Rosewood Hotel c.1914 (Photo: State Library Qld)

Rosewood History

The Rosewood Hotel 1879-1963

“I hear that we are to have another hotel erected immediately, so you see our little township is growing apace, and there is no doubt that it is bound to go ahead.”

What the journalist from the Telegraph wrote on 18th June 1879 was true. Mr John William Vance had contracted a builder from Ipswich to erect a two-storey hotel for him. John Reilly (my great great grandfather) from Booval, Ipswich was no stranger to building hotels. He built the Railway Hotel and Royal Mail Hotel at Goodna and the first Prince Alfred Hotel at Booval. 

John Reilly, his leading man Arthur Pocock, Arthur’s brother James and some other men, set to work in June 1879.

In my research I’ve discovered that the Rosewood Hotel had at least 6 owners and 34 licensees up until 1963. Most of them were married with families and were involved with community events while they lived in the town. One baby girl was born in the hotel and there were three deaths, a nine week old baby, a 62 year old man and a 64 year old man.

I have been unable to substantiate the rumours that this hotel is haunted. I found no evidence of the existence of the deceased people (ghosts), as described in the rumours, nor the events surrounding their demise in the fashion recounted in those rumours.

Like many wooden buildings through history, fires were an issue in hotels. It appears that petty crime also played an eventful part in its history.

The period 1879-1914

Walter Gosling -1879
On 12th August 1879, the first publican was granted a license for Rosewood Hotel on the condition that the stables were finished within 14 days. The stables were finished and his license was granted on 26th.

Walter was a ganger in the railway. He and his wife Caroline Frances née Pearce came to Rosewood from Ipswich. Perhaps he decided to become a publican because of an accident he’d had at work the year before. He broke the metacarpal bones in his right hand when the funnel of a Yankee engine fell on it.

Early in 1880 Walter successfully applied to have to have music and dancing at his hotel on Easter Monday night. He also applied to transfer his license to the paddock adjoining the hotel for that day. Walter set up a publican’s booth to serve drinks at Rosewood’s first athletic sports event, which was held in that paddock. There were 200 visitors during the day including Archibald Meston, the member for Rosewood. There were both spectators and competitors from Ipswich, Normanby and Laidley.

Mr. Gosling attended to the creature comforts, having a refreshment booth on the ground. He also provided a very fair luncheon, which was laid out in appetizing style in another booth close by. He certainly could not complain of the manner in which he was patronised. A temporary floor was laid down in one of the marquees where those who chose could “trip the light fantastic” to their heart’s content. (1)

In September a man named George E. Stewart was arrested at Rosenthal for trying to defraud Walter by cashing a valueless cheque for £2.  Stewart said, “D–nit, it can’t be forgery; I signed my own same to it and I thought the money would be out by this mail to meet it.” He was taken to the lockup and remanded for trial in Ipswich where he was allowed bail of £80 and two sureties of £40 each.

William Black -1881
William Black, of Brisbane, applied for the license of the Rosewood Hotel on the 19th April 1881. At the same time, Walter Gosling asked for permission to transfer the license, but was refused.

Martin Beavis -1881
Martin Beavis from Rosewood applied for a County Publican’s License, which was granted on 17th May 1881. His application stated he had a wife (Marzalah “Zillah” née Palfrey), and he had never held a license before. He said that the hotel had 3 sitting rooms and four bedrooms exclusive of those required for his large family of 9 children.

Walter Gosling went to Ipswich and became the publican at the Golden Reef Hotel in East Street for two years. On leaving Ipswich he took on the British Empire Hotel in Queen Street, Brisbane for seven years and finally Sterling House (boarding house) in Wharf Street. He died in 1913 and Caroline died in 1919.

The Hon. Samuel Walter Griffith, soon to be Premier of Queensland, visited Rosewood on his western political tour in December 1882. He had dinner at Beavis’s hotel. The newspaper reported the occasion incorrectly and Martin felt the need to correct it.

HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR IS DUE. To the Editor of the Queensland Times. Sir,—In your report of the Hon S. W. Griffith’s visit to Rosewood, your reporter has it that “The visitors and a few local residents sat down to supper in one of the rooms of the hotel, Mr. C. Rumpf being the caterer.” Now, this is hardly fair to my wife and myself, for the catering was done solely by my wife and yours truly, MARTIN BEAVIS. Rosewood Hotel, December 22. (2)

John William Vance, owner of the hotel, died in August 1882. On 1st September 1883, his widow Olivia put the hotel up for sale by public auction. Martin Beavis bought the hotel. 

