Vi and Wally Taberner on their wedding day, 1944. To this day, the iconic Wonthaggi Hotel is
still known to many locals as Taberners.
still known to many locals as Taberners.
By Bruce Phillips
THEY were the celebrated couple who ran the iconic Wonthaggi Hotel for 40 years. It became better known to locals as “Taberners”, “Tabs”, or “The Whalebone”.
The legendary Violet and Walter Taberner were opposites: she was vivacious, outgoing, warm and friendly; he was quiet, reserved, private and shy. Better known as Vi and Wally, they were married to each other – and to a hotel and a town – for 45 years.
Located opposite the railway station, the hotel was built in 1915 for £5000 by Wally’s entrepreneurial father, Charles Daniel Taberner. It was one of the mining town’s first public buildings and at its epicentre. Remarkably it has been continuously owned or run by the Taberner family ever since.
THEY were the celebrated couple who ran the iconic Wonthaggi Hotel for 40 years. It became better known to locals as “Taberners”, “Tabs”, or “The Whalebone”.
The legendary Violet and Walter Taberner were opposites: she was vivacious, outgoing, warm and friendly; he was quiet, reserved, private and shy. Better known as Vi and Wally, they were married to each other – and to a hotel and a town – for 45 years.
Located opposite the railway station, the hotel was built in 1915 for £5000 by Wally’s entrepreneurial father, Charles Daniel Taberner. It was one of the mining town’s first public buildings and at its epicentre. Remarkably it has been continuously owned or run by the Taberner family ever since.
The Wonthaggi Hotel under construction, 1915. Charles Taberner is in the bottom right corner,
second from right.
second from right.
| That year the Powlett Express described it as splendid - “filled with all the latest appliances for comfort and convenience.” The bar was a work of art, “the counter, fittings, shelves and lining being of polished Queensland maple”. The “whole building lighted with electric light” and a “hot water service fixed throughout”. A balconette facing McBride Avenue was “available for electioneering speeches, band concerts, etc” though it eventually proved too small. ***** Wally was just five when he moved from the family farm at Outtrim to the plush hotel. The youngest of nine children, he would live there for all but two of the next 72 years. In 1923 a massive whale washed ashore on nearby Wreck Beach. Charles – an astute businessman – acquired the jawbones that adorned the hotel entrance and became one of Wonthaggi’s greatest tourism attractions. |  |
Years later two of Wally’s brothers added the huge stuffed crocodile that still hangs in the bar. It supposedly came from the Powlett River but was brought back from the Northern Territory.
Wally’s parents Charles and Mary were community-minded and supporters of local causes. Before moving to Wonthaggi, Charles had represented Outtrim and Jumbunna in local government. Mary was known to provide free meals to destitute people from the hotel’s back door during the depression years of the early 1930s.
Wally’s parents Charles and Mary were community-minded and supporters of local causes. Before moving to Wonthaggi, Charles had represented Outtrim and Jumbunna in local government. Mary was known to provide free meals to destitute people from the hotel’s back door during the depression years of the early 1930s.
Wally's entrepreneurial father Charles Daniel Taberner
| 1942 saw Wally serving in New Guinea with the AIF. He returned in 1944 and in November that year married Violet Shackleford at Melbourne’s Scots Church. Violet had grown up at Glen Forbes, a small farming locality just five stops along the rail line. The Shackleford farm had no running water or electricity till well into the 1950s. Timber from both family farms was used in the Wonthaggi mines. During the war Vi delivered mail for her postmaster father and was a volunteer air observer. Known as an “elegant” ballroom dancer, she later worked in a Melbourne department store. ***** |  Violet Shackleford |
In 1945 Charles Taberner died in a road crash near Nyora, and Wally assumed management of the hotel with his brothers Frank and Stephen. Following Charles's death, the hotel freehold was sold to Carlton and United Breweries so that proceeds could be divided evenly among the family.
It made little difference to Vi and Wally who threw themselves into the role of 24-hour seven-day live-in publicans. All the food was fresh. Wally milked a cow in a nearby paddock each day, a laneway garden provided the vegetables, a farm at Dalyston the turkeys while the fish came from San Remo Co-op, Port Franklin or local fishers such as Les “Tuppy” Jackson, Norm Perry and Kevin Moresco. Tuppy was the chief filleter and his wife Betty worked at the hotel for three decades.
