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Shakespeare Hotel, Barcaldine
2005 postcard (David Soutar CW Photographics image).
The Shakspeare Hotel, then spelt Shakspeare after its original owner George Page
Shakspeare, was shifted from Pine Hill by rail in 1886. Mr Walter Crust changed the
spelling to Shakespeare when he bought the hotel in 1911.
The original building was pulled down and replaced with a larger structure in 1914. It
had 40 rooms and 250 feet of verandahs but was destroyed by fire in 1924. Poor water
pressure before the town’s water tower was built in 1914 meant there was little chance
of saving buildings from fire. In 1925, the council required that new buildings had to be
fireproof – made from brick or concrete, but the ruling was often relaxed. The new
building code resulted in the present day Shakespeare Hotel which was opened in
December 1925.
In the early days it was the hotel of choice for businessmen or commercial travellers
where a tie had to be worn at all times. In its glory days the hotel was declared to be
equal to any hotel in Brisbane. The first horse races began at Lagoon Creek and finished
in front of the Shakespeare Hotel. In the 1936 flood patrons rowed boats into the bar to
quench their thirst.
Worker, 26 June 1887
April 1890 Mr George Page Shakspeare, licensee.
Capricornian, 24 May 1890
A provisional license was approved for Mr. Shakespeare for the Shakespeare Hotel
he having cleaned up and disinfected his yards. It is as well to mention here that
after the 1st July next no further special licenses will be granted. All
hotelkeepers are henceforward required to apply for the ordinary annual licence to
commence from 1st July. Applications, with £30 license fee, must be lodged With
the Court of Petty Sessions, before the 10th June. The balance of money paid for
special licenses will be returned to the applicants. The new order of things is
not much relished by local publicans, who preferred applying every six months for
their licenses. O
Capricornian, 19 July 1890
The Oddfellows brass band, numbering ten performers, turned out on race nights and
played a number of selections from the Shakespeare Hotel balcony. The
instrumentalists acquitted themselves very creditably, and the master, Mr. W. H.
Chandler, may congratulate himself upon the result of his three weeks lasting. The
band is likely to become a great acquisition to the town, and will shortly number
fourteen members.
Capricornian, 9 August 1890
On Wednesday morning a blackboy was found lying dead in a stable at Mr.
Shakspeare's hotel. Upon inquiries being made and as the result of a magisterial
inquest it transpired that the boy, who is only about fifteen years of age, and
went by the name of Charlie, came into town the previous day with Mr. Munday, from
Rodney Downs. That night he went to a noted opium den, kept by one Jimmy Chong, and
smoked several pipes of opium. He afterwards left for the stable and stretching
himself on the ground told the stableman he was 'big fellow sleepy.' The stableman
told the boy to get into a stretcher which was in the loose box, which he did.
During the night the stable man heard him breathe heavily. Next morning Mr. Munday
went in, and finding he could not make the boy move, fetched Dr. Marks, who thought
he would sleep off the effects of the opium. Instead of this, however, the action
of the heart became weaker, and at about ten o'clock the lad was found dead. In his
evidence Senior-Constable Malone said Jimmy Chong's hut was a noted opium den
frequented by blacks; when they were here both his tracker and gin were quite
useless through continued indulgence in opium, and several of the blacks near the
town were in a most wretched state through opium smoking. The police magistrate
severely reprimanded Jimmy Chong, and regretted there was no law by which he could
be punished.
Brisbane Courier, 4 March 1891
Western Champion, 10 December 1895
January 1896 Transfer of license from Mr G P Shakspeare to Mrs Shakspeare.
Capricornian, 13 Feb 1897
On Friday evening a number of gentlemen entertained Mr. Oscar Bancke at a wine party
at Shakespeare's Hotel, on the occasion of that gentleman's leaving for Longreach.
Mr. B. McKay was called to the chair, and in a few complimentary terms proposed the
health of Mr. and Mrs. Bancke. The toast was honoured in a most enthusiastic manner
and was responded to by Mr. Bancke in his usual felicitious and humourous style.
