20/05/2026
with .repost
・・・
Wednesday Way Back ⏳
Today we step back in time to explore the rich history of 34 Bank Street, Port Fairy.
The current building occupying this site was erected in 1856, originally housing the Victoria Hotel, built by Thomas Bermingham. Thomas held the lease until 1867, when his wife Margaret Bermingham officially joined him. Following Thomas’ untimely death in 1874 at just 41 years of age, Margaret took the reins, running the hotel independently for the next 30 years. An incredible achievement for a woman of her time, Margaret remained owner and licensee until 1901, when she sold the property at the age of 74.
The licence then passed to John Maloney, who remained publican until 1909. In an interesting twist of local history, Maloney later relocated to a new premises on the corner of Bank and James Streets, renaming it the Victoria Hotel, carrying the legacy forward.
Ownership of 34 Bank Street transitioned over time, with the property sold in 1913 to solicitor James Boyd, then to fellow solicitor J.J. Murphy in 1924, before being purchased in 1930 by P.P. Conlan, who went on to establish a legal practice on the site.
Though the original building remained in the Conlan family, it gradually fell into disrepair, until recent years, when it was beautifully restored.
Today, it thrives once more as Wine, a stunning example of heritage preservation bringing new life to a historic space.
It’s truly remarkable to see such a well-travelled piece of Port Fairy’s past restored and celebrated for future generations. ✨
📸 thanks to the Port Fairy Museum and Archives for their information and photographs.