Taberners was the hotel of choice for commercial salesmen – or “travellers” as they were known – with the upstairs accommodation providing a communal atmosphere with its shared facilities. Unsurprisingly all the train drivers stayed at the pub which conveniently accommodated their late arrivals and early departures.
Wonthaggi did not get its first motel until the late 1960s and cafes usually opened just on Friday and Saturday nights. Visitors therefore relied on its three hotels – Taberners, the Caledonian and Powlett - for accommodation and dinners. Taberners boasted 21 bedrooms and communal female and male bathrooms.
The hotel catered for a wide variety of professions and trades. The town’s borough council, Lions, and Rotary Clubs held regular dinners. A group of local doctors caught up every Friday for lunch. In addition, there were countless engagement parties, birthdays, farewells and other special occasions.
Workers at the nearby Cyclone Forgings had 30-minute lunch breaks and would cross the rail line for a stew or steak and kidney pie as the pub efficiently provided an affordable easily-prepared meal.
On Thursdays and Fridays farmers would bring their wives to the pub to try the ever-popular whiting. Some farmers would frequent the bar catching up with one another to discuss the industry.
Vi and Wally had two sons – Geoff born in 1945 and Greg in 1952. From an early age the boys helped around the hotel and – like their parents – became involved in the local community. Geoff played football for the Rovers and cornet with the Wonthaggi Citizens Brass Band. Greg also played for the Rovers and – as an administrator – played a major role in the resurgence of the Glen Alvie Football Club. Their support in running the pub extended well into adulthood.
Next door to the hotel, in Murray St, lived the sisters Nell Banks and Mary Jongebloed and Nell’s daughters Beth and Judy. They became a de facto part of the Taberner family. The women were frequent visitors to the hotel and their house was the venue for many fundraisers organised by Nell, Gracie Banks (no relation), Goldie Guthrie and Vi. Goldie was a local legend who ran the competing Caledonian Hotel. The four met regularly and discussed what organisations needed, whether it was a stove for the Catholic nuns or a new roof at the Church of England. The hospital was always a top priority.
Taberners was the hotel of choice for commercial salesmen – or “travellers” as they were known – with the upstairs accommodation providing a communal atmosphere with its shared facilities. Unsurprisingly all the train drivers stayed at the pub which conveniently accommodated their late arrivals and early departures.
Wonthaggi did not get its first motel until the late 1960s and cafes usually opened just on Friday and Saturday nights. Visitors therefore relied on its three hotels – Taberners, the Caledonian and Powlett - for accommodation and dinners. Taberners boasted 21 bedrooms and communal female and male bathrooms.
The hotel catered for a wide variety of professions and trades. The town’s borough council, Lions, and Rotary Clubs held regular dinners. A group of local doctors caught up every Friday for lunch. In addition, there were countless engagement parties, birthdays, farewells and other special occasions.
Workers at the nearby Cyclone Forgings had 30-minute lunch breaks and would cross the rail line for a stew or steak and kidney pie as the pub efficiently provided an affordable easily-prepared meal.
On Thursdays and Fridays farmers would bring their wives to the pub to try the ever-popular whiting. Some farmers would frequent the bar catching up with one another to discuss the industry.
Vi and Wally had two sons – Geoff born in 1945 and Greg in 1952. From an early age the boys helped around the hotel and – like their parents – became involved in the local community. Geoff played football for the Rovers and cornet with the Wonthaggi Citizens Brass Band. Greg also played for the Rovers and – as an administrator – played a major role in the resurgence of the Glen Alvie Football Club. Their support in running the pub extended well into adulthood.
Next door to the hotel, in Murray St, lived the sisters Nell Banks and Mary Jongebloed and Nell’s daughters Beth and Judy. They became a de facto part of the Taberner family. The women were frequent visitors to the hotel and their house was the venue for many fundraisers organised by Nell, Gracie Banks (no relation), Goldie Guthrie and Vi. Goldie was a local legend who ran the competing Caledonian Hotel. The four met regularly and discussed what organisations needed, whether it was a stove for the Catholic nuns or a new roof at the Church of England. The hospital was always a top priority.