Other toasts (interspersed with songs) followed, and altogether a pleasant evening
was spent, the gathering winding up with “Auld Lang Syne”.
Capricornian, 13 Jan 1897
FEDERATION MEETING. A public meeting, to consider the desirability of the Central
district being represented at the forthcoming Federation Convention, was held on
Thursday evening at Shakespeare's Hotel. The large room was crowded to excess, and
numbers were unable to obtain admission. Mr. James Meacham, who occupied the chair,
briefly explained the object of the meeting. He understood that the convention would not
meet till June, and there was therefore no need for acting hurriedly in the matter. The
other colonies were busily engaged in electing delegates, and he thought it advisable,
that, as Queensland could not be represented officially, the people should take some
steps to show that this district was desirous of being in some way represented.— Mr.
Collins was desirous of knowing before proceeding with the business of the meeting, in
what way federation would help the Central district as his notions on the subject were
rather hazy. —Mr. McKay agreed with Mr. Collins that some explanation was necessary
concerning the merits or demerits of federation, as it would affect this particular
district.— Mr. Jones said that half the people did not know what federation meant. He
considered it the most important matter that had been brought before Parliament during
the past session. The chief object of federating the colonies was that they might
combine for the defence of the country in case of war. Australia was looked upon as one
of the finest colonies in the world, and would be regarded by any nation at war with
England as a choice prize. Australia combined could resist the strongest power.
Federation would also give us intercolonial free trade, which would tend to the
development of our natural resources. Queensland had nothing to lose, but everything to
gain from federation. —Mr. Collins said that after living many years in Queensland he
would like, if ever he went to England, to be called an ' Australian.' At present he was
only known there as a ' Colonist.' He supposed federation would grant him this boon. He
thought the people of Queensland were rather indifferent as to Federation.— Mr. McKay
believed that if Queensland had adopted the arrangement agreed to at the meeting of
Premiers at Hobart, for the election of Federal delegates, by referendum to the people,
nearly all Queensland would have shown themselves favourable to the movement. —Mr.
Campbell said they were not there to discuss federation, but to say whether or not this
district should be represented at the forthcoming convention. Some people were afraid
that if the election of delegates had been left to the people, 'this division would have
elected men representing the views of the Labour party. He thought the matter should be
raised above class or political prejudices. If delegates were now sent down, it would
affirm the desire of the people to become part of a Federated Australia, and show that
it was not the fault of the people, but the action of the Legislative Council; and the
supineness of the Government that were keeping Queensland out in die cold. Mr. Jones
moved that this meeting affirms the desirability of the district of Central Queensland
being represented at the Federal Convention.— Mr. McKay in seconding the resolution said
he did not agree with the mover's fear as to any foreign invasion of Queensland. Our
principal ports were well protected by nature with beautiful mud flats and sand banks,
which would prove greater obstacles to invasion than stone forts. Where the colony would
benefit most by Federation would be in the re-arrangement of the Fiscal and Customs
duties, which would enable districts to buy in the best markets, without having to pay
toll to the Custom house, or have their trade altered through the hands of the Brisbane
merchants. Mr. Campbell moved that the Chairman of this meeting be authorised to
communicate with the Mayor of Rockhampton, and the Chairman of the various local
governing bodies in Central Queensland, requesting their co-operation in the matter set
forth in the first resolution. — Mr. Page, in seconding the resolution, considered it
only proper that Central Queensland should be represented at the convention. It was
possible that any delegate elected by this district would have no locus standi at the
convention, but the choosing of a representative would show that the people were in
favour of federation. The failure of the Federal Enabling Bill was due to the Brisbane
clique and the indifference of the Government. Both resolutions were carried unanimously
and with great enthusiasm. The meeting closed with a cordial vote of thanks to the
Chairman. Barcaldine, 27th January, 1897.
Capricornian, 15 May 1897
On the 7th instant, before the Police Magistrate and Mr. A. McKay, J.P., John Connors
was charged with the larceny of two shillings, the property of Bertie Shakespeare.
