Herbert Street, looking north - 1892 illustration
The above illustration captures Hunter's two storey Albion Hotel, right foreground. formerly Hunter & Co. Boot Store. On the opposite side of Herbert Street is Tarrant's Hotel (with a smoking chimney).
This detail from a larger photo shows the two-storey Albion Hotel on the right of Sippel & Co. (tobacconists) on Herbert Street. Two doors down from Sippels the shopfront seems to say HUNTER & Co (which may be the relocated boot store).
Samuel Ferguson was the first licensee of the Albion Hotel in Gulgong, originally located on lower Herbert Street.
In 1874 John Hunter turned his shoe bazaar Hunter & Co. into the Albion Hotel and moved his boot shop to the building next door, formerly the Crystal Fountain. The following year, 1875, he purchased Nightingale's Hotel [formerly Tuckerman's Hotel] and amalgamated the two hotels into a new two-storied Albion. He remained as licensee until 1877.
NEWS ITEMS
1871 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
Albion Hotel - Herbert Street, Gulgong - S. Ferguson BEGS to invite all his old Victorian, Queensland, and New Zealand friends, and the public generally, to favour him with a call in his Snug Hostelrie, where he has always in Stock a Choice Assortment of the Best Brands in Wines, Spirits, and Liquors, and will spare no effort to provide for their comfort in every way.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 14, 20 May 1871
1871 - POLICE COURT
Burglary - Henry Liddell charged with breaking into the Albion Hotel, kept by Samuel Ferguson, and stealing £68. Arrested by Detective Hannan and Constable Stapleton. Ferguson, [with his wife and a man named Rochford were in the hotel], when he looked around and found his cash box missing, he ran outside went about 140 yards, saw two men that had been in the hotel, carrying a box, told them to drop it or he would put a ball into them, they did so then ran towards the New Zealand public house. Mr. Medley, mentioned. Charles Monk, publican on the Black Lead gave evidence, stated that the prisoner lived on the Red Hill, insufficient evidence dismissed. James McCarthy dismissed same charge.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 23, 22 July 1871
1871 - Sale of Land in Gulgong
It is advertised in the Government Gazette that on Monday the 25th, 48 town allotments will be sold, as follows; the small allotments at the back of Queen Street between Selff’s and Naughton’s Hotels. The allotments behind those facing Herbert Street on both side of the road from Tarrant’s Hotel to Hall, the Bootmaker and from the AJS Bank to the Albion Hotel; also the allotment adjoining Saunders’ Hotel. The occupants of these allotments should take instant steps to have them withdrawn from sale, otherwise they may be sold over their heads. The Progress Committee has brought the matter to the notice of Commissioner Browne who has promised to have the lots withdrawn.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 29, 2 September 1871
1872 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
Albion Hotel - Situated in Herbert Street, freehold premises ooccupied by Mr. Ferguson.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 47, 6 January 1872
1872 - [FOR SALE]
A BARGAIN - FOR SALE - THE ALBION HOTEL AND LICENCE - SITUATED IN HERBERT STREET - The house contains Bar, Bar Parlour, and Large Dining Room, four Bedrooms, Servants Room, and Kitchen. THE PRICE IS LOW - Satisfactory reasons for disposing of this valuable property will be given to bona-fide purchases.
Apply to S. J. FERGUSON, Albion Hotel, Herbert Street.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 47, 6 January 1872
1872 - Police Court
Larceny – Elizabeth Henrietta Ferguson stole a lace shawl and one earring property of Eliza Blakely. Detective Powell went to Lamrock’s Hotel to do a search on information received. Eliza Blakely evidence: In February last, I was in the prisoners service at the Albion Hotel in Herbert Street, and lost the article while in her services, which were kept in a box, with 11/-, reported this to Mrs. Ferguson and she gave me a pound and told me not to say anything about it. I later found my box had been opened again, I told Mr. Ferguson in her presence, I was about three weeks in her employ. I left her service the night Mr. Ferguson came home, as there was a row. I never slept with Mrs. Ferguson. Mrs. Laundry told me she had seen Mrs. Ferguson with my earrings. Mrs. Laundry was partners with the prisoner in keeping the hotel, and we had wine together at Tattersall’s Hotel. Sub-Inspector Medley applied for a remand, refused, as there was no more evidence, the case was dismissed.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 72, 24 April 1872
1874 - Wanted
A Good Female Cook. Apply to Mrs. Hunter, ALBION HOTEL.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 30 May 1872
1874 - Police Court
Jarvis v Mullens and Cross, an application had been put in by Mr. Johnson for the defendants for a postponement for one week. Mr. Cory for the complainant, opposed the postponement, alleging that the action arose out of for rent of a public house in lower Herbert Street, the Albion Hotel and that this client would be liable to loss if the matter was put off. It was finally arranged that the case should be heard on Tuesday next.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 20 June 1874
1874 - Mr. Medley
A very successful preliminary meeting of the friends of Mr. Medley was held yesterday evening at Hunter’s Albion Hotel and arrangements were made for the holding of a general meeting to bid a public farewell to that gentleman, in recognition of the invaluable services he has rendered to this community, as head of the police stationed in the district.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 11 August 1874Yesterday afternoon at 4 p.m. there was a goodly muster of the friends of Mr. Sub-Inspector Medley at Hunter’s Albion Hotel, to present him with a testimonial and parting address on his leaving the district for England...
