Lost Tiles, Hidden Stories

Pieces of the past, found again

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As demolition work continues at the Central Hotel, fragments of the past have begun to re-emerge. Though the fire left scars across the building, its history is still speaking through what survives.

Among the rubble, we uncovered early decorative tile fragments — most likely dating back to the 1916 renovations when the hotel’s facade was modernised. These tiles are more than simple ornament; they represent a time when Maryborough was reshaping itself in step with the new century.

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Our team also identified sections of early cast iron water pipes and traces of a significant 1870s fire that damaged nearby structures. These elements give us a clearer picture of how the Central Hotel evolved through hardship and renewal.

Within the Kadies and Ladies Lounges, remnants of stencilled decorative work (c.1885) and hardwood parquetry floors tell a story of social life at the hotel. The floors, though in need of repair, are being carefully preserved as part of the restoration.

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The Central Hotel is more than bricks and mortar — it has been a gathering place for generations. We invite anyone with old photographs, souvenirs, or personal stories from the Central to share them, helping us bring its memory back to life.