The complainant, a sharp little fellow, seven years of age, stated he was sitting on
the verandah of Shakespeare's Hotel alongside of the prisoner; he had two shillings
which was inside his pocket; the prisoner pulled his hand from his pocket, took the
two shillings, and walked away; the complainant told Constable Stringer of the loss.
William J. Ford, a shearer, stated he saw the prisoner take a two-shilling piece out
of the boy's hand; he then informed the police. Constable Stringer deposed to
arresting the prisoner, who bad 2s. 9d. in silver in his possession; he (the
prisoner) offered to give the 2s. back to Bertie Shakespeare. Prisoner was found
guilty, and sentenced to two months in Rockhampton Gaol, with hard labour.
Capricornian, 14 July 1897
At the Police Court on the 8th instant, before Mr. A. Lee, Police Magistrate,
Samuel Brown pleaded guilty to being drunk, and was fined 10s. or two days in the
lockup, and for indecent exposure the same prisoner was fined £1 or three days'
imprisonment. On the same day, before the Police Magistrate and Mr. B. McKay, J.P.,
James McHugh was summoned by Young Gee, a Chinese fruit hawker, for assault. Mr.
McCuIlough appeared for the defendant, who pleaded guilty. From the statements of
the plaintiff and the police, it appeared that the Chinaman was selling fruit in
the bar of Shakespeare's Hotel, when an altercation took place between the
plaintiff and a man named Gladstone. The defendant interfered and set upon the
Chinaman, and committed the assault complained of. The Bench fined defendant £1,
the witness 15s., and costs of Court 5s., in default one month's imprisonment.
Young Gee summoned Robert Bartley for wilful destruction of property. Defendant
pleaded not guilty. Mr. McCullough appeared for the defendant. Young Gee deposed
that on the 6th instant he was in the bar of Shakespeare’s Hotel selling fruit; he
left his basket on the verandah; he saw the defendant there, and sold him 6p. worth
of fruit; defendant paid him for the fruit while in the bar of the hotel he was
assaulted by two men named Gladstone and McHugh, and while they were beating him
the defendant took his basket and kicked it along the verandah, scattering the
fruit all about, witness did not pick up the fruit, as he was so badly hurt he
could not see; he did not know what became of it; the value of the fruit was 5p.-
Cross-examined by Mr. McCullough: Witness said he could not say how many oranges or
apples were in the basket. Alfred Collis deposed that he knew the plaintiff;
remembered the row at Shakespeare's Hotel on the 6th instant; plaintiff was selling
fruit; saw him take the basket from his head and deposit it on the verandah; saw
the basket kicked over, but could not say positively by whom; some of the fruit was
thrown on the footpath, and some rolled into the drain. Cross-examined by Mr.
McCullough: some of the fruit was picked up and put into the basket again.
Defendant was put into the Witness-box, and deposed that he remembered being in
Shakespeare's Hotel on the 6th instant: there was a row there; plaintiff had some
fruit in a basket; the basket was upset accidentally by witness in trying to
separate the China man from the man who was fighting with him; the fruit was picked
up and put into the basket; the basket was again kicked over, but he could not say
by whom, and the fruit rolled into the street; he saw some school children eating
the fruit. James Dolan and James McHugh gave corroborative evidence and Mr.
McCullough, having addressed the Bench, the Magistrates', owing to the
contradictory nature of the evidence, dismissed the case without costs. On the 10th
instant, James Ramsay was fined 5s. or one day in the lockup for drunkenness. On
the 12th, Hugh Jackson, for disorderly conduct, was fined 10p. or two days'
imprisonment, and for obscene language was fined 10s. or two days' imprisonment.
Barcaldine, 14th July 1897.
Capricornian, 18 November 1898
Building is still going on briskly here. Not to be behind the times, Mrs.
