connection with the hotel, he had a store where locals were able to purchase groceries, drapery, ironmongery, boots and shoes at a trifle over Melbourne prices, he conducted this store for many years.
Henry Artis also boasted that visitors to his Hotel would find a comfortable home, first class food, the choicest of wines, spirits and ale, and porter of the best brands. Henry was one of the very first members of St John’s Church, where a tablet was erected to his memory.
In 1902 Henry’s family were involved with Lilydale’s Welcome Home celebration’s for Dame Nellie Melba.
William was secretary of the reception committee planning the celebrations while daughter Patience was in charge of extensively decorating the town with flags, ribbons and floral triumphal arches plus festooning the hotel with ornamental drapes for the event.
Henry became one of the most popular and well know men in the District, together with the fame of his Hotel until his passing in 1903.
His wife, Elizabeth, took over the hotel license after his death.
Together with her daughter Patience, they ran the hotel until Elizabeth’s death in 1915.
The hotel was de-licensed in 1922 and renamed the Temperance Hotel.
Patience Artis was determined to keep the door of the second oldest hostelry in Lilydale open by adopting a completely new line of business.
She opened a Temperance bar of an up-to date character where all the latest, best brands and varieties of Cordials were dispensed, with Tobacco and cigars available.
She also established a commodious Billiard Parlour containing two tables for Pool and Snooker.
The hotel was demolished in 1959, and during excavation for the new Post office foundations, workmen came across the old cellars and found unopened bottles.
If you are interested in discovering more about the history of Lilydale visit our Website at lilydalehistorical.com.au or email: info@lilydalehistorical.com.au
