Crystal Fountain (drinks store), also a branch of the Argus newspaper, Herbert Street, Gulgong
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Crystal Fountain Cordial Factory of Alexander Campbell Cameron in Herbert Street, next to John Hunter's boot store. Alex and his son Allan were very good singers who performed in amateur productions at the various theatres of Gulgong, and at benefits, church tea parties, etc.
In 1875 Cameron sold the premises to John Hunter, who had the boot shop next door, and moved to Medley Street. However this arrangement didn't work out and in 1876 he moved the plant to Mudgee.
Source: Information supplied by Baldwin & Davis, Research Gulgong (Sept 2006)
In 1867, the marriage of Alexander C Cameron and Eliza Field was registered in Young, NSW.
Source: NSW BDM
The children of Alexander and Eliza Cameron included:
The children of Alexander and Eliza Cameron included:
- ALEXANDER S A - born 1868
- CHARLES STUART - born 1870
- LOUISE MARGARET - born 1871
- SOPHIA - born 1873
- DONALD - born 1875
- ALICE - born 1877
- MALCOLM - born 1879
- ELIZA J - born 1882; died 1882.
1867 - INSOLVENCY COURT
SURRENDERS - Alexander Campbell Cameron, of Grenfell, late of Forbes Liabilities, £629 13s 8d. Assets, £35. Mr Mackenzie, official assignee
SURRENDERS - Alexander Campbell Cameron, of Grenfell, late of Forbes Liabilities, £629 13s 8d. Assets, £35. Mr Mackenzie, official assignee
1871 - THE CAMERON TROUPE.
This highly amusing company played on Thursday and Friday nights in the Assembly Room, at the Empire Hotel. Master Allan Cameron gave in character, "The swell with the Alpine hat," "I'm the man for the ladies," "Dr. Gregory Bolus Squill," "Sir Robt. de Vere," "Policeman H, 22," and a number of other songs, which put the audience in roars of laughter. The performance of this young gentleman has improved amazingly lately, and as a comic vocalist and delineator of character, as well as step dancer, he bids fair to become a star. He is in a few weeks, we understand, to have a benefit at Grenfell, the ladies of which place have subscribed for the purpose of presenting him with a handsome side-drum, as an appropriate present, he being drummer of the Drum and Fife Band. Mr. A. C. Cameron gave several of his fine tenor songs, amongst which we may especially mention ''The British Lion," and " The wheel of life," which brought thunders of applause. His comic rendering of "It's nice to be a father," caused roars of laughter. The opening duet, "Away, away the good ship flies," by Messrs Cameron and Hughes, was very well done. Mr. T. Fogerty's dancing, as it always does, delighted the audience, and quite maintained his reputation of being one of the best step dancers in the colony The trapeze performance of Mr. Hughes was loudly applauded, but the building is scarcely suitable for such exhibitions. The company have decided to give another entertainment this evening, when the admission to the back seats will be reduced to one shilling, and we would advise such of our readers as have not paid them a visit to do so.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 12, May 6, 1871.
1871 - HOT WEATHERIt has been intensely hot during the last few days, so that the opening of Cameron's Crystal Fountain, on Saturday last, created quite a sensation. The proprietor was long and favourably known on the Lachlan during it's palmy days, and more recently at Grenfell. At Gulgong Cameron has a most favourable location, and has fitted up his place in fine style. The fountain in the centre of the bar, discharging a constant stream of ice-cold water, has a most refreshing look, and will, no doubt, attract much patronage.
1871 - Crystal Fountain
If you want a long cold soft drink - around the corner in Herbert Street next to Hunter’s - Prop C.A. Cameron late of Forbes and Grenfell.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 40, November 18, 1871.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 81, May 25, 1872
1871 - Soiree.
The tea meeting and musical soiree in aid of the building fund of the Catholic Church came off on Thursday evening last in the school room of the Church. The room was gaily decorated with flags, flowers and evergreens; attacched was a pavillion where all those who did not join in the dancing could pleasantly spend the evening. After the profuse and elegant tea provided by O’Neil Bros. of Queen Street, had been done justice to by 200 visitors, a select programme os songs, rectitations, and addressess was presented and enthusiastically applauded, the most popular of the songs being those of Master Cameron and his evergreen sire. The songs etc. being over the floor was cleared for dancing, to the inspiring strains of Herr Bedlam’s string band. The pleasant efforts of the Rev. Mr. O’Donovan to make all happy made this soiree one of the most successful ever held on the goldfield.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 81, May 25, 1872
1872 - Hospital Concert.
