The history of Stoney’s

Bacchus Marsh & District Historical Society Inc.

Vallence’s Family Hotel was established in 1875, and later known as the Bridge Inn / Stoney’s.

James Vallence, a saddler by trade, applied for a beer licence for a house he occupied in Maddingley Flat, in 1867. His application was successful.

Then in 1872, James applied for a Publican’s Licence which was successful and saw him erect the six-room hotel, made from brick and plaster, and known as Stoney’s Bridge Inn Hotel.

In 1886 the second storey with a balcony, was built by Taylor and Reece, and made from bricks fired at Rowsley. This was the year before the railway had come to Bacchus Marsh.

With the opening of the railway line, Maddingley advanced, businesses commenced such as Pearce Brothers Chickory Kiln, a bakehouse and store in Labilliere / Franklin Streets. Others included a saddler, harness-maker, Blacksmith, chaff-mill and a sawmill. James also built a butcher shop, which later became a barber’s shop.

In 1896, James Vallence leased the hotel and turned to farming at the bottom of Anthony’s Cutting for several years before returning to the hotel for a brief period as licensee. (1905 – 1907). His sons also held the licence for the Bridge Inn. James died in 1914 aged 71, and the hotel remained in the family for several years after James’ death.

Stoney’s is situated on the corner of Labilliere and Grant Streets in Maddingley.