Old Cromwell Town
"Saving Cromwell's Heritage"
The preservation of representative buildings from the original town

THE VICTORIA ARMS HOTEL Bought in 1874 by James Stuart, who was licensee until 1899 when he died. His wife took over the licence. This building, previously called just Victoria Hotel, was established in 1899. On Melmore Terrace, it was known in latter years as the "Top Pub" because of its location. Current licensees are Sue and Graham Lamond.

THE MASONIC LODGE Built by W. Grant in 1901 on a section donated by James Stuart of the Victoria Hotel.

COBB AND CO STORE Part of a stables complex built in 1966. The Australian firm expanded into Central Otago under Mr. H. Craig. Several coaches carried people, mail, supplies and gold throughout the region as far as Dunedin.

MURRELL'S COTTAGE Edward Murrell lived in Cromwell for 41 years before retiring to Christchurch in 1920. He was a member of the Hospital Committee for 20 years, a Borough Councillor for 25 years (including 9 years as Mayor). He was a watch-maker and a tooth-puller.

THE MUD BRICK COTTAGE This cottage is NOT from the main street of Old Cromwell. It is representative of the Mud Brick Cottage built in the Cromwell area. This building contains 2500 mud bricks, made locally. Each brick is 300 x 140 x 140 in size.

LONDON HOUSE STABLES Previously sited behind London House. The building was moved and reconstructed by PEP workers in 1985.

LONDON HOUSE Sherwood and Co (1880-85), O. Henry (Merchant), Belfast Stores, Talboys (Drapers), Jelley Brothers (Drapers), John Ferris Furniture, and Bob Howard Electrical used this building.

JOLLY'S GRAIN STORE Built pre-1880. D. A. Jolly was a respected businessman, a Borough Councillor, Mayor, and a member of many local bodies and committees. Originally a seed and grain store, it was subsequently used as a stock agent's office and later still, a medical centre. Jolly's had branch stores at Bannockburn, Tarras and Wanaka.

THE ARGUS The print shop, like Wisharts, was water-powered. It was established in 1869 and demolished in 1949. Later, Mansor's draper shop was built on the site.

CAPTAIN BARRY'S COTTAGE Captain Jackson set up as a butcher in 1863, selling meat at $6 per pound. The citizens of Cromwell acknowledged this by awarding him a gold watch in 1864. Subsequently, he had a chequered career... financial difficulties, a period away from Cromwell, return as an auctioneer, elected as Mayor (1866) despite his flamboyant character and somewhat controversial dealings.

BEHRENS BARN Heinrich Behrens was a wheelwright and coachbuilder. When war broke out in 1914, Behrens returned to his native Germany. A unique feature is the wooden louvre windows.

GENERAL MERCHANT This building is drawn as we plan to reconstruct it (as it was in 1915). At this time, it was owned by the Stumbles family. Previously, it was owned by Kerins from whom Stumbles bought it. Later still, it was owned by Theo Toms, then by Colin Edgar and most recently by Alan Dick.

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