Mr. A. C. Cameron is progressing satisfactorily with his arrangements for the concert in aid of the hospital funds. It is expected that the performance will come off in about a fortnight.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 82, May 29, 1872
1872 - Thanks
The Committee of Management of the Gulgong Hospital beg to tender their grateful thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who so kindly assisted at the Amateur Entertainment given in aid of the Hospital on Thursday July 4th, by which the handsome contribution of £43/8/6 was realised. They also tender their special thanks to Mr. A.C. Cameron and Mr. J.H. Cogden on their untiring efforts to bring the entertainment to a successful issue. T.F. DeCourcy Browne Hon. Sec.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 95, July 13, 1872
1872 - INSOLVENCY
1872 - [PUBLISHED LETTERS]
To Mr. A. C. Cameron
DEAR SIR – We the undersigned being sensible of the obliging and liberal manner in which your son, MASTER ALLEN CAMERON, has always contributed his valuable assistance at entertainments in connection with charitable and other purposes, are desirous of giving him a tangible recognition of the same in the shape of a COMPLIMENTARY BENEFIT. When in the event of you allowing him to accept the above, we promise to use all our influence to render it a complete success :-
A.P. Stewart, James F. Plunkett, M.A. Walker, P. O’Neil, William Booth, J. Hunter, J. Scully, Chris. Young, J.R. Dillon, T.A. Browne, Dr. Bennett, L.S. Donaldson, Dennis Driscoll. T.F. DeCourcy Browne, W. Selff, Edward L. Purchase, Simeon S. Moses.
To the Gentlemen Signing the above Requisition.
SIRS – I am deeply honoured by your kind appreciation of the humble efforts of my son, and in gratefully accepting – on his behalf – your offer of a testimonial benefit, as a practical expression of the same, permit me to add that he has ever been, and I trust will ever be, solely actuated by the interests of the community with whom he has cast his lot, apart from any pecuniary consideration.
I am yours obediently
A. C. CAMERON
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 105, August 17, 1872
1872 - ALLEN CAMERON'S BENEFIT.
Sir, as a mark of appreciation for the liberality with which Master Alan Cameron has given his assistance in aid of public institutions and at benefits tendered to members of the dramatic profession, the public have decided upon giving him a tangible proof of their appreciation of his generous efforts by a complementary benefit, which is to take place tomorrow evening and Ward's Theatre Royal.
Now, Sir, you are no doubt aware that the gentlemen who have taken this matter in hand applied to know on what terms the management of the Prince of Wales Theatre would allow the benefit entertainment to take place in their building. Without entering into particulars I may observe that the conditions on which the management would allow the use of their theatre were so exorbitant that their offer was refused. If their proposal had been consented to, the benefit would have been theirs, not Master Alan Cameron's – for they would certainly then have had the oyster, and Young Cameron the shell.
When the offer of the management was refused, they threatened to get up an opposition benefit, which they have since done. While I do not dispute the right of the management of the Prince of Wales Theatre to give up an opposition benefit if they choose, I do think that they have shown extreme bad taste in doing so from what would appear to be a feeling of spitefulness because their terms were not accepted. What makes the matter wear a still uglier aspect is the fact that Master Cameron has on two occasions assisted at benefits for one of the lessees, and on one occasion at a benefit for the other. It would not have been a very extraordinary stretch of generosity if, in return for this kindness, they had given a benefit to Master Cameron; but it is not only ingratitude but presumption on their part to thus attempt to mar a spontaneous expression of public recognition of young Cameron's many willing, generous, and thoroughly disinterested efforts to assist to the best of his ability several very worthy public objects. "Honour to whom honour is due," is a maxim that is not unworthy of given a place in the august minds of the Great Combination Company; and if they had remembered the "do-as-you'd-be-done-by" rule on the present occasion, they would certainly have not suffered in public estimation by so doing - at least that the opinion of - Yours very obediently, I'SE RIGHT
Source: Gulgong Guadian, Issue No 106, August 21, 1872
1873 - Amateur Performance
1872 - Lowe’s Paddock Toll
Yesterday at the Police Court, before the Police Magistrate, Mr. A. C. Cameron and Mr. S. Samper ap-peared on the summons of Mr. Lowe’s muddle man – Mitchell – for having trespassed upon the ground known as Lowe’s Paddock near the Home Rule and refused to pay the modest toll of two shillings per day while transacting their business at the various stores and hotels on the ground. The evidence of the com-plainant proved that the land was not enclosed and the cases were at once dismissed without costs...
