Star Hotel, Mayne Street next to Booth & Co. 1872. W. Binder, licensee
William Binder, licensee to 1873. William Binder is on the far right. Attached to the rear of this hotel was
Binder's London Music Hall and the sign says Edmond Holloway and his wife were playing that night. The Holloways played in the week starting 13 April 1872 (
Gulgong Guardian).
By 1874, William Binder was operating the Star Hotel at the New Tallawang Rush and the Star Hotel in Queen Street Gulgong was run by
Henry Dennis.Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 2 Sep 1874 [Issue No.209 (SUPPLEMENT)] Page 2642
Star Hotel, Mayne Street, 1872
Star Hotel next to the Oriental Bank, Mayne Street [Allot 5, Sec 3]. William Binder, licensee. Binder is standing next to the 'Sparkling Ale & Porter' sign in the white scarf. Two girls left could be Binder's daughters
Source: Information supplied by Baldwin & Davis, Research Gulgong (Sept 2006)
Star Hotel, Mayne Street, 1872
These two photos are taken in succession. It's possible this was a second attempt because the one above was too dark when developed. Compare the positions of the people in the two images below:
Comparison image
William Binder of the Star Hotel, Gulgong 1872
William Binder of the Star Hotel, Gulgong 1872
William Binder, born in Germany, married Mary Ann Burgess in Mudgee in 1870 (
NSW BDM 2778/1870). Their children included:
- WILLIAM - born 1871 in Mudgee (NSW BDM 13237/1871)
- ERNEST A - born 1872 in Gulgong (NSW BDM 13587/1872)
- ALFRED HENRY - born 1874 in Gulgong (NSW BDM 14608/1874)
- BERNHARD - born 1875 in Gulgong (NSW BDM 15208/1875); died 2 September 1876 from "tubercular meningitis" (NSW BDM 8016/1876)
- HERBERT G - born 1877 in Gulgong (NSW BDM 15889/1877)
William Binder died 15 October 1877, aged 41, from "apoplexy by drowning" (NSW BDM 6910/1877) [details below].
NEWS ITEMS
1871 - Gulgong Markets
Business sights near Tarrant’s Tattersall’s Hotel and the
Bank of NSW in great demand. Drapery and other goods sold but at unsatisfactory prices. Speculators and buyers are acting with great caution Holders of business sites in Queen Street are not disposed to sell, one allotment, purchased by Mr. Binder sold for £90.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 19, 24 June 1871
1871 - Town Improvements
Within the past fortnight there has been considerable influx of population on the goldfield, and as a result there has been increased activity in business circles. Buildings are being erected in every direction with building sites attracting extravagant prices. Prices in Queen Street vary from £3 to £12 pounds per 1 foot frontage, while in Herbert Street sites are attracting up to £6/6/- per foot.
Amongst the most prominent of the new buildings is the large hotel being erected by Mr. Binder, next to the
Oriental Bank.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 23, 22 July 1871
1871 - Town Improvements Mr. Binder’s ‘Star’ hotel, will be out of action for a few days while
Mr. White, completes renovations.
1871 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
Opening Night - STAR HOTEL - Queen Street - (Next to the
Oriental Bank) - William Binder Begs to inform his numerous friends that he WILL OPEN the above superbly[?] Hotel.
THIS DAY, SATURDAY, when he will be glad to welcome all who may favour him with a call. The BAR will be well stocked with the very best brands in all liquors procurable for money.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 26, 12 August 1871
1871 - [NEW HOTEL]
Mr. Binder has opened his new house the Star Hotel, which has the handsomest front of any hotel on the goldfield. Pending the completion of its new premises, the
Oriental Bank is located in this hotel.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 28, 26 August 1871
1871 - Gulgong MarketsG.A. Davis Reports - Mr. Binder became the purchaser of a full share Happy Valley Quartz Mining Company.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 34, 7 October 1871
1871 - Town Improvements.
We learn that the proprietor of the Star Hotel, Mr. Binder, is about retiring from business, having leased the hotel for a term to Mr. S. E.
