The block defined by Sussex Street (later Drive), Murray Street, Parent Street (formerly Barrett’s Lane) and Clarence Street was built up with small wooden structures in the 19th Century. Fire swept through the addresses 23 to 47 Clarence in 1900 or 1901. In 1907 Cavanagh’s Hotel opened at 25 Clarence Street. That’s a blacksmith’s shop to the left of it. The hotel business did not appear to prosper and by the end of World War One the building had been converted into apartments, named Valmar Apartments or Valmore Apartments depending on which source you read. One of the longterm residents was John G. Cavanagh, son of the original owner. Photo source.
The block burned down again on January 2nd, 1957. 25 Clarence is on the left.
Today no building goes by the street address 25 Clarence, but the east end of Sussex House, numbered 23 Clarence, looks as if it occupies the same space.
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