Source: Gulgong Guadian, Issue No 133, November 23, 1872
A number of amateurs will give a performance at Ward’s Theatre Royal, which had kindly been lent by the owner gratuitously. Douglas Jerrold’s drama ‘Rent of the Day’ to be followed by an interlude of singing and dancing and a local burlesque expressly written by Mr. M. Lazarus entitled ‘The King of the Gold Mines or the Digger, the Loafer and the Girl of the Period.’ The burlesque will be by young juveniles and contains some good local bits. A new and amusing song will be sung by Master Allan Cameron. A split having occurred between the amateurs and opposition, a performance has been announced for the same night at the Prince of Wales Theatre. This is unfortunate and foolish into the bargain. It would be better to postpone one to another night to make each a success. The public can not be expected to take sides with either of the disputants on principle.
Source: Gulgong Guadian, Issue No 154, February 5, 1873
[To the Editor of the Gulgong Guardian]
Sir – On behalf of myself and fellow juveniles who will have the honour to appear on Wednesday evening next at Ward’s Theatre Royal for the benefit of the Hospital, we wish it to be distinctly understood that when asked to take part in the performance we were not aware that any division of parties had taken place until the rival advertisements appeared and then found that we were associated with the so-called Plebeians; consequently, had we been asked by the patricians before the said advertisement appeared, we should also have given our consent to them and would therefore have been entered for the double event. I trust this explanation will prove that we are not actuated by a spirit of opposition, but having pledged our word we intend to keep it.
In conclusion, I would remind our friends that we are all natives of this glorious land of liberty, where all men [and boys] are equal; therefore we are neither Patrician nor Plebeians, but simply Australians and as Australians we have come forward to lend a helping hand to the noblest among the noble institutions of which our native land can boast.
I am, yours obediently
ALLAN CAMERON, Crystal Fountain.
Source: Gulgong Guadian, Issue No 154, February 5, 1873
This performance in aid of the Hospital came off on Wednesday at Ward’s Theatre Royal and attracted a crowded and enthusiastic audience. It is of course unfair that the efforts of amateurs to render their parts effectively should be criticized too closely. Old Crumbs [J. Miller] was particularly good, Master Matthews as Polly Briggs with fine make-up, puzzled many as to sex, for a few minutes. The rest of the cast were good. Miss Joey Gougenheim who ‘broke in’ the cast deserves great credit. The musical items were well present. Miss Carry Williams sang her two numbers sweetly and this young lady's voice is well worth cultivating. The gem of the evening was the dancing of tiny Master Daley, who is just under nine years of age. The local song sung by Master Allan Cameron was productive of intense glee, copies were distributed after the performance. Mr. Lazarus the local author of the burlesque is to be congratulated on his successful effort to amuse.
Source: Gulgong Guadian, Issue No 157, February 15, 1873
1873 - Support the Object
The Cemetery Improvement Committee are making energetic efforts to increase their funds. Mrs. Holloway is assisting with the performance at the Prince of Wales Theatre of the amusing piece ‘Hunting a Turtle.’ Misses Chambers and Dixon, Mr. A. Cameron, Miss Cary Williams, Master Allen Cameron and Billy Nutts and Frank Herbert are some of those providing the entertainment.
Source: Gulgong Guadian, Issue No 172, April 9, 1873
1873 - Mr. Kinchela's Benefit.