Tuckerman, the popular host of the Belmore Hotel in Mudgee.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 37, 28 October 1871
1871 - Police CourtWilful Destruction of Property - Michael Cunningham and Thomas Griffin charged with destroying property of William Binder of the Star Hotel. Arrested by Constable Foster. Evidence by Mr. Binder the accused were fighting with a man named Aldridge, a rush was made for the door, which was damaged and a plate glass window broken. Fined 30s each or 2 months goal.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 38, 4 November 1871
1871 - SUNDAY IN GULGONG
Toward the evening, many of those engaged in business during the week sought recreation by riding or driving to the river and other places to call upon friends. The weather was fine, and during the day a great many people were loitering about the street, corners, apparently for the purpose of relaxation from a week's toil.
About 9 o'clock there was a general movement towards the premises of Mr. Binder's Star Hotel in Queen-street, from which locality proceeded loud and angry words. Two or three hundred persons were on the ground in a minute. The altercation in words soon came to blows. Not only fists, but bludgeons, iron bars, fire pokers, driving picks, and loaded whips, were freely used. It appeared that two men, Mr. Aldridge and another whose name I did not know, had some words, and Mr. Binder urged Mr. Aldridge to enter the Star. The door was then closed against the ingress of those without. The door and windows were smashed amidst the uproar of the crowd. Two policemen appeared, secured one of the parties (a third having introduced himself), and he was taken to the lock-up.
Soon after the detective was seen running down Herbert-street after another of the party, who was captured, but not, however, without a gallant resistance, and marched to the logs. The damage to the heads and bodies of the belligerents must have been considerable; but may probably be repaired at a less cost than that to the door and windows of the hotel.
1871 - The Japanese Troupe
William Binder, landlord of the Star Hotel, appeared on the information of Mar-maduke Constable, of Ward’s Theatre, charged that ‘he did allow a theatrical performance in his hotel, without being licensed to do so.’ Adjourned till Tuesday next.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 39, 11 November 1871
1871 - UNLICENSED
A prosecution having been instituted at Gulgong against William Binder, landlord of the Star Hotel, on the information of Marmaduke Constable, of the
Ward's Theatre, [
Joey Gougenheim's husband] for that he (Binder) did allow a theatrical performance in his house, he not being duly licensed so to do, has been heard by the Bench, which, not being able to agree in opinion, transmitted the depositions for the opinion of the Attorney-General.
Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 18 Nov 1871 Page 51871 - New Public Room.
Mr. Binder of the Star Hotel has now completed his theatre which measures 72 x 24 feet and walls of 14
feet high. The walls are plastered and whitened which gives a cheerful and cool appearance, the hall will be opened with a ball on Friday night.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 41, 25 November 1871
1871 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
Star Assembly Room - W. BINDER - STAR HOTEL - Having completed the above Splendid Public Rooms, which measures 75ft x 24ft, begs to inform his patrons that a select - Grand Opening Ball - Will be held in it on FRIDAY Evening next, 1st December.
Tickets – Single 7/6. Double 10/- Refreshments included. Tickets can be obtained from Mr. Binder.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 41, 25 November 1871
1871 - Licenses GrantedAuctioneers License to Messrs McLennan and Morris also music and dancing license to Binder and Gallan.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 42, 2 December 1871
1872 - [ADVERTISEMENT] STAR HOTEL - Queen Street - William Binder - Has much pleasure in announcing to his friends and the public that he has now OPENED the above COMMODIOUS HOTEL and trusts by the attention to the wants of all who may favour him with their patronage, to merit a fair share of support.
The HOUSE is designed especially for the comfort and convenience of the VISITOR. The rooms are well ventilated and lofty, and quiet, and the Hotel being in a central position will be found very convenient for the transaction of business. The BAR will always be stocked with the very best brands of Liquors &c. The STABLES are safe, and well supplied, and are under the care of a competent groom. a large room suitable for Company and Committee meetings always available.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 47, 6 January 1872
1872 - BENEFIT
Mr. Tom Lacy, a very popular comedian upon this Goldfields, assisted by
Maggie Oliver, Mr. and Master
Cameron and others, takes a benefit at Binder's Theatre. 'Nan, the Good for Nothing' is the feature, and from the well known ability of the actors they are sure to have a crowded house.
1872 - NOTICE
WANTED A thousand able-bodied Men to man the A.I. Clipper, Binder’s Hall, now lying at her moorings, Queen Street. Passengers will find superior accommodation in Saloon, Intermediate and Steerage. Commanded by Admiral Sheet-Anchor: Boatswain, Edmond Holloway, the T.P. Cooke of the Australian Colonies.