Shakespeare is making extensive additions to her hotel. A large, two-story annexe
facing Beech-street, will shortly be commenced which will give increased
accommodation to visitors. This addition will have a frontage of 108 ft. to Beech-
-street, and will have balconies both back and front. The ground floor will
comprise offices, store rooms, sitting-rooms, six large bedrooms, and two sample
rooms each 27 ft. by 18 ft., with entrance from the street. The upper story will
contain sixteen large bedrooms, all opening on the balconies. This floor will be
provided with ladies' and gentlemen's bathrooms, linen closets, &c. All the
bedrooms are provided with windows and French lights.
Capricornian, 15 April 1899
His Excellency the Governor, lady Lamington, and party had a quiet lunch at
Barcaldine on Monday, the 10th instant. The Chairman of the Divisional Board (Mr.
W. H. Campbell) met the distinguished visitors at the railway station, and
escorted them to the Shakespeare Hotel. There was no demonstration, although a
crowd of about 100 persons were assembled at the station, and remained outside the
hotel during the luncheon interval, after which the party immediately proceeded to
Longreach. It is understood that the Governor has accepted an invitation to make a
limited stay at Barcaldine on his return from Longreach for the purpose of
receiving a welcome from the Barcaldinites, no arrangements for which can be made
until the time is fixed.
‘The Capricornian’, 1899.
14 Apr 1900 Mrs Emma Jane Shakespeare, licensee.
Race meeting crowd c1903.
Capricornian, 20 Dec 1902
The Health Officer reported that there were seven cases of typhoid fever In the
Hospital, only one of which was contracted in town. Dr. Cook complained of the
stable yards at Shakespeare's Hotel. Since the rain the water had been lying on the
surface at the Bank of New South Wales, there being no drainage to carry it away.
It was decided to write Mrs. Shakespeare, asking her to have the stable yards
cleaned out and drained.
11 April 1908 Mrs G Shakspeare, licensee
30 April 1910 Mr E J Shakspeare, licensee.
1911 Shakspeare family sell the hotel to Mr Walter Crust
August 1912 Mr Walter Crust, Proprietor and licensee.
September 1913 Mr W C Smith, Proprietor announces he is to replace the hotel frontage (Oak Street).
Townsville Daily Bulletin, 1 September 1914
1914 The original building is pulled down, and replaced with a larger structure with 40 rooms and 250 feet
of verandahs.
Capricornian, 18 May 1907
Mr. G. P Shakespeare, after two years study, in Melbourne, has passed his final
examination in dentistry and has arrived at Barcaldine which is to be his
headquarters in the practice of his profession. Mr. Shakespeare is the eldest sort
of Mrs. Shakespeare; of the Shakespeare Hotel, Barcaldine.
November 1913
One of the oldest, if not the oldest, buildings in Barcaldine is just now undergoing
demolition to give place to a more up to date, substantial and modern structure.
This is the frontage of the Shakspeare Hotel facing Oak Street and Mr. F. H.
Peterson, who was the successful tenderer for the contract for the new building,
made a start this week on the work of removing the old landmark. A good deal of the
timber for the new building had been got ready the past week or so, so it will not
be long before there is a show.
April 1915 Mrs Mary Ann Dennett, Proprietor and licensee.
Capricornian, 16 September 1916
It is just two years ago since Sergeant George Williams (who had previously seen
service) left Barcaldine with the first contingent of volunteers for active
service. The volunteers were entertained at the Shakespeare Hotel when Mr. J. L.
Butler presented Sergeant Williams as head of the contingent, with a flag
inscribed “C.Q.V., Barcaldine”. Sergeant Williams in accepting the blue ensign
(no Australian flag was then available) said he would take great care of it and
hoped to bring it back to Barcaldine. He returned on Wednesday and brought back
the flag, which is a bit soiled but otherwise in good order. The flag had flown
in camp at Enoggera, in Egypt, and Gallipoli, and in England the Sergeant had to
keep it under his pillow while in hospital, to prevent it being annexed by some
fair admirer of the Anzacs. The flag was flown from the Shire Hall staff on
Saturday so that all could see it.
Townsville Daily Bulletin, 14 November 1917
April 1919 Mrs Mary Ann Dennett, licensee.
