Central Hotel

[Jayell]

Can anyone tell me where the Central Hotel might have been and what date this photo could have been taken?

 

[Phil]

Jayell

I have that photo and it is tagged John Bright Street, to be honest it looks more like Hill Street to me near the junction of John Bright Street. As there is a steam tram in the photo it would have to be prior to 1906 as they ceased to operate that year or so I read.

 

[Phil]

In addition to my previous post, "Walters City Commercial Hotel" was at 117 John Bright Street which was near the junction of John Bright Street, Hill Street and Navigation Street.

 

[Jayell]

Thanks Phil. It's a fascinating photo and the suggestion of Walters City Commercial Hotel in John Bright Street sounds a possibility. Yes, of course, it's a steam tram!! I had noticed the tram and tram lines, but not that there was the steam part.

 

[Jayell]

Another addition - I've just noticed that it is the "General" Hotel and not the Central Hotel.

 

[rosie]

I love the clothes that the little boy is wearing!

 

[Phil]

Jayell

Then I'll have to take another look, because it's starts out as "Walters Temperance Hotel" but changes within a couple of years to "Walters Central Hotel" there is no mention of General Hotel in Kelly's well not at 117 anyway.

 

[Phil]

Jayell,

I think it's a case of what I am always saying, "never believe a tag on an old photo unless you know it to be correct" I now think this photo was taken at the junction of Station Street and Hill Street where the old public toilets used to be outside The Crown.

The hotel would actually be the Crown Hotel which I imagine would have been upstairs from the pub and the sign saying General Hotel is just a direction sign.

If you look at the two photos side by side here you will see they are a pretty good match. Hopefully this is now sorted and I'm sorry for the false start.

 

[Jayell]

Jayell,

I think it's a case of what I am always saying, "never believe a tag on an old photo unless you know it to be correct" I now think this photo was taken at the junction of Station Street and Hill Street where the old public toilets used to be outside The Crown.

The hotel would actually be the Crown Hotel which I imagine would have been upstairs from the pub and the sign saying General Hotel is just a direction sign.

If you look at the two photos side by side here you will see they are a pretty good match. Hopefully this is now sorted and I'm sorry for the false start.

View attachment 129620

Thanks Phil. The same conclusion has been reached on the Facebook "Old Pics of Brum" by Mike and Lee. I think its great that by detection work the right spot has been found. I love the first photo- wouldn't it be great to go back for a day and join them? Mike Portlock put a map on Facebook showing the hotel in Station Street