The plan for Leeton drawn up by FH Brewster, a Designing Engineer at MIT, became the model for the Plan of Extension subsequently prepared by Walter Burley Griffin.
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Griffin conceived the idea of a central plaza around which the Public buildings would be built.
One of the distinctive features of the town was to have its main entrance pass the two water towers, however, this was not to be, as Wade Avenue was not to become the main entrance to town.
However, public buildings were built in this precinct at a later date, namely, the Leeton Accommodation House, the library, the ambulance station, fire station, the shire council building and Leeton’s first licensed public bar, the “bottom Hydro Hotel”.
Leeton Accommodation House – Hydro
THIS building was originally designed by government architect Mr Whitcomb, but, due to its planning and use of unsatisfactory materials, it was then redesigned by Mr G McRae with the assistance of Mr G M Blair.
It was built by Contractor Andrew Eaton as accommodation for Water Commission officers, travelling salesmen and visitors to town.
It was officially opened on August 28, 1919 by Mr HT Walker and became known as the Hydro.
This impressive two-storey Mediterranean-style building features verandah colonnades, a prominent arched and gabled entrance, terracotta tile roof, double brick walls with a central cavity and cement rendered interior.
The rough appearance of the exterior walls was achieved by mixing cinders from the Yanco Power House with cement.
The Commission sold the building in 1924 to Daniel McLeish who increased its size by adding the south wing and bar as well as building the public hotel on the lower portion of the grounds.
The license for this new Hotel was also extended to the bar in the main building.
In 1926 Hydro Hotel Co Ltd sold the complex to Tooth & Co who owned it for over 50 years.
It has had various owners since then who have refurbished rooms and made minor improvements to the interior.
In 1975 the building was listed by the National Trust as an iconic building in our town.
Beautiful stained glass windows added on the upper level tell the story of the supply of water to this barren land resulting in it becoming a major food bowl of our country.
In early 2000, a mural by Lee Blacker-Noble which reflects many pioneer scenes and buildings of our area was painted on the wall in the bar area.
- READ MORE about Leeton’s history: www.irrigator.com.au/story/5490551/leetons-beginning-the-early-days-of-local-press/