“Local Landmark with Activity Zone Credentials” is what they called the Junction Hotel. This Melbourne icon has stood on this impressive corner block since the 1850s. The Junction Hotel at 56 Whitehall Street, Footscray, has a vibrant past.
The first mention of the Junction Hotel dates back to September 1859. Dr Greeves addressed electors at Plummer’s Junction Hotel. Edmund Sheldrake Plummer was an experienced publican. He had previously run the Preston Arms Hotel.
Trouble brewed for Plummer. By March 1860 he was in financial strife. His creditors forced him to sell the Junction Hotel. All his personal estate was also handed over.
James Pellatt took over. In December 1860 he advertised the newly opened Junction Hotel. He hoped for support through civility. Pellatt had moved from the Yorkshire Stingo Hotel in Collingwood. His advertisement suggests the hotel may have been briefly closed. Less than a year later, James Douglas Anderson took over the license.
Edward Poole became the Junction Hotel’s publican in 1864. In April 1872 Poole fell down a cellar. This may have prompted him to sell the lease in January 1873. He remained the publican until 1877.
Frederick Stewart replaced Poole in 1879. Stewart was a professional publican. He had operated the New York Hotel in Melbourne. He passed the license to Thomas Harris in 1883.
In April 1889 Elizabeth Butler became the Junction Hotel’s fifth publican. Born in Greensborough, Butler married John Ralph. The pair ran the hotel until John’s death in 1912.
The Depression of the 1890s hit hard. John Ralph briefly traveled to the Coolgardie goldfields in Western Australia in 1894. He returned with some gold and a fine beard.
The Junction Hotel was rebuilt in 1893. Ornate wrought iron adorned the two-story part of the building. Single-story extensions at the rear gave it a V shape. A large room at the rear served as both a courtroom and for council meetings. Inquests were also held here.
In 1914 Elizabeth’s daughter Ada briefly held the license. Later Harry Walker, another relative, took over. In August 1920 Elizabeth Ralph returned. She resumed as landlord until her death in 1929.
In 1926/7 the Junction Hotel was demolished and rebuilt again. The old hotel had been poorly designed. A new art deco style hotel rose in its place. A temporary bar served drinks in the paddocks behind the hotel during rebuilding.
After Elizabeth’s death in 1929 her son Thomas became the publican. His sister Ada, her husband, and family joined him. Tom Ralph remained the publican until his death in 1952. Tom loved sports. He had strong links with the Preston Football Club. He was also involved in horseracing.
Elizabeth Ralph’s daughter Ada ran the hotel from 1952 to 1959. C. S. Kirkland became the new publican. R. Moffatt, a grandson of Elizabeth Ralph, was the next publican. He lasted until 1969. The Ralph connection with the Junction Hotel ceased around this time.
The Junction Hotel continued to change. A large bistro and gambling lounge replaced the courtroom. A bottle shop was added in the 1960s. Smoking areas were created outside in 2007. The hotel reacted to changes in legislation.
Today the Junction Hotel stands as a reminder of Footscray’s past. It offers short-term rental returns. It also presents opportunities for revitalization and development. The Activity Centre Zone allows for many options. Walking distance to the station, endless cafes, and easy access to the university all add to its appeal.