Wonthaggi Sentinel, June 27, 1968
*****
Vi and Wally inspired a devoted and dedicated staff, many of whom worked at the hotel for decades. It was said no one ever got sacked, such was the loyalty. Head chef “Auntie” Flo Fletcher was there for a record 56 years and chef Alice Makin for 26 years.
Auntie Flo Fletcher retires as chief chef after 56 years
|
Male bar staff were required to wear collar and tie. Wally regarded barman Eddie Pellizer as his “right hand man” acting as both bar and building manager.
Other barmen included Kevin Cooney who had a friendly disposition and Jimmy Dunbar, who was described as a great raconteur. Kitty Beckerleg played the upright piano by touch and provided the entertainment. Singalongs were popular up until the 1960s, reflecting the British pub culture many mining families were familiar with. The kitchen stove was fuelled by coal – and plenty of it was needed as meals were made around the clock. White starched dining room table clothes and serviettes were constantly washed and ironed, while the silver tea pots and cutlery were cleaned and polished daily. It was all monotonous, painstaking work. Typically, the chefs and waitresses would start work around 7am, cover for breakfast and lunch, have a break mid-afternoon, before returning for the dinner shift. |
Wonthaggi Hotel:
the honour roll Chefs: Flo Fletcher, Daryl Thomas, Alice Makin, Ian Baker, Norma Moresco Other staff: Eddie Pellizzer, Cam Veal, Kevin Cooney, Jimmy Dunbar, Jimmy Taberner (Wally’s cousin), Kevin Moresco, Vince Chizzonetti, Alf Keily, Ken Pearce, Brian Olden, Jim Murphy, Jack Dent, Len Abbott, Bonnie Connelly, Pam Allen, Nita Gheller, Ella Spears Andrighetto, Annie Egan, Betty Banks, Mary Pannozo, Maria Scapin, Betty Jackson, Isobel Haddow Parker, Thelma Fraser, Clarry Grinham, John Longstaff, Norm Copeland Jim Donovan, Joe Marsiglio Jnr, Stephen Beaton, Ross McRobert, Annie Kowalski |
Having worked the three meal times, the formidable Mrs Jackson did not appreciate tardiness at the dinner table, firmly encouraging patrons not to waste time as she understandably wanted to go home.
Every day was a long day for Wally, especially after 1966 when bars no longer had to stop serving alcohol at 6pm. At closing time, he would walk through the hotel repeatedly urging patrons to leave with the words: “Hurry along, gentlemen, please. Time, gentlemen, please.” After a new lounge was created in 1969 Wally installed an electric bell to help empty the bar.
Every day was a long day for Wally, especially after 1966 when bars no longer had to stop serving alcohol at 6pm. At closing time, he would walk through the hotel repeatedly urging patrons to leave with the words: “Hurry along, gentlemen, please. Time, gentlemen, please.” After a new lounge was created in 1969 Wally installed an electric bell to help empty the bar.
*****
In many respects Wally defined the word “gentleman”. He deplored bad behaviour and swearing in front of women was strongly discouraged. His expression never changed but masked an incredible kindness and generosity. Dressed immaculately in a collar, tie and cardigan - a tea towel always rested on his shoulder as he interacted with those on the other side of the bar. A free beer to a new arrival or a loyal customer was not unheard of. To quote the lyrics of “The Gambler” he made a life out of reading people’s faces – as they reflected a person’s behaviour and character. He knew the backgrounds of many patrons, who he liked, who he didn’t, and who he could trust.
As both an astute businessman and someone of integrity, Wally was prepared to lend money to those he thought worth it, irrespective of race, colour or creed. Historian Sam Gatto has noted he was a strong supporter of Wonthaggi’s growing post-war Italian community. When one man was short of the asking price for a house, he approached Wally, with Sam acting as interpreter. After Wally handed over the cash Sam asked if he wanted a receipt to which Wally responded one wasn’t necessary as the Italians “always paid their debts”.
Wally read the paper every morning so he was prepared to talk to customers on an array of topics. Like Wally, the barmen all dressed formally and were encouraged, where possible, to talk to those without company.
Vi and Wally had a deep-seated sense of community responsibility, supporting an array of good causes. Both were made life governors of the hospital. A neighbouring premises they owned was provided rent free to establish an opportunity shop that raised funds for Wonthaggi’s first elderly citizens’ home. When Vi learned the Newhaven Boys home didn’t have a television, she collected the money to buy one - at a time when they were considered a luxury.