1919 Mrs Dennett sells the Shakespeare to Mr B Culpan Western
Champion 14 February 1920
Brisbane Courier, 31 Jan 1919
Second Shakespeare Hotel c1920 (SLQ image).
April 1920 Mr B Culpan, licensee.
April 1920 Mr B Culpan sells the hotel to Captain John Phelps Boyle of Rockhampton.
June 1920 License is transferred from Mr B Culpan to Mr John Phelps Boyle.
Western Champion and General Advertiser …, 17 April 1920
SHAKESPEARE HOTEL SOLD. Mr. Edward Hempenstall paid Barcaldine a visit by
Saturday's mail train. That was sufficient, of course. There was some business on
hand, and it has transpired since that the particular business was the sale or the
Shakespeare Hotel from Mr. Culpan to Captain Boyle of the Normanby Hotel,
Rockhampton. Mr and Mrs. Boyle were present in person, and the deal was duly
completed, as are all the deals in which this firm figures. Though we "put the
acid" on Mr. Hempenstall as to the price, all we got was a smile and the remark
that "Barcaldine values are substantially improving," and from this it may be
concluded that the five figure deal showed a decent profit to the vendor. We are
sorry to lose Mr. Culpan from the town. Aided by his charming wife and sister-in-
law he ran the Shakespeare well, and were it not for him having to undergo
treatment right away for that popular complaint appendicitis, he would never have
let the old Shakespeare go. But in Captain Boyle and his capable wife (formerly
Molly McGrath, a, daughter of that old-time westerner, Bill McGrath, of the Scariff
Hotel), Barcaldine is fortunate. Captain Boyle has a host of friends all over the
Central District, he is a good sport, as his connection with racing, football, &c.,
shows, and has a first hand knowledge of the requirements of a first-class hotel.
We look forward to a very successful career for the new-comers in Barcaldine and
the west. Captain Boyle bought out the whole show including land, buildings,
furniture, license, &c., and takes over on the 1st May.
June 1921 License is transferred from Mr John Phelps to Mr Robert Anderson.
Western Champion, 23 October 1920
Capricornian, 19 July 1924
The outstanding occurrence in our borough during the past week was the complete
destruction of the Shakespeare Hotel. It is truly heartrending to think of such a
handsome building as the Hotel Shakespeare, should be laid in ashes in an hour or so
and at this time of the year, when every inch of accommodation is required, the
disaster is doubly lamentable. Only for the concrete wall separating the hotel from
Mr. O’Reilly’s chemist shop, the fire would probably have wiped out the whole block.
The Chief Officer, Mr. H. J. Williams deserved much credit for the noble manner in
which he supervised operations. He was cool and his orders were obeyed by the men
without demur. There is no doubt that the instructions given by Mr Milne of the
Brisbane Brigade, some time ago, did much to improve the efficiency of the local
brigade. No doubt, it was a great save, and the rest of the property owners in the
section have much to be thankful for. The greatest sympathy has been felt for all
the sufferers.
The Age (Melbourne), 10 July 1924
Fire at Barcaldine
Hotel Premises Destroyed
BRISBANE – The town of Barcaldine keeps up its reputation for one of the unlucky
towns in the State as regards fires. At 4 o’clock on Wednesday morning the
Shakespeare Hotel, the leading hotel in the township, was totally destroyed by fire,
which is believed to have started in the office on the ground floor. All the
occupants escaped, and some of the contents were saved, but the fire made a complete
job of one of the biggest hotel buildings in the West.
The hotel and contents were owned by Barbara Mahoney, wife of the late Mick Mahoney,
who stood as Labor candidate for Mount Morgan in 1907. The insurances, which were
held by the New Zealand Company, total £11,100. The Shakespeare Hotel has hitherto
borne a charmed life in several fires which assailed Barcaldine in recent years.
Capricornian, 21 February 1925
The gratifying news was received this week that a contract had been let for the
erection of a new Shakespeare hotel, and that building operations -would soon be
under way. The contractor says that the base will be finished by the end of March
and the building completed by the end of June. It will be most gratifying to see the
corner occupied again. The new building is to be of brick and concrete.
