Monday 26 March 2012

The end of the line


Whereas many pubs would stand proudly on the corner of Harris & John Street, Pyrmont's Terminus Hotel, lounges, or leans, or squats. Her pride has been vanquished by neglect, her appearance strangled by creeping ivy.

This pub stood at the end point of the Pyrmont tram from the city. The tram would rattle down Harris Street chuck a rightie into John Steet, do a uwie at the bottom and come up up again to begin the return journey to the city. Opening in 1917, the Terminus Hotel was closed prior to 1991. It is owned by a wealthy Eastern Suburbs couple who think that 'benign neglect' is an investment strategy.

For an artist's eye-view of the intersection of Harris & John and its two pubs, see this post by Jane Bennett.

17 comments:

Jane Bennett Artist said...

Hi Julie.Hope you enjoyed the UPtown festival. For more about the Terminus and its neighbour "The Point" (previously the "Royal Pacific") http://janebennettartist.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/tale-of-two-pyrmont-hotels-terminus-and.html

Julie said...

Silly me, Jane. I should have looked on your blog for information. It took me ages to track down the dates for the Terminus Hotel. I will link to your post directly in the story, if that's okay with you.

the UPTown Festival was an eye-opener, but really just a local backyard BBQ. I had to shake my head at some of the music, even as my foot and head were tapping away!

Halcyon said...

It certainly is an interesting looking building. I bet it's a favorite of many locals.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Oh my, the vines covering that hotel look like an artist's creation! Love this post.

Bises,
Genie

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Definitely in need of some tender loving care, this pone, Julie.

Joan Elizabeth said...

Terminus, end of the line made so poignant with peeling paint and that vine. Even in the city nature will have its way.

Jim said...

I've driven past this a few times and thought I should get a shot of it. I'm glad you did.

Kay L. Davies said...

It is gorgeous in many ways, Julie, but I don't think neglect like this is particularly benign.
If I get behind in commenting for a couple of weeks, it's because we're doing a spot of travelng again.
Lots of new news when I get back home.
K

Carole M. said...

certainly has the rustic, well-planted look to it; lovely photos again

Jane Bennett Artist said...

Thanks for linking to my post. You're welcome any time. More gossip, rumours & paintings about the Terminus at the Pyrmont page in my blog http://janebennettartist.blogspot.com.au/p/pyrmont.html.
I had a couple of these at the UPtown festival, but my tent was unfortunately put next to the stage so it was hard to see them or talk to anyone. I wasn't just shaking my head at the music, but trying to lipread! I'll have more room at the larger Pyrmont festival on 20th May

hamilton said...

'benign neglect as an investment strategy' is a particular bugbear of mine. I bet those tiles would look stunning if cleaned up.
your vine looks a little more scraggly than mine! (and yes, I did posterize my photo)

Peter said...

Amazing that someone would just use this strategy rather than renting it out, look the deep balcony.

Joe said...

Looks like a little pruning of the walls is in order.

Rose ~ from Oz said...

How sad and forlorn......the stories it must hold.

lewi14@gmail.com said...

Wow! What an impressive shot! If the 'Terminus Hotel' could speak ...

Julie said...

Thank you friends. I am glad you like this old pub. I am on the trail of other pubs, closed and just sitting there.

Unknown said...

Love your photos of this fantastic place!