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 5 September 1874
1874 - The Streets
The thoroughfares of Gulgong are capable of a great deal of improvement which might be affected on the cooperation principle at very little cost. If each of the citizens were to give a day’s labour or the equivalent all the stumps would disappear as if by magic and all the ruts and bog-holes would vanish.
In Queen Street, near Mr. Donaldson’s cottage, there is something neat in the shape of quagmires, and a dozen loads of gravel might be very profitably expended in improving the spot. Again, opposite Hunter’s Albion Hotel, there is a very awkward gutter, which requires either covering over a levelling off. Driver of vehicles are apt if going at any speed to be bumped off their seats and flung to the ground and the springs are in constant danger of snapping.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 8 September 1874
1874 - Accident
Yesterday about midday, as four buggies belonging to a wedding party, were coming in to church from the Home Rule, an accident of a very dangerous character, but happily did not prove serious, occurred to one of the buggies. It as entirely attributable to the abominable gutter left by the road contractors at the crossing of Mayne Street, between Hunter’s Albion Hotel and Mill’s Corner. One of the buggies in making the crossing, bumped so heavily that a lady with a child in her arms was nearly thrown out. The driver being alarmed pulled up short, and the next buggy got entangled with his wheels. An extrication was speedily effected, and the party went on. Some gentlemen standing out side of Mr. Bird’s Chemist Shop perceived that a shaft of one of the buggy was broken, and, fearing an accident called out to the passers-by to stop the horse and the driver to pull up. The latter not being aware of the mishap, went on for a few yards, when the shaft broke, coming in contact with the horse’s leg, made it unmanageable and after a few plunges the vehicle was overturned in a rut and smashed to pieces, the horse tearing off with the broken shafts down the Black Lead.
All the occupants of the vehicle were more or less shaken. One lady had her forehead cut and her hand bruised but the bride escaped as did the others—with a few rents in their garments and severe shock. We drew attention long ago to this dangerous crossing and wonder why more accidents do not happen. There was another trap of the same sort near Saunders public house in Mayne Street. It was even worse than Hunter’s. Mr. Scully caused several loads of stones to be laid in the bed of the and gutter, reducing the danger.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 1 October 1874
1875 - [ADVERTISEMENT]Wanted - A respectable Female Servant. Apply to MRS HUNTER Albion Hotel.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 13 March 1875
1875 - To Let
The House opposite the Belmore Hotel, lately in the occupation of Dr Ewington.
Apply J HUNTER Albion Hotel
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 16 March 1875
1875 - Albion Hotel
Corner Herbert & Queen Streets Gulgong
The Proprietor wishes to advised that he has secured the adjoining premises recently know as Nightingale's Hotel. The House is under going most thorough repairs and the hotels will be as one.
JOHN HUNTER Proprietor.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 16 March 1875
There is to be a meeting this evening at the Albion Hotel of the members of the Fire Brigade. One object is to enrol new members and another to make the organisation more perfect. We should think that every young man would be proud to belong to an association of this kind. Nothing but practice and thorough organisation is required in order to render the town comparatively safe from a general conflagration.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 13 April 1875
1875 - Progress Committee
Meeting will be held this evening at the Albion Hotel at 8 pm. J F Plunkett. Hon Sec.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 20 April 1875
The arrival of race horses, the circus and the persons who usually accompany these at the time of our annual races caused quite a stir in the town last evening. It was particularly lively about ‘the corner.’ The billiard rooms at the Albion were thronged to late hour and the lovers of the cue had a fine ‘go in.’ The effect did not reach much beyond the corner, soon after twelve o’clock everything was as quiet as usual.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 6 May 1875
1875 - Removal
1875 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
TO COMMERCIAL GENTLEMEN AND OTHER PARTIES VISITING THE DISTRICT. ALBION HOTEL, GULGONG. The PROPRIETOR, having secured what was formerly known as NIGHTINGALE'S AND TUCKERMAN'S HOTEL, and added the premises to his own, the whole has been Remodled and Refitted throughout, and he begs to inform parties visiting GULGONG, and the public generally, that he is now in a position to ACCOMMODATE Customers in a style equal to anything in the Western district.
