Questions and some answers..
How old is this building? It is our most frequently asked question. Quickly followed by: What was this building originally? Quick history lesson. Gleeson's Empire , corner Shakespeare and Brewster st..circa 1893 Note the back part of the building in brick, which still stands today - the front was lost in a fire. By 1901 The New Empire Hotel was built and is the home of Toad Hall today. (We're the tall building just beyond that crazy power pole). In the 1931 earthquake , the building was damaged. This was classed a 'fix' not a 'rebuild'. We have no idea if the following story is true or not...but who am I to let the truth get in the way of a good story! The earthquake struck at 10.47am on 3rd February 1931 (that bit's true). We don't know how many people were in the building at that time, however, legend has it that The New Empire Hotel was the first pub to be serving beer after the quake. We like to think the Barman picked himself up, dusted himself of...