(Criterion)
132 Stafford St
c1870
Christened the Criterion, was built in 1870 from local bluestone in Victorian style. Timaru's rich tapestry of drinking dens dates back to the 19th century. The Excelsior is an example. The Excelsior's story hails back to the days of traders, whalers and sailors. Christened the Criterion at the end of the 19th century, it was one of the first bluestone buildings to be registered in Timaru. The Excelsior was a contemporary of the Landing Services Building and, like most buildings of that era, was constructed in stone to conform to the bylaws introduced after the 1868 Stafford St fire, which wiped out all the weatherboard structures. There is some debate as to the age of the building, although official records show it was completed in 1870. The pub was popular for sailors and had a colourful reputation around the world. The first owner was architect Francis J. Wilson. The later owner Mr Murphy had an extesnsion built in 1878 by architect D West. Murphy was charged with permitting gambling in a licensed house. He was fined 20 shillings. Learn more here
In 1868 a fire swept from Church St. to Woollcombe St. and after that the new buildings were required to be constructed of brick or local bluestone. Some say Francis J. Wilson practically rebuilt Timaru after the big fire. He was born in Capetown, went to Melbourne at aged 19, then to Timaru. For 30 years he practised as an architect, and practically rebuilt Timaru after the big fire He wore many hats including, builder, carpenter, publican, contractor, architect, councilman in 1869 and Past Master of the Timaru Masonic Lodge. Many of his projects included: 1869 Stone warehouse for Mr Turnbull, 1869 New stone offices built for the Timaru Herald, 1873 Masonic Hall for the Freemasons of Timaru opposite St. Mary's, Timaru Main School, 1874 Primitive Methodists Church, Wesleyan chapel, 1875 synagogue in Bank Street, 1877 Timaru Borough Council Chambers, Mr. Green Grain and Wool Stores on Cain's Terrace, 1881 Erection of new premises for the National Bank of New Zealand, 1885 Timaru High School plus many shops and dwellings. Learn more here: rootsweb.com/wilson