There are THREE first-class BILLIARD TABLES on the premises. The BAR is supplied with the choicest WINES and SPIRITS. The DINING TABLES are provided with every LUXURY. There is also a large SAMPLE ROOM for the use of Commercial Gentlemen.
The Stabling accommodation is unsurpassed in Gulgong. CAREFUL Grooms always in attendance.
The ALBION HOTEL is most centrally situated at the corner of Herbert and Queen streets, and the Proprietor solicits the favour and patronage of his friends and the public
JOHN HUNTER, Proprietor.
1875 - Dentistry
Mr Adolph Gabriel from Sydney, will be at the Albion Hotel on Monday and Tuesday next, when all persons suffering from decayed teeth may obtain immediate relief.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 29 May 1875
1875 - Removal
We have been requested to notify that Dr Bennett has moved his consulting room to Mr Hunter’s Albion Hotel.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 13 July 1875
1875 - Death
On Tuesday, August 3rd, at her residence, suddenly JANE WILLIAMS [late JANE READY] of the Albion Hotel, Herbert Street, Gulgong.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 5 August 1875
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 5 August 1875
[Note: Jane Elizabeth Ready arrived in Australia around 1868. She married William Williams in Gulgong in 1873 (NSW BDM 3178/1873). Two years later, aged 37, she died from "hypertrophy of the heart". Her father was an army captain named Gordon ___. One son, from a previous marriage, was named Randolph Ready.]
Notwithstanding the seeming depression in mining and general business there have been many improvements made in the town that deserve mention...
At the Albion, Mr. Hunter continues to improve his premises and has recently made an important addition on the side fronting Herbert Street and also by putting up a new and capacious stable in the rear.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 12 August 1875
1875 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
Wanted A Billiard Marker. Apply to the Albion Hotel
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 1 December 1875
1875 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
Wanted during the Holidays - 40,000 Men to drink Castlemaine and British Beer. HUNTER’S Albion HotelSource: Gulgong Evening Argus, 18 December 1875
1875 - First Day of the Christmas Races
Good order was maintained during the meeting and the several events were well contested. Host Hunter of the Albion, presided at the Grandstand Booth, supplying is his numerous customers with all necessary liquors until they wended their way home after the last race.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 29 December 1875
1876 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
Wanted A Good Man to COOK. Apply to J HUNTER, Albion Hotel
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 22 April 1876
1876 - Prospecting Association
A preliminary meeting of the members of the above association was held on Monday evening at Hunter’s Albion Hotel. Mr Binder in the chair, the object of the meeting to hear the report of the gentlemen appointed to canvass the town for subscriptions. Canvassers were Messrs Hunter, Wesley, O’Neill and Marshall, the some of 6 pound 5 shillings has been promised per week for three months. Mr Hunter suggested that the meetings be held in rooms separate to hotels. Messrs Wesley and Ward waited upon Mr Scully who promised the use free of one of his rooms in Queen Street.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 3 May 1876
1876 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
Dr Ramsay maybe consulted at Hunter’s Albion Hotel.
Dr Ramsay maybe consulted at Hunter’s Albion Hotel.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 28 June 1876
1876 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
Wanted - A Good Female General Servant. Apply to MRS HUNTER Albion Hotel.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 7 October 1876
TO LET
The ALBION HOTEL,
corner of Queen and Herbert street,
GULGONG,
containing over 200 feet frontage.
J. HUNTER, having determined upon leaving the district, is prepared to arrange with a responsible party, willing to rent the above. It is almost needless to expatiate on the advantages of this establishment, it being situated in the very BEST POSITION IN THE TOWN, and has, and will always command, the Best trade. To an energetic man this is a splendid opportunity for entering into business.
THE HOUSE, having been specially constructed for the purpose, is unsurpassed in Gulgong in every respect as a FAMILY and COMMERCIAL HOTEL. The town and country connection to this establishment is sufficient to recommend it to those in search of a really FIRST-CLASS INVESTMENT. THE HOTEL contains a splendid bar, fitted with every, requisite; billiard room, second to none in the district, with one of Alcock's best tables; large room for public meetings, and private rooms for societies and companies; parlours and sitting rooms; private and public dining rooms: 15 bedrooms, three of which are upon a second story, the FRONTAGE having a neat VERANDAH.
There is a newly-erected detached kitchen, with range and every other convenience; good stabling; large, open, healthy yard; four tanks, capable of holding 6000 gallons. The whole of the buildings being covered with corrugated iron, with spouting, gives a permanent supply of water during the year.
The premises will be let for a term, subject to agreement. For particulars apply to
J. HUNTER, Proprietor.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS - Saturday December 2 1876
1895 - [NEW WAREHOUSE]
Mr. C. R. Young, of the Commercial Warehouse, has invited tenders for 120,000 bricks wherewith to build a new warehouse on the ground lately occupied by the Albion Hotel. This means employment for a number of our local tradesmen.
