Decorous accommodation for respectable couples
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (357670)
Rockingham, Australia
July 7, 2025 7:56am CST
The historic town of York in Western Australia trades on its past in a way. Some shops have old-fashioned products on ancient shelving and signage has terminology more suited to the early 20th century.
The image shows the frontage of premises that originally offered accommodation. On the left the wording says ‘Decorous Accommodation Befitting Respectable Couples’; the centre panel states ‘Purveyors of the Finest Goods and Services’ and, on the left, the promise is of ‘Capital a-la-carte Dining Highly Remarkable Saloon’. Our friends don’t believe we’d be allowed to stay there! 
Although the signage remains, the shops below are now separate businesses but it all makes an interesting impression for tourists.
Although the signage remains, the shops below are now separate businesses but it all makes an interesting impression for tourists.7 people like this
7 responses
@LooeyVille (59)
• United States
5h
Once 40 years ago my brother and I were travelling on vacation. I was 17. He was 21. We went to get a hotel room in a small town and they wouldn't let us. They didn't believe we were brother and sister.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (76361)
• United States
1h
Oh, those were the days. “Respectable couples.” They used to have rules about renting hotel rooms to people who weren’t married to each other. And, of course, in America, people were allowed to pick and choose who they could rent to based on color, gender, or appearance.
@DaddyEvil (152605)
• United States
20m
I was going to ask how you'd sneak Vince in if you stayed there.
I always love seeing shops with something like those signs... They're fun and interesting to decipher what they mean. 
I always love seeing shops with something like those signs... They're fun and interesting to decipher what they mean. 
