NZ Visual Diary - entry 196
The Occidental Hotel - upper floors
First, a chance to share some background about one of my favourite lanes in the city centre of Auckland - Vulcan Lane - the location of this post’s image.
Heritage New Zealand offers a sweeping narrative of Vulcan Lane’s history. It states in part:
Vulcan Lane has been shaped by its prominence as a busy pedestrian thoroughfare and place of social gathering, as well as its historical association with the growth of downtown Auckland.
Vulcan Lane first appeared in Felton Matthews' plan of Auckland in 1841 as a narrow service alley linking Queen and High Streets, and as an access lane to the merchant houses in Shortland Crescent (later Street). At this stage it was an unnamed and muddy track. In 1846 a smithy, named Vulcan Forge by its owner, was installed in the High St corner. By 1850 the name Vulcan Lane was in popular use, although it was never officially bestowed on the lane.
In the mid 1800s the largely pedestrian byway was an area of artisans' houses, workshops, grog shops and various merchants. A fire in 1850 destroyed much of the area, and redevelopment resulted in a shift of the commercial focus from the High St/Shortland Crescent area to Queen Street. During this stage Vulcan Lane developed a commercial character influenced by its strategic position between the old and new streets of commercial development.
Vulcan Lane makes a significant contribution to Auckland's inner city in terms of its streetscape and character, and as a social drawcard. Vulcan Lane has been a popular thoroughfare in Auckland since the 1850s, constantly changing with the development of the city. The group of buildings within the area vary in age and architectural style but are similar in height and scale. The area has townscape and landmark qualities as well as great historical significance. 1
The Occidental Belgian Beer Huis, or simply The Occidental, occupies a prominent place on Vulcan Lane. It exudes European character and charm. Hotel guests and the public have enjoyed the bar’s Belgian beer and fine cuisine since 1870. The Occidental Hotel next door, and the image featured in this post, housed hotel guests. It is a wonderful example of Italianate architectural style.
Te Ara (The Encyclopedia of New Zealand) states that the hotel was a favourite meeting spot for lesbians in the mid-20th century. 2
Heritage New Zealand - Vulcan Lane
< https://www.heritage.org.nz/list-details/7011/Vulcan%20Lane%20Historic%20Area >
Te Ara - The Enclyclopedia of New Zealand
< https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/30281/lesbian-social-life-the-occidental-hotel >