Vi and Wally supported the fire brigade and fundraised for the town’s first public pool, the Rovers Football Club and the Wonthaggi Citizens Brass Band.
Band members practised regularly in a nearby building and were rewarded with soft drinks after major events – the kids soft drinks, the adults something stronger. Children were often the recipients of raspberry squashes and other treats, particularly newspaper boys who sold Heralds to the patrons.
Vi and Wally rarely went on holidays but Vi would occasionally reward herself, taking the train alone to Melbourne, shopping and staying at The Australia Hotel on Collins.
As both an astute businessman and someone of integrity, Wally was prepared to lend money to those he thought worth it, irrespective of race, colour or creed. Historian Sam Gatto has noted he was a strong supporter of Wonthaggi’s growing post-war Italian community. When one man was short of the asking price for a house, he approached Wally, with Sam acting as interpreter. After Wally handed over the cash Sam asked if he wanted a receipt to which Wally responded one wasn’t necessary as the Italians “always paid their debts”.
Wally read the paper every morning so he was prepared to talk to customers on an array of topics. Like Wally, the barmen all dressed formally and were encouraged, where possible, to talk to those without company.
Vi and Wally had a deep-seated sense of community responsibility, supporting an array of good causes. Both were made life governors of the hospital. A neighbouring premises they owned was provided rent free to establish an opportunity shop that raised funds for Wonthaggi’s first elderly citizens’ home. When Vi learned the Newhaven Boys home didn’t have a television, she collected the money to buy one - at a time when they were considered a luxury.
Vi and Wally supported the fire brigade and fundraised for the town’s first public pool, the Rovers Football Club and the Wonthaggi Citizens Brass Band.
Band members practised regularly in a nearby building and were rewarded with soft drinks after major events – the kids soft drinks, the adults something stronger. Children were often the recipients of raspberry squashes and other treats, particularly newspaper boys who sold Heralds to the patrons.
Vi and Wally rarely went on holidays but Vi would occasionally reward herself, taking the train alone to Melbourne, shopping and staying at The Australia Hotel on Collins.
*****
In these pre-latte days hotels were often one of the few places to gather and the consumption of alcohol was greater than it is today. While there was no formal segregation in Taberner’s bar the tradies and labourers tended to occupy the section nearer Murray St while business people often did deals at the other end. On the opposite side at the Murray St end was the “Parlour Bar”, a small room with a fire place popular with groups such as the players from the Rovers Football Club.
Up till the 1970s women were discouraged from the bars in all pubs and relegated to what was called the “Ladies Lounge” that was also shared with men. The creation of the bright new lounge in 1969 attracted a younger clientele and helped bring a welcome end to the segregation. Four bedrooms and Ivan McDougall’s barber’s shop were removed to create what became known as the “Red Room” that included a bar, bandstand and dance floor. This major renovation was a significant personal sacrifice for Wally as he was the only man in town who was shaved by Ivan every morning.
It was around this time the pub employed its first security man whose role was a light touch given the self-regulation that had endured among the patrons for so many years.
Unsurprisingly beer was the predominant drink of the day and limited to Carlton Draught on tap. The beer kegs were collected from the station by Jack Moyle who ran a transport business close by and stored in a cellar underneath the bar.
Forty-four gallon (116 litres) drums of sherry and port were stored in a backyard shed and decanted into quart (litre) bottles for the bar and for sale as takeaway. There was a limited selection of wine. It was not consumed in the quantities it is today. One special beverage was the long-forgotten Sparkling Porphyry Pearl, popular among the female clientele.
From the late thirties to early fifties Wonthaggi had its own greyhound track – preposterously called The Sports Paradise – located where Bunnings now stands. Some recall monkeys “piloting” the dogs in a novelty event. The course attracted dogs and trainers from as far afield as Sydney. These days dog owners pay big money to have their pets accommodated. Not so at Taberners, which accommodated the dogs in backyard kennels.
Wally even tried his hand as a bookmaker and in later years observed activity in a next-door TAB. He was once heard to say that he never met a successful punter in his life.
Wonthaggi had two football teams: the Blues and the Rovers, the later established in the mid-1950s. The Blues patronised the Caledonian, the Rovers Taberners. Despite the rivalry Vi and Goldie Guthrie were good friends.