On Monday evening last Mr Kinchela, the talented scenic artist, took a goodbye benefit at the Prince. Owing to the unsettled weather the attendance was limited. The bill consisted of "Jack Robinson and his Monkey" - the leading part being taken by Messrs Holloway, Thompson and Kinchela, in a most effective manner. The interlude comprised dancing by Miss Amy Chambers, singing by Alan Cameron, and solos by Messrs Scurrah and Cogdon. The performance concluded with the eccentricity of "The Ghost in the Pawnshop," which sent the audience home in good humour. We are sorry that a greater measure of success did not reward Mr Kinchela on his farewell appeal.
Source: Gulgong Guadian, Issue No 178, April 30, 1873
A REPORT having been circulated that the ‘CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN CP.’ is composed of more than its generally understood members the undersigned beg most distinctly to state that they are sole Proprietors of the above business and most emphatically deny being connected with any other person.
A. CAMP. CAMERONMAURICE LAZARUS
JACOB MYERS
Source: Gulgong Guadian, Issue No 190, June 11, 1873
I HAVE SOLD this day to the CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN CO., Messrs. CAMERON, LAZARUS and MYERS my Soda Water Machine, Plant and Good Will of the business, together with the right to all outlying BOTTLES BRANDED W or X.
CHARLES BELL.
Source: Gulgong Guadian, Issue No 197, July 5, 1873
1881 - INQUEST
1881 - NOTICE.— All persons having CLAIMS against the late Alexander Campbell Cameron are requested to forward particulars of the same on or before the 19th instant to the undersigned,
M. LAZARUS,
Hoskins-street, Temora.
Dated 11th Nov. 1881.Source: The Temora Star (NSW : 1881 - 1883; 1899 - 1906; 1914; 1925; 1933) Sat 12 Nov 1881 Page 3
1875 - FIRE BRIGADE.
An entertainment In aid of the funds of the Fire Brigade, will be given next month at the Prince of Wales Opera House. Mr. A. C. Cameron, of Mudgee, and his talented son, Master Allan Cameron, have kindly volunteered their valuable services.
1918 - [RETROSPECTIVE]
1940 - [MEMORIES]
Things got a bit dull with Cameron [in Grenfell], and he went to Gulgong, and opened a crystal fountain there, and did a roaring trade. He afterwards went to Temora, where in a moment of mental aberration he committed suicide. Peace to his ashes.
Source: The Grenfell Record and Lachlan District Advertiser (NSW : 1876 - 1951) Fri 19 Jul 1918 Page 4
1940 - [LOOKING BACK]
Mr. A. C. Cameron was born at Lambeth, England, and was the seventh son of Lieutenant Donald Cameron, of the 79th Highlanders, "Queen's Own," and who carried the colours of the battle of Waterloo.
In 1855 Mr. [Donald] Cameron came to Australia and on the passage out a son was born at sea whom they called Alexander Ocean.
After living at Sydney for a few years he [Alexander] then migrated from one goldfield to the other, such as Forbes, Grenfell, Gulgong, and Mudgee. He being highly accomplished, was associated in practically every movement for the good of the different towns and its people. At Forbes he kept a theatre and an hotel, which he called The Old Musketeer, and the cordial factories were called The Crystal Fountain. At Mudgee he sang at the opening of the Catholic Church. After leaving Mudgee he went back to Sydney and took first prize at the Exhibition for his cordials and aerated waters, when the late King George and his brother were lads and visited Sydney and the Exhibition.
When the gold rush broke out at Temora he sold out to Starky Bros, and went to Temora, kept a theatre and cordial factory up until the time of his death. Strange to say, he was born on November 1st (All Saints' Day) and died on November 2nd (All Souls' Day) [1881]. They gave him a Masonic funeral when the late John Hunter, of the City Boot Palace, and other outstanding members of the Masonic Order from Sydney attended. It was one of the largest funerals of that town, and was headed by the band, which rendered the Dead March. He had been band conductor at the different towns, and everyone held him in high esteem, as he was never happier than when doing some kindness for others, such as getting up benefits for widows and orphans, and other kind acts too numerous to mention (what a life to live doing good for others), and so passed away a noble life to receive the (well done).
