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.

1886 Mr George Page Shakspeare is owner and licensee of the Sha kspeare Hotel (note

spelling).

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.

Morning Bulletin, 3 June 1898

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.

Capricornian, 1899

Description of the hotel’s interior.

‘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

Shakespeare and West End hotels c1916-1920

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

Morning Bulletin, 23 September 1922.

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.

Longreach Leader 11 July 1924

Longreach Leader, 1924 Capricornian, 12 July 1924

Longreach Leader, 18 July 1924

Western Champion, 19 July 1924

Western Champion, 19 July 1924

Western Champion, 19 July December 1924

Capricornian, 8 November 1924

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).

1990 flood waters in buildings of Shakespeare (S Broughton image).

2008 view (S Broughton image).