Wally had been a Rovers president and players would routinely assemble after games in the parlour bar. The hearts of impecunious young men would jump for joy when club stalwart Paddy Sleeman held up two ten-dollar bills and yelled: “The flags are flying, boys”. This meant the beer was free.
Up till the 1970s women were discouraged from the bars in all pubs and relegated to what was called the “Ladies Lounge” that was also shared with men. The creation of the bright new lounge in 1969 attracted a younger clientele and helped bring a welcome end to the segregation. Four bedrooms and Ivan McDougall’s barber’s shop were removed to create what became known as the “Red Room” that included a bar, bandstand and dance floor. This major renovation was a significant personal sacrifice for Wally as he was the only man in town who was shaved by Ivan every morning.
It was around this time the pub employed its first security man whose role was a light touch given the self-regulation that had endured among the patrons for so many years.
Unsurprisingly beer was the predominant drink of the day and limited to Carlton Draught on tap. The beer kegs were collected from the station by Jack Moyle who ran a transport business close by and stored in a cellar underneath the bar.
Forty-four gallon (116 litres) drums of sherry and port were stored in a backyard shed and decanted into quart (litre) bottles for the bar and for sale as takeaway. There was a limited selection of wine. It was not consumed in the quantities it is today. One special beverage was the long-forgotten Sparkling Porphyry Pearl, popular among the female clientele.
From the late thirties to early fifties Wonthaggi had its own greyhound track – preposterously called The Sports Paradise – located where Bunnings now stands. Some recall monkeys “piloting” the dogs in a novelty event. The course attracted dogs and trainers from as far afield as Sydney. These days dog owners pay big money to have their pets accommodated. Not so at Taberners, which accommodated the dogs in backyard kennels.
Wally even tried his hand as a bookmaker and in later years observed activity in a next-door TAB. He was once heard to say that he never met a successful punter in his life.
Wonthaggi had two football teams: the Blues and the Rovers, the later established in the mid-1950s. The Blues patronised the Caledonian, the Rovers Taberners. Despite the rivalry Vi and Goldie Guthrie were good friends.
Wally had been a Rovers president and players would routinely assemble after games in the parlour bar. The hearts of impecunious young men would jump for joy when club stalwart Paddy Sleeman held up two ten-dollar bills and yelled: “The flags are flying, boys”. This meant the beer was free.
*****
In 1985 Vi and Wally were able to buy the freehold back from Carlton and United. The iconic pub was now back in the Taberner family’s hands. Wally had lived virtually his entire life in the building and never wanted to leave. But, by 1987, ill health forced the couple to live in private accommodation a short distance away. Vi cared for Wally during this period and when he went to hospital - a place for which they had done so much - she visited him every day.
He died on 22 January 1990, aged 80. It was time for this gentleman.
Two months later Vi also passed away, aged just 73.
Since 1987 the hotel has been managed by a series of different publicans but is still owned by the family. The old dining area has been remodelled and appropriately called “Vi’s Room”. Elsewhere historic photographs of the Taberner family’s presence hang on the walls. The place drips with history and stories.
In many respects the building is a monument to Vi and Wally. Theirs is not just a legacy of running a successful business but of a couple who put their heart and soul into the community and were loved in return.
The author is indebted to Geoff Taberner, Greg Taberner, Beth Banks, Terri Menzies Burns, Gaile Jackson Fincher, Lee Pellizer, Teresa Coldebella, Sam Gatto, Colin Donohue and Dale Chapman.
He died on 22 January 1990, aged 80. It was time for this gentleman.
Two months later Vi also passed away, aged just 73.
Since 1987 the hotel has been managed by a series of different publicans but is still owned by the family. The old dining area has been remodelled and appropriately called “Vi’s Room”. Elsewhere historic photographs of the Taberner family’s presence hang on the walls. The place drips with history and stories.
In many respects the building is a monument to Vi and Wally. Theirs is not just a legacy of running a successful business but of a couple who put their heart and soul into the community and were loved in return.
The author is indebted to Geoff Taberner, Greg Taberner, Beth Banks, Terri Menzies Burns, Gaile Jackson Fincher, Lee Pellizer, Teresa Coldebella, Sam Gatto, Colin Donohue and Dale Chapman.