Capricornian, 21 March 1925
At last a start has been made with the new Hotel Shakespeare. The contractor, Mr. C.
O. Gough, Rockhampton returned to Rockhampton on Wednesday last to finalise his
arrangements.
Plans for new Hotel
(Capricornian, 8 November 1924)
The Western Champion, 18 April 1925. Letter To the Editor.
Sir,-Any public man expects criticism, but I must take exception to the untrue and
unfair report of the meeting of the Barcaldine Shire Council held on 8th inst. as
appeared in the last issue of your paper. Referring to the trouble that had arisen
over the Shakespeare Hotel plan, the report says that I said, "I had drafted the
first letter for the Inspector to sign in Ignorance of the facts, and I took the
whole blame on my shoulders." Now that is either a mistake, or a misrepresentation
of my remarks. Perhaps the reporter, who happened to be the father of our late Town
Inspector was unwittingly biassed. I know he would not deliberately misreport me to
cover his son’s mistake. [We should rather think not, Mr. Lyons. – Ed]. I said I
was responsible for the drafting of the letter – the letter giving the permit. It
could not have gone out in the form in which the Inspector worded it. The letter I
drafted was authorised by the Council. I had better briefly explain the position:-
e Shakespeare Hotel site is situated In a first-class area, tinder the Local
Authorities Act. This means briefly that all external walls must be fire-resisting
material. To oblige the contractor, Mr. Gough, an informal meeting was held on 3rd
March, at which he and all the Councillors were present. Mr. Gough told us at that
meeting that all the external Walls of the new building were to be of fire-
resisting material. Acting upon this the Council authorised its then Town Inspector
(Mr. C. J. James, Jnr.) to give a permit to the contractor to go on with the
erection of the new building. The permit was drafted by me and issued by the
Inspector. At the Council meeting held on 11th March, when the permit came up for
confirmation, it was stated that the walls upstairs in Oak- and Beech-streets were
to be of wood. To clear up any doubt I sent for the Inspector to attend the
meeting. He stated In reply to my question that the external walls upstairs in Oak
and Beech-streets were to be of wood. This was a great surprise to most of the
Councillors. But, of course, the Council took the word of its Inspector and wired
to the contractor refusing to confirm the permit as the Act had to be complied
with, etc. Two days later the contractor informed us the walls referred to were not
to be of wood, but of fire-resisting material. Those are the facts. The Council
acted upon the information of its responsible officer and was misled. Of course,
the Council is legally responsible, but I did not say I was taking the blame on my
own shoulders. Our Inspector made a lot of fools of us, as on his statement we
cancelled the permit thinking there would be a breach of the Act, when everything
was in order all the time. The late Inspector's resignation was discussed for about
ten minutes-not one hour as reported. I did say that I would offer no objection to
Mr. James withdrawing his resignation, because I think that a man is often the
better for having made a mistake-it is a lesson to him -and we all make mistakes.-
Yours, etc., ROBERT F. LYONS, Chairman, Barcaldine Shire Council. Barcaldine, 16th
April, 1925.
[The above letter was submitted to our reporter, and he states he did not
claim to be infallible, but he has always boasted that during a journalistic
career of over half-a century he always reported everything in the course of
his duty in a fair and impartial manner, without bias or prejudice. And for
the "ten minutes" he was not sitting opposite the clock, but it appeared an
hour to him. – Ed.]
The Western Champion, 18 April 1925. Letter To the Editor.
