Emerson’s Hotel was one of the first hotels operating in Barcaldine. From 1886 to 1890, Alfred Emerson was the Proprietor and licensee.
From the most easterly building in the main street to the last humpy in Chinatown, the distance is not much short of three quarters of a mile, and with the exception of a few vacant lots the whole of that distance is built upon. Amongst the buildings now approaching completion may be mentioned a substantial and roomy hotel for Mr. E. A. Peel, a small store for Messrs, Roberts & Co., formerly of Alice; and Mr. A. Emerson's colossal structure which is now all but completed, and, as the "old man" will in all probability have his license on Wednesday, it may be taken for granted that he will carry out his threat of "not calling the Queen his aunt." Poor Queen! As his hotel approaches completion Emerson's countenance is gradually assuming its accustomed look of complacency, and losing that care worn expression which had lately settled upon it. One morning recently Alfred was seen travelling a la Malone up the main street in the direction of his building- head thrown back, shoulders squared, chest well formed, and muttering to himself in disjointed sentences - No more grog - teetotaler to-day -pills- seidliz powders- ointment - work to-day like rain- what sort -ho! Moses - hallo Jacko." Moses is Emerson's dawg, Jacko is the pet monkey, and both are as much institutions of the town as Emerson himself. Vale! old man and success.
Barcaldine cannot complain of a lack of amusement just now, such as it is. We have a small circus (Ashton's), a performing flea and punch and judy show, while nightly sword swallowers, gymnastic artistes, minstrels, and others pitch in our streets, and do large business. On Saturday night a one legged gymnast obtained permission from Mr. A. Emerson to rig his trapeze in the hotel dining room. He gave a series of performances there, but made no charge of admission. The police summoned Mr. Emerson for allowing the performance, and although the complaint was discharged by the Police Magistrate, Mr. Emerson was cautioned against encouraging undesirable characters about his premises.
It appears the pet monkey was not always friendly to others:
The Doctor was called in to attend a child, daughter of Mr. Summers, who had been bitten on the arm by Emerson's monkey. The hemorrhage was very great, the arteries being badly torn, and it is doubtful yet whether the limb can be saved. The monkey bit three children on Sunday and it is satisfactory to know it has been shot after two days hunting, the animal having broken its chain on Sunday morning, and got away.
In August 1891, Alfred Emerson contemplated erecting a hotel at the Government Dam (20 Mile) on the Barcaldine-Aramac Road. He ended up putting his efforts into his Half-Way Hotel on the Aramac-Barcaldine road. A news report noted he was insolvent in 1895.
In April 1890, the hotel licence for Emerson’s was transferred from Mr. Alfred Emerson to E A Peel late of the Royal Hotel (Union).
By February 1891, Mr. E A Peel, lately of the then Royal Hotel (to be renamed the Union Hotel by its new owners, Edg) succeeded Alfred Emerson in Emerson’s Hotel and pulled down some buildings preparatory to erecting a new range of bedrooms, coffee room and other improvements.
Name changed from Emerson’s Hotel to Royal Hotel.
In August 1891, Alfred Emerson contemplated erecting a hotel at the Government Dam (20 Mile) on the Barcaldine-Aramac Road. He ended up putting his efforts into his Half-Way Hotel on the Aramac-Barcaldine road. A news report noted he was insolvent in 1895.
