Download (14Mb) - VUIR - Victoria University

Spring Creek assumed after 1906) had begun to attract large numbers of visitors who
arrived from Melboume by train to spend a week or two bathing in and drinking the
refreshing mineral waters. The Perinis made extensive renovations to their hotel,
adding a wooden section at the back to house bedrooms, a lounge and dining area.
The dming-room Avith its starched white tablecloths contrasted sharply with the eating
area of the bottega and reflected the changing clientele of the Perinis from peasant to
middle-class Anglo-Australian. A verandah was fixed to the front of the building to
give a more homely appearance and soon proved a popular backdrop for guests'
photographs.'*' Like the Borsas, Vincenzo gave the guest-house a name reminiscent of
his homeland: Locamo, the major Ticinese city near Mergoscia. Locamo guests paid
30 shillings per week for board and lodging as well as access to the extensive gardens
and leisure activities. Tourism increased Melbumians' awareness of Australia's Swiss-
Italian settlers at Daylesford.
By this time, Vincenzo had passed his seventieth year and, despite earlier
surgery, was increasingly incapacitated by the pain in his hip. Becoming bedridden, he
died on 2 December 1915. His obituary which appeared in the local press fourteen
days later described him as a kind and loving father. Surrounded by the family
members still residing at home, he had been showered with love and attention. He was
survived by five daughters and four sons, some of whom had left the family home to
work in various trades but retumed to help mn Locamo. However, it was the four
daughters Mary Ann, Margaret EUzabeth, EUen Anastasia and Violetta who eventually
took over its operation: Uke the Righetti and Lafranchi women (introduced in previous
197