THE Phillott-Cameron golden wedding, which is advertised in another column, recalls many memories of early Mudgee and, 'Alex.' Cameron, one-time mayor, cordial manufacturer and good citizen generally. The late Mr. A. C. Cameron visited many goldfields in the west including Forbes, Grenfell, Gulgong and Mudgee. He conducted several cordial factories, invariably christening his product "Crystal Fountain." He had a very pleasing voice and his singing was always a highlight of the entertainments in which he delighted to take part.
It is interesting to remember that he sang at the opening of the Roman Catholic Church at Mudgee. He was an expert in the making of cordials and aerated waters, and took first prize at the Royal show on one occasion. He was a versatile and popular citizen and conducted a theatre and hotel at Forbes in the early days. The hostelry was known as 'The old Musketeer.' Incidentally it is a curious fact that he was born on November 1st (All Saints' Day) and died an November 2nd (All Souls' Day).
Alexander Campbell Cameron died on 2 November 1881, aged 39, and is buried at Temora.
Source: austcemindex
Source: austcemindex
THE inquest on the body of Mr. Alexander Campbell Cameron, who had died on the morning of Thursday, 3rd inst., was held in the afternoon of the same before C. De Boos, Esq., P.M., who acted in lieu of the Coroner, and the following jury, viz: Messrs. J. T. Moran, A. McIntosh, A. Murray, H. Fitzjames, E. Perrot, .J. T. Ross, J. Cottrell, E. A. Kibby, J. McCulloch, A, Erskine, P. Kelleher and B. Courtney.
Mr. Sub-Inspector Lyons conducted the enquiry. The following evidence was taken:
Eliza Cameron, widow of the deceased, deposed: On last Wednesday morning I saw my husband standing in front of the factory with his head resting on a stump opposite to our residence; I went to him, and he went into the factory, where he remained for some time before he came out again; as he was coming across the street I saw him staggering, and I went up to him; I caught hold of him to lead him, and he fell; I said to him:
"What have you been doing?" and he said "nothing," while he was at the stump; Dr. Bennett was coming along the street, and I ran to call him; I was too agitated to remember any more, except that I got some mustard and hot water for the doctor; my husband was sensible for a little before he died; I was not in the room when he died, and he was better before noon than in the afternoon; I heard him say to Dr. Bennett that he had taken almond oil by a mistake; Miss Victor, Mr. Chandler, Mr. Summers and another were present when he died.
To questions put by the jury: I heard my husband say the word "accidental"; it was while he was leaning against the stump that I asked him what he had been doing, and he said "Nothing."
To Mr. Sub-Inspector Lyons: My husband has been drinking to excess for a fortnight past, except perhaps business I cannot assign any cause for his doing so; (bottle and tumbler produced); I recognise the smell coming from the bottle and tumbler as the same that I noticed on my husband when I went to the stump; it is in consequence of this smell I asked him what be had been doing; I heard him say that there was poison in the factory; it was from no impression on my mind that he had taken poison that I asked the question.
To the jury: When he fell in the street, I thought he was in a fit.
To the foreman: My husband made no threat to make away with himself.
Walter Wilson, employee of deceased, deposed: I recollect Wednesday, 2nd inst.; saw him going into the compartment where the bottles were kept, and when he went out I went after him, and saw a bottle and tumbler (produced) lying outside; I saw it in its proper place on the shelf at 6 a.m.; never missed it until I picked it up outside; deceased was leaning against the stump when I came out of the factory and saw the bottle and tumbler; deceased came back into the factory and lighted his pipe; he had a smoke for fully five minutes before he went out again saying: "I think I'll go home, and have a sleep;" shortly after leaving the factory he began to stagger, and then Mrs. Cameron and I came up to him; he fell before we reached him, and Walter Keegan and I carried him to his residence; in taking him into the house, he said "Good bye, my boys, this is all you'll see of poor old Cameron;" I then returned to the factory.
To the foreman: I knew the stuff in the bottle, but knew nothing of its qualities.
To the jury: Mr. Cameron was always first in the factory; it was about 11 a.m. when I seen him stagger; I don't think he was in his proper senses, as he had been drinking very hard; it was a 2 oz. bottle, and it was about a third full; (the bottle in reality was a 4 oz. one;) the thought did not strike me that Mr. Cameron had taken it, although I saw the tumbler on the ground.
