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Here's a bit of a run down to the establishment of the Black Swan Inn built by Charles Savage in 1854... Charles arrived in Geelong some time prior to November 1851 - we know this because " The Geelong
Advertiser and Intelligencer" notes unclaimed letters at the post office.
10 February 1853 - Charles is trying to sell his weatherboard cottage in Bates Ford. It had 2 rooms, a kitchen, a stable and cart shed.
22 March 1853 - Mr Savage's public house in Bates Ford is mentioned in a murder case as one of the witnesses was his servant.
Charles must have sold his cottage/pub in Bates Ford because in April 1853 he was granted a Publican's License for the Fitzroy Hotel in Malop Street, Geelong. This was despite the fact stabling had not been
completed as labour could not be procured. The board gave strict instructions that this needed to be attended to as a matter of urgency!
25 June 1853 - Charles is granted a "night license" for the Fitz Roy Arms Inn, Malop Street, Geelong.
7 December 1853 - Charles transferred the license of the Fitzroy Arms to William Ross.
16 February 1854 - Charles purchases Lot 17, suburban allotment in County Grant near the Breakwater.
20 February 1854 - Charles submits an application for a new publican licence at East Geelong.
5 April 1854 - the application is refused as the house is unfinished (c'mon Charles!!).
18 May 1854 - a license is granted for "a house" in East Geelong....note 3 months to build a double storey brick building that is still standing today!!!