Hotels were places where other business activities could be transacted e.g. when Mason’s Dam was being built the Hydrualic Engineer referred people interested in viewing the plans and specifications to the Rosewood Hotel. The Clerk from the Walloon Divisional Board had several collection days and locations for ratepayers to pay their annual rates. Some of these locations included the Walloon Hotel, Grandchester Railway Station, Goos’s Hotel at Tallegalla, Pratts at Glamorganvale, Cribb & Foote’s at Fernvale and Beavis’s Rosewood Hotel. 

Conrad Friederich Iszlaub -1884
On 7th October 1884, Martin Beavis transferred the license to Conrad Friederich Iszlaub from Tallegalla. He was married (Martha Jane née Roberson) and hadn’t held a license before. He had four of his six children at home. 

Martin Beavis went to live at Bundamba where he died in 1886.

The Iszlaubs were kept busy. In January 1885 they hosted lunch “to which the players did full justice” for the Grandchester and Rosewood Cricket Clubs after a match at the recreational grounds.    Read about the Cricket Match     

In May 1886 the Success of Rosewood Lodge, P.A.F.S.O.A. had their anniversary dinner at the Agricultural Hall. The caterer was Conrad Iszlaub and by all accounts it was a success, for the tables “fairly groaned” with the abundance of food provided for the occasion, most of which was heartily consumed by those present.

At the Rosewood Show that year, a large and hungry gathering assembled in the showgrounds. James Ponting of the Commercial Hotel, which adjoined the showgrounds, had a publican’s booth and a marquee on site. Conrad Iszlaub presided at the Farmers’ Club lunch shed and also provided a breakfast for the judges who came up by the morning train. Philip Angel (baker) and William Matthew furnished the fruit and light refreshments.

Late in January 1888, John Reed was brought before the Police Magistrate charged with stealing 16s.9d. from the till of the Rosewood Hotel. He pled not guilty, but after the hearing the evidence the bench fined him £2, in default fourteen days’ imprisonment.

In June Conrad announced that he had decided to give up his business. His license was transferred on 14th July to his son-in-law, Robert Samuel Hodge from Laidley.

Robert Samuel Hodge -1888
Robert Hodge was a carpenter and builder by trade. He immigrated from Somerset, England in 1877 on the ship Newcastle. His wife was Mary Elizabeth née Iszlaub, daughter of Conrad and Martha.

In January 1889, Frank Ludovic, alias Karousa, a German swagman who had been staying at the hotel, was accused of stealing a coat, a pair of trousers and a purse containing £1/2s from James Fowler. Fowler was an engineer who was sharing a room at the hotel with him. Ludovic was sentenced to three months’ hard labour in the Brisbane Goal.

Robert and Mary’s daughter, Mary Elizabeth, was born at the hotel in September that year.

Robert Hodge bought the first buggy ever made in the vicinity of Rosewood from Mr. P. J. Gilligan’s coach building factory (February 1890). It was a curve fronted, shell-backed Eureka buggy of the customary dimensions. However, it was different from the ordinary buggies because it was fitted with a covered axle for the purpose of adding to its strength, a much required asset in a vehicle being used on country roads. It was plated all over for durability but was still one of the lightest-running machines the locals had ever seen on the road. Another advantage was the well under the back-seat. This enabled any person to sit comfortably in the back seat without the possibility of having their shins knocked against the front seat every time the buggy ran over a small rock or stone. The bottom was nicely carpeted, while the seats were cushioned and upholstered in a superior fashion. It was painted and varnished a very dark green, and embellished with gold-leaf facings, flesh-coloured and light-green lines.

A fire broke out in one of the bedrooms of the hotel Hotel one Sunday night in September. It was discovered before much damage was done. Bedclothes and other articles to the value of £7 were destroyed.

In October Robert Hodge built a “skittle-alley” where locals could play skittles for free, a clever move to encourage more patrons for longer visits.

At the Police Court in January 1891, seventy-six year old James Evans was charged with being disorderly at the Rosewood Hotel and destroying a police uniform. He and his wife were quarrelling so badly that Robert Hodge sent for Senior Constable Knox. He tried persuasion for a considerable time with no luck before deciding to use some force to restore order. A scuffle took place and Evans tore open the back of the constable’s jacket. It was a new style of uniform so Evans was ordered to pay the £1 cost of another one plus a 10s fine.

In May the Hodge’s son, Conrad James, died at the hotel aged nine weeks.

It’s reports like the one following that make me smile and appreciate the journalists from days gone by. Almost everything they witnessed was deemed worthy of reporting. Cauliflower, which was served at the hotel and supplied by local farmer William Freeman, came to the attention of the newspaper.
At the Rosewood Hotel, on Saturday last, a representative of this journal was shown two fine specimens of locally grown cauliflower. They had been grown by Mr. William Freeman on his farm near Rosewood, and were, without doubt, an excellent sample of that vegetable, being of great size, and containing an exceptionally large quantity of flower. One weighed over 10lb. Served up as a dish they were found to be of delicious flavour, a fact which can be testified to by the several members of the Rosewood Board who dined at the hotel on Saturday. When esculents of this kind can be successfully grown, there should be no reason why we should import them from the Southern colonies, as is done now, for our own production can compare favourably with those imported. (3)

During his tenure of the hotel Robert Hodge ran liquor booths at ploughing matches, the Rosewood races, the Mt Walker races, the Calvert races and the Rosewood shows.

On the evening of Thursday, 22nd July 1896, James Moran, an old resident of Rosewood, was found deceased in the hotel. He had been on the way to a friend’s house and sat down to rest at the hotel. James fell asleep and was found sitting with his head resting in his hands. He died from heart disease.

In August, the funeral of Robert’s mother-in-law Martha Iszlaub, left from the hotel for the Tallegalla Cemetery.

Robert Hodge had an elderly Danish man working for him at the hotel. Johann (John) Paul Timm was employed as a groom and “jack of all trades”. He was 28 years old when he came to Queensland from Hamburg in 1855 on the Merbz, which ran ashore on the sea side of Moreton Island. John was from Heiligenstadt, Holstein. He caught the steamer Swallow to Ipswich and he never saw his homeland again. In fact, he lived his life in this country without leaving much trace at all. He was naturalised in Brisbane on 3rd November 1863 and he was a carpenter by trade.

John died on the first Sunday in September 1900 aged 74 at the Ipswich Hospital. Mr J. W. Reed bought his body back to Rosewood so that he could be interred in the Tallegalla Cemetery. Numerous people attended his funeral. His faith was Evangelical-Lutheran, sometimes called the Church of Denmark. I wanted to mention “Old Tim”, as he was known locally, simply as an acknowledgement that he existed, as he had no family here to remember him.

In January 1901, Robert Hodge was granted one months leave from the hotel. During this time his wife Margaret acted in his place. In October he successfully applied for permission for another month’s absence from the hotel. Finally, on 2nd April 1902, the license of the Rosewood Hotel was transferred to Francis Denny, who had been managing it since January 1902. 

Robert Hodge vacated the hotel on Monday, 27th January 1902 and went to live in the bank premises pending the building of a new home for his family. Francis Denny took possession on the same day.

Francis Denny -1902
Francis Denny was born in 1860 in Ballarat, Victoria. He’d previously held licenses for the Victoria Hotel in Melbourne and then the Black Swan Wine and Beer Saloon, Kalgoorlie, W.A., for about twelve months. He married his wife Bridget née Kavanagh in Brisbane in 1902.

The Dennys successfully catered for many community functions in Rosewood over the years. Here are some of them.

Francis had the liquor booth at the Rosewood Races in November 1902 and in subsequent years while he was in town.

He had been in the Masonic Lodge for many years and he joined the local branch while in Rosewood. He hosted events for them such as this one in held in July 1904.
After their annual installation at the lodge-room the Masonic lodge No 878 S.C. sat down to a most elaborate spread, which had been prepared by Francis and Bridget Denny, mine hosts of the Rosewood Hotel. For excellence of the viands supplied, could not have been surpassed in the city. The usual Masonic toasts were duly honoured, and musical items were rendered by Bros. J. Mustard (Grandchester), J. W. Watkins, Schipper, and W. J. Hodge, and a recitation was delivered by Bro. T. Mylne. (4)

Acting-Sergeant George Perry, who has been stationed in Rosewood for nine years, was transfered to Thargomindah in August 1904. His send off was held at the Victoria Hall but the banquet was prepared and served by Francis and Bridget Denny. 

In November, the Combined Friendly Societies’ sports group held their end of year meeting at the Rosewood Hotel and those present thought it was so enjoyable that they proposed another one for Boxing Day.

In December 1904, Francis Denny decided to transfