Historical information

This is an early 20th century photograph (c. 1910-1917) of the Commonwealth Hotel which was one of two hotels built in Orbost. The Commonwealth Hotel was built in 1901 and this photograph shows this hotel in its original form. The Commonwealth Hotel still exists in Orbost (2026) being a large 1930s building, and no longer used as a hotel.

Significance

This photograph is significant because it shows the c.1917 form of the Commonwealth Hotel, one of only 2 hotels built in Orbost.

Physical description

A b/w photograph and a copy of the same photo. The photo shows several buildings, including a long building with a front verandah. There is a street in the foreground of the photo. A group of horses and men are in front of the building, along with a coach which is drawn by 6 or 7 horses. The coach has the words 'Cunninghame' marked on the side. The main building has a sign attached to the front of the verandah, 'Commonwealth Hotel'. Another sign on the r.h.s. of the verandah indicates 'Dickson Hotel'.