Chimes Tavern’s name suits original purpose

George William Eaton built the Chimes Tavern in 1889, on the one and only claim he had left from the Chimes Gold Mine, number 335.

The Chimes was built of wood and iron, as most of the buildings were at that time.

Part of the original wall still remains today, behind a wooden partition in the foyer.

Even though there were other hotels in the area, the Chimes was regarded as the best known establishment.

It was frequented mostly by miners and – from gossip heard – miners would get their wages each week, slap their pay packet on the counter and tell the barman to keep the food and drinks coming until there was no money left.

The Chimes was sold several times, from Eaton to Morris Lasser Pessen, Mr and Mrs Hosiassohn, Mr and Mrs Knopf and Mr Koensgsfest, Jack Silbert and Ester (who changed the name to Transvaal Hotel) and Major Ron Howie and his wife (who called it the Chimes Tavern).

In 1978 Mr Randy J Eurelle took over.

In 1989 the Chimes celebrated its 100th birthday, with the Eurelle family still owning it.

The tavern is situated on Van Ryn Road.

Information supplied by Glynis Cox Millett-Clay.