Snapshot in Time: The old Commonwealth Hotel on Marine Terrace has lived through many names and uses

On the site occupied by the Geraldton Regional Library on Marine Terrace, once sat an unassuming single-storey, shingle-roofed, wattle and daub building called the Ship Inn. The local Globe Brewery purchased the building in 1908, before demolishing it and building the two-storey brick building on the site that became Speeds Hotel, and then the Commonwealth Hotel. The Commonwealth Hotel was justifiably able to claim the best views of the harbour, as well as 35 big, airy, fully furnished rooms. It also boasted upstairs smoking and writing rooms, and a “richly furnished” parlour complete with a piano. The dining room seated 62 people and was said to be the biggest in Geraldton. The building incorporated two ground floor commercial business offices on the left side. During World War II, the name was changed to the Great Northern Hotel. The 1960s saw the building converted into a guesthouse, while the offices hosted several businesses including a firm of accountants and a dentist. After demolition of the building, the site was occupied by several supermarkets including Coles New World and Supa Valu Central Supermarket, before becoming the Geraldton Regional Library in 2010. Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information, or to donate a historical photo or slide contact 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au