Sir,-I have read the above letter which you kindly submitted to me prior to
publishing it, and I wish to reply briefly thereto. In reference to the untruth or
unfairness of your report of the meeting held on the 8th inst, I can only state
that it is without doubt, in essence, correct. Personally I did not like it to be
inferred that I was a "scapegoat," for I have no desire to pose as an
"incompetent", or a "dupe," even though it is for our highly intellectual city
fathers. In any case I do not think that the Council with "mal-intention" placed me
in a false position, for I consider myself to a large extent a victim of
circumstances. Of course my contention is that I have made no mistakes, and do not
have not a suspicion of 'lapsus memoriae" in this matter, for I can recollect
everything that has transpired. The whole difficulty was caused by our conflicting
By-law and Local Authorities Act." In reference to the letter which is a bone of
contention, Mr. Lyons is correct in stating that his draft was immeasurably better
than mine, and the fact that he drafted it is no more important, than the mere
drafting of the letter by any other individual would be. I signed it, and that’s
that. The real mistake on Mr. Lyons' part, I assume, is tills: His authorisation of
a letter to be issued from a special meeting convened for an entirely different
business purpose. and his taking tor granted that the business completed would be
endorsed at the next monthly meetings also, taking it upon himself to write a
letter outside the Council when it seems apparent that correspondence should be
written by the Shire Clerk in the Shire Office, on official letter paper and proper
copies of such correspondence filed for reference if necessary. Mr. Lyons'
explanation of the position is to some extent, correct, excepting that the Council
not act upon the information of its responsible officer "and was misled”. I am not
splitting hairs, or evading the issue when I state that the Council at its previous
meeting stripped me, as Town Inspector, of all my responsibility and authority
under the By law. I submitted a few particulars to the special informal meeting on
the 3rd March, pointing out that what I had seen of the plan of the Hotel
Shakespeare was not in conformity with the By-law. I need not have done this, had I
been ungracious to Mr. Gough, who conversed with me for an hour on the previous
Saturday. The Council rode rough-shod over my report add gave me certain definite
instructions. I was unwilling to write any letters or sign any plans, and I rose at
the meeting and expressed my unwillingness. My saying that the upper Storey had
wooden walls in Oak and Beech-streets, is beside the issue, for Mr. Lyons knows
that the plans and specifications were discussed for two hours, and in the face of
my report he gave me certain instructions. I did not apply for re-appointment
simply because trouble will certainly arise on every future occasion, unless the By
law (which apparently is unnecessary for a first-class block) is remodelled by
someone who knows something about buildings. "I fully understand Mr. Lyons'
position and I am sure he mine, and if the whole matter has been fixed up, what
useful purpose is being served by unnecessary discussion which in this case may
develop into argument and recrimination.-Yours, etc., CHAS. JNO. JAMES, JNR.
Capricornian, 18 May 1925
The foundation having been nearly completed, the building of the new Shakespeare
Hotel is going ahead apace. The bricklayers are well on the job, and the front shops
are well in shape. Judging by the present outline, the building will be a very fine
one.
Longreach Leader, 27 August 1926
Western Champion 13 February 1927
Brisbane Courier, 14 January 1931
April 1928 Mrs Barbara Mahoney, licensee.
16 April 1931 Mrs Barbara Mahoney, licensee.
Shakespeare corner 133 flood (D McInnes image)
April 1934 Mrs Barbara Mahoney, licensee.
13 June 1935 Shakespeare Hotel annual licensing valuation set at £350.
The Telegraph, 11 August 1933
Mrs. Emma Jane Shakespeare, relict of the late George P. Shakespeare, died last
night at the age of 71 years. The late Mrs. Shakespeare, who was born at Maitland
(New South Wales), was, with her husband, among the first of the early residents of
Barcaldine, and for many years conducted the well-known Shakespeare Hotel. About
1912 Mrs. Shakespeare retired from the hotel and subsequently took up her residence
on her pastoral property, Stratford, in the Jericho district, where she resided up
to the time of her death. She was held in great esteem by a large circle of
friends. She leaves a family of three sons — Messrs. George, Bert and Harry
Shakespeare — and two daughters, Mrs. Harper (Maud) and Miss Millie Shakespeare.
April 1937 Mrs Barbara Mahoney, licensee.
Mrs Barbara Mahoney’s Shakespeare Hotel, c1933.