First class Wines and Spirits provided by the Steward Mr. Binder. Passengers must be onboard by half past seven, to shake out the fore topsail at eight, and off we go for the ocean of - !! Fun and Frolic !!
True Blue for ever, Huzzah for the Wooden Walls of Old England, and Never Say Die.
FIRST APPEARANCE OF Mr. & Mrs Holloway ON SATURDAY AND MONDAY NEXT
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 69, 13 April 1872
1872 - Police Court
Constable v Binder, breach of the Theatrical Act. Applied for a license months ago, players could only perform at places with a license for plays etc., and local magistrates had no power to grant permission. Fined 1/-.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 75, 4 May 1872
The Panorama of the late Franco-Prussian war continues to attract a large crowd to Binder's Hall, nightly. Mr. Ryan, the lecturer, relates the various incidents in a most feeling and impressive manner. It is worth a visit if it were only to listen to the charming music of the band connected with it.
1872 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
Wanted - A Good General Servant and Laundress. Apply Mrs. Binder, Star Hotel, Queen Street.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 123, 19 October 1872
1872 - New Year RacesThe adjourned meeting held at
McCubbin’s Hotel was well attended. The Race Meeting will be held on January 1st and 2nd, 1873. A Committee of 22 has been chosen. Henry Beal appointed was Secretary and Mr. Binder Treasurer. The next meeting to be held at
Driscoll’s Hotel.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 127, 2 November 1872
1873 - New Year’s Races Everything is readiness for the races which start today. ... Host Binder will have a race ball tonight at the Star.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 144, 1 January 1873
1873 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
TO CAPITALISTS, HOTEL KEEPERS, SPECULATORS, MINERS AND OTHERS
Freehold and Mining Investment PLUNKETT AND CO. HAVE been instructed by Mr. William Binder [in consequence of his departure for Europe], To sell by auction on TUESDAY, 21ST INSTANT On the Premises at 3 O’Clock - The Star Hotel - Situated in Queen Street, adjoining the Oriental Bank and Messrs. Booth and Co.’s Store.
Also the Following MINING INTERESTS:-
½ a Share in a ‘Golden Hole’ Shallow Rush, Home Rule.
4 Shares in Lady Belmore Reef
5 Shares in 20 acres Lease, Star Lead.
One Quarter Share in the Leased Claims Co. Red Hill And
Ten Scrip in Golden Hill Co.
The Auctioneers invite special attention of the sale of this really Valuable FREEHOLD Property, situated as is in the best position in Gulgong. Capitalist may invest with confidence – a Good Rental easily obtained, £1000 insurance already upon the building.
IMMEDIATE POSSESSION WILL BE GIVEN - Stock-in-trade, Furniture and Fixtures to be taken at a valuation. TERMS AT SALE
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 145, 4 January 1873
1873 - Gulgong Turf ClubOn Thursday evening a number of gentlemen met at Binder’s Star Hotel, for the purpose of re-organizing the Gulgong Turf Club. Mr. J. F. Plunkett in the chair...
Moved by Mr. O’Neill, seconded by T. Smith – that Henry Beal be appointed paid Secretary. Carried. Moved by Mr. Selff, seconded J. Downey, that W. Binder be Treasurer. Carried.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 151, 25 January 1873
On the application of Mr. Clarke the licence of William Binder for the Star Hotel, Queen Street, was transferred to ALECK JAMINSON [sic Peter Henry Jamieson].
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 155, 8 February 1873
1873 - New BonifaceHost Binder of the Star Hotel has retired into private life and handed over the profits and respon-sibilities of a landlord to Mr. Peter Jamieson, a well known miner.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 158, 19 February 1873
1873 - Narrow Escape from Drowning
William Binder’s small son, fell head first into a water hole near his father’s paddock, on hearing the screams of his sister, Mrs Binder came running with neighbours, the usual remedies were applied. Upon this occasion one young lady, Miss Beal showed a novel way of clearing a five foot fence. Hearing the screams, she ran with a chair, which she stood upon, and with one bound cleared the fence, and of course thus out-stripped all others in rendering assistance.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 191, 14 June 1873
1873 - THE CHARGE OF EMBEZZLEMENT AGAINST MR. DE COURCY BROWNE.The Gulgong Argus gives the following report of the above case:—
Thomas Frederick de Courcy Browne was indicted for having, at Gulgong, on the 22nd February, 1873, received and taken into his possession the sum of £5 2s. 6d., the property of Simeon Solomon Moses, his master. Prisoner pleaded not guilty...
William Binder deposed: I paid £5 2s. 6d. as a contribution to the hospital to Mr. Browne on the 22nd February; I paid it to the prisoner, as secretary to the hospital. [more at source].
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Tue 23 Sep 1873 Page 3
1874 - [MINING]From the Star Lead it is currently reported that gold has been got in Binder and Company’s Lead. It was struck yesterday and we believe gold could be seen pretty plentifully in the face of the main tunnel. We trust that the report may prove true and that the lead so long looked for has now been discovered.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 16 April 1874
1874 - [ADVERTISEMENT]Reward for lost horse, return to STAR HOTEL. Wm. Binder
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 23 April 1874
1874 - Gulgong Mining Report
Binder and Company in their lease on the Star Lead struck what they supposed to be payable gold on Saturday. They washed two prospects and obtained a quarter of a penny weight to the dish. There were two feet of washdirt but the width of the lead has not yet been determined. The bed rock under the wash is of a greenish colour. Their drive is now in about 160 feet and it is supposed that from the spot where the prospects were go to the surface is not less than 190 feet, making this the deepest ground as yet discovered on this goldfield where payable prospects have been obtained. It is the intention of Mr. Binder, who is the manager of the company, to get out a machine of dirt at once and if this proves payable, he will at once proceed to an improved method of working. Heretofore the dirt and water have been brought to the surface by means of a whip. According to the prospects the dirt should yield at the very lest one ounce to the load. The gold is quite course which is always a good indication. It is also urged by some of the shareholders in the large lease adjoining that active operations should be resumed as soon as the payable character of Messrs. Binder and Company’s lease is determined.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 19 May 1874
1874 - Gulgong Mining ReportAt the present time nothing is being done on the Star Lead. Binder and party having lost their shaft, will take the opportunity to arrange matters in regard to operations. When everything is organised a new shaft will be put down.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 28 May 1874
1874 - APPROVED AURIFEROUS LEASES.It would appear by the
Government Gazette that several applications for leases of auriferous tracts of land in this district have been approved of viz. ... On the
Star Lead, north, for Messrs. William Binder and party.
1874 - Cancelled Leases The following lease of Crown Land for gold mining purposes have been cancelled, lessees having failed to execute and take delivery of same: W. Binder, P. Martin, C. Anderson, J. McFather, T. Goulbode and C. Nelson at the Star Lead, Gulgong, area 20 acres.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 10 November 1874
1875 - Acknowledgment. Received from W Binder and A Simons on account of the German Association the sum of 10 pounds as donation towards the funds of the Gulgong Public Hospital. L S DONALDSON Treasurer
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 2 January 1875
1875 - Measles
This epidemic is as prevalent as ever about Gulgong. Some member of nearly every house in town—and in many cases two, three and four—are laid up at the same time. Mr Binder has four children ill. Two from our office are laid up.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 20 February 1875
1875 - Down go the PricesAt the Great Western Stores, Herbert Street - C H Witton having purchased the following property at half the cost price of A H Skoglund, Jamieson & Saunders of Hill End, Grocery Stock of Mrs Trayhern, the large Wine and Spirits Stock of Mr W Binder, is having a 30 days clearing out sale, commencing July 5th.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 1 July 1875
1875 - [MINING]
Mr Binder and party obtained leave yesterday from Warden Browne to suspend work for the next three months in the lease No 16 Moonlight, to await the result of work in the Engine claim.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 27 July 1875
1875 - Latest MiningBinder and party have taken up the dividing lane between Morrissey’s and Hickey’s paddocks and commenced sinking yesterday.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 29 March 1875
1876 - Prospecting Association
A meeting was held last evening at the Star Hotel having for its object the formation of a prospecting association when it was resolved that the following gentlemen form a committee to canvass for subscriptions viz., Messrs Wesley, O’Neill, Plunkett, Selff, Scully, Durham, Trounce, Ward and Binder.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 12 April 1876
1876 - Police Court before the PM
Illegal Detention—Newing v Binder—Elizabeth Newing sworn: I live at Canadian, the defendant took a goat of mine; Mrs Paterson sent the goat to me by my daughter, I heard the defendant say that Mrs Bradshaw took the goat out of the pound and sent her to me; I told you my daughter bought the goat at the pound for 2/6, Mr Stanley sold the goat out of the pound.
Johanna Armstrong sworn: Last Friday I saw the defendant taking the goat, it had been at my mothers for 5 or 6 weeks.
Mary Ann Pateman [now she is Pateman] I bought a similar goat for the plaintiff sometime ago cannot swear it is the same goat.
Mary Ann Binder sworn: I am the wife of the defendant, I have had the goat in my possession for the past 12 months.
Mary M Millan sworn: I have helped Mrs Binder and her children catch the goat, the past four years. Verdict for the complainant.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 7 October 1876
1875 - [MINING]Moonlight: This company are continuing their drive to the south, and have already driven 190 feet. At a late meeting of the company three directors were chosen, and William Binder elected manager pro tem.
1875 - [MINING]
After a long struggle and heavy losses, the Moonlight Company have abandoned work at this mine; and I understand it is the intention of Mr. Selff, proprietor of the engine, and Mr. W. Binder, lease holder, to try again the old Star Lead. The stoppage of the Moonlight caused some little sensation, on account of the great expectations from this lease for years.
1876 - MUNICIPALITY OF GULGONG.MR. William Binder, has been appointed Valuer for the Municipality of Gulgong, vice Mr. James S. Ross, resigned.
R. ROUSE, Mayor. Gulgong Council Chambers, 25th August, 1876.
Source: New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900) Tue 29 Aug 1876 [Issue No.301] Page 3412
1877 - AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS TELEGRAMS.GULGONG. SATURDAY.
William Binder, an ex-publican, has been missing from home for three days. He having twice offered himself to the police, fears are apprehended for his safety. Every effort made to find him has been hitherto ineffectual.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Mon 15 Oct 1877 Page 5
1877 - [WARRANT]
A warrant has been issued by the Gulgong Bench, for the arrest of William Binder, a lunatic. He is about 40 years of age, 6 feet 6 inches high, broad shoulders, a little stooped, hair and whiskers turning gray; dressed in black coat and hat, lining of hat under the rim is green, moleskin trousers and old elastic-side boots; a German, but speaks English well.
Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 24 Oct 1877 [Issue No.43] Page 3521877 - [DEATH]The death by drowning of William Binder has created quite a profound sensation in this district, the deceased being well known and respected for many years past in most of the western gold-fields. Upon the opening of Gulgong he was one of the earliest arrivals, and built one of the leading hotels, where he amassed a considerable sum of money, and was looked upon for years as a tradesman of considerable capital. He was elected treasurer for the Turf Club, German Association, and of other organizations.
Times, however, changed, and, by unfortunate speculations, the deceased became involved in difficulties. The hotel and his private dwelling in the suburbs passed from his hands, and he was compelled to seek for daily labour to support himself and a large family. From the evidence given at the inquest, it appears that the deceased twice called at the police station, requesting to be taken in charge, showing symptoms of his mind being off its balance.
The officer in charge, however, saw no reason for detaining him when he stated that he had means. On Wednesday, having absented himself from home, a search party was instituted, but without success. On Thursday last Mr. James Bowes, in company with Mr. Arthur Rouse, while riding along the banks of the Mudgee river, discovered the body floating at a place called Cloudy Bay, Beaudesert.
Information was at once given to the police, who conveyed the body to Gulgong. On Friday an inquest was held upon the remains, but no evidence was given as to how the deceased met with his death, and a verdict of "Found drowned" was recorded.
1877 - [LEGACY]
One of those singular cases which are occasionally reported in this colony, of men who, after having departed this life, have had fortunes left to them, has occurred here.
Mr. William Binder, an ex-publican, amassed during the early days of this gold-field a considerable amount of money, but afterwards by speculations and other causes became so reduced in circumstances that he was compelled to part with almost everything he possessed, including most part of his household furniture. Unable to obtain suitable employment he left his home on the 11th of October in a despondent state, and on the 18th his body was discovered floating in the Mudgee river. By the last mail a letter was received from Germany stating that he was the possessor of a legacy of £2000 in money, and a considerable amount of valuable property. One mail earlier and a valuable life would have been saved.