To the Coroner: I know that almond oil is poisonous.
R. H. K. Bennett, legally qualified medical practitioner, deposed: On Wednesday, 2nd inst. in the forenoon, as I was coming up Lower Hoskins-street within 100 yards of Mr. Cameron's factory, I heard a shriek; on looking over, I saw a man fall down and a woman running to his assistance; a man came up also, and they beckoned to me; as I came up I found it was Mr. Cameron; he was groaning, and appeared to be in a state of collapse; some one said: "My God, he has taken poison;" I asked: "What has he taken?" the answer was: "Oil of bitter almonds;" I asked: "How much?" and was told 2 ozs.; a man brought over the bottle and glass produced; from the aroma can judge that they had consumed ... oil of bitter almonds ...[text missing] evacuating portion of the poison and finally despatched a constable to Dr. Shaw for a stomach-pump, which could not be procured; I administered the usual antidote for prussic acid afterwards; deceased rallied for a short time in the afternoon; he was very low at 9 p.m., and when I saw him at 2 a.m., he was sinking rapidly; before leaving I gave directions to friends who were with him of what to give; in my opinion if there had been a stomach-pump in town his life might have been saved; he ultimately succumbed; the dose he had taken was an extremely large one, and sufficient to kill half a dozen people.
To Mr. Sub-inspector Lyons: About 20 minutes after first seeing deceased in the presence of Mr. Sub-inspector Lyons and Senior-constable Oliver, I asked: "How came you to take this poison?" He said; "Accidentally! accidentally!" he was quite conscious at the time.
To the Coroner: I have no doubt he came by his death, from an overdose of oil of bitter almonds, which is a powerful narcotic poison.
To the Jury: A man drinking may do many queer things; I have known men to take kerosene and not become aware of it until after it was down their throat; although the taste and smell of the oil is nauseous, yet a man in his state may take it without noticing it; the deceased had been drinking, and in fact had consulted me on the point.
To the Sub-inspector: Excessive drinking vitiates the taste.
Harry Chandler, writing clerk, deposed: I know the deceased; I was present when he died this morning at 17 minutes to 4a.m.; I had been within hearing with him from 8.30 p.m. last night; the only thing I heard him say was "Water," and "Oh ! Allan;" Mr. Purchase, Mr. Summers and Miss Victor were present when he died.
The enquiry here closed, and the Coroner briefly addressed the jury, who were then left to their deliberations. The verdict arrived at was that the deceased, Alexander Campbell Cameron, came by his death by taking an overdose of essential oil of almonds, whilst labouring under temporary insanity.
MRS. A. C. CAMERON and MR. A. F. CAMERON beg to return their very sincere THANKS for the great kindness and sympathy shown them on the occasion of the late bereavement.
1881 - NOTICE.— All persons having CLAIMS against the late Alexander Campbell Cameron are requested to forward particulars of the same on or before the 19th instant to the undersigned,
M. LAZARUS,
Hoskins-street, Temora.
Dated 11th Nov. 1881.
CAMERON.—On the 12th instant, at her residence, Hoskins-street, Temora, Mrs. [Eliza] Cameron, widow of the late A. C. Cameron, of a daughter.
[Birth of "Elizia J." Cameron registered on 28 May 1882 (NSW BDM 17039/1882). Death in same year (NSW BDM 8461/1882).]
On Friday night last, at 11 o'clock, an old resident of Mudgee, in the person of Mrs. Eliza Cameron, of West End, passed away. The deceased had been suffering from dropsy for some time, and this was eventually the cause of death. She was 60 years of age, and had lived in Mudgee for 40 years. The deceased was a native of Forbes, and married the late Alexander C. Cameron. The following children are left to mourn: Alex (Mudgee), Chas. (North Coast), Donald (Mudgee), Mrs. C. Phillott (Queensland), Mrs. Paine (Sydney), and Mrs. Dwyer (Sydney). The remains were interred in the C.E. portion of the Mudgee cemetery, the Rev. W. J. Dunstan officiating at the graveside. The deceased was a kind and highly esteemed lady, who had a large circle of friends. To the sorrowing ones we extend our sympathy.