Central Queensland Herald, 21 January 1937
Some time ago the Shire Council arranged to have shade trees planted in different
positions in the streets. Un-fortunately the guards surrounding the trees are too
frail and the least touch from vehicles knocks them flat. There have been several
cases of this. Recently a car backed from the Hotel Shakespeare on to one of them
and the result was a complete wreck of the guard besides injury to a beautiful groan
plant. A peculiar feature of the accident was that although the car was backing the
machine broke the near side lamp and dented the near side front mud guard. This can
be explained by the car turning at the time and the front bumper bar catching in the
netting and pulling one of the posts on to the lamp and mudguard.
April 1943 Mrs Barbara Mahoney, licensee.
Street Procession passing Shakespeare, date unknown
Central Queensland Herald, 14 November 1940
Friday next, November 8, 1940, will be the 54th anniversary of the opening of the
rail way to Barcaldine. In September, 1986, Lagoon Creek, as Barcaldine was then
known, consisted of Shakespeare's Hotel, brought from Pine Hill, and a few tents;
but in a few weeks the exodus set in from Jericho, and by the time the railway line
linked Barcaldine with Alice, the town had assumed formidable proportions. The rush
to Barcaldine was unprecedented in the annals of Central Railway history. Both
Aramac and Blackall being in close proximity each sent their quota to the new
township, and the population in May 1887, was estimated at 2000 people. A very large
number had nothing to do; business was overdone in all lines. As the line went on
the business people had no navvies to rely on for support, but they had the pastoral
properties; the good country had at last been reached. Barcaldine continued to
prosper, and later gained fame through its famous bore. Although all the other towns
along the line had suffered when the line went through Barcaldine kept its end up
and today is one of the best residential towns in Queensland. Besides being the seat
of the great 1891 strike, the town was the headquarters of Cobb and Co's western
coaching system and coaches radiated in all directions-to Blackall and Tambo, and
thence via Charleville to Brisbane; to Isisford and the far west, even to
Birdsville, on the South Australian border; to Aramac, Muttaburra, Winton, and
thence to Hughenden and the north. Blagden's coaches ran as far as Muttaburra, and
another private service brought the township of Arrilalah within distance.
Flood waters on Shakespeare corner, 1954 (SLQ image)
Morning Bulletin, 25 October 1946
After several years as licensee of the Hotel Shakespeare, Barcaldine, Mrs B. Mahoney
has disposed of her interest in this business and expects to leave for the south in
the near future. Mesdames E. Symonds, O. P. Hill. W. W. dames E. Symonds, O. P.
Hill. W. W. Fraser and Miss A. Murnane were hostesses at a farewell afternoon tea in
Mrs Mahoney's honour. A dainty afternoon tea was served, after which the many guests
present extended their good wishes to Mrs Mahoney. She was presented with a leather
travelling case and a beautiful handbag.
Central Queensland Herald, 5 December 1946
Carpenters are still busy repairing the damage done during the recent gale. Although
much of the roof is still off the Shakespeare Hotel a contractor is replacing the
old roof with a more up-to-date design, and with more suitable timber.
Central Queensland Herald, 30 Aug 1951
The Shakespeare Hotel was also the centre for another reunion when 50 Nudgee College
Old Boys held a reunion dinner. Guest of honour was Mr Johnny Ross, sports master of
Nudgee College, who travelled to Barcaldine for the occasion. Old Boys were seated at
the table in the order of leaving the college, No 1 position being occupied by Mr R.
F. Lyons, who attended the college in 1892.
1958 flood, corner of Shakespeare Hotel (C Coleman image).
Back to Barcaldine Celebrations 1958
1958 Mr Edward John Cook, licensee.
Date unknown.
1963 Edward John Cook, licensee.
1968 Colin David Stirling, licensee. Patricia Hope Stirling.
1972 Colin David Stirling, licensee. Patricia Hope Stirling.
1977 Colin David Stirling, licensee. Patricia Hope Stirling.
Shakespeare corner September 1986 – Barcaldine Centenary celebrations (K Reynolds image).
1990 flood – looking west from Shakespeare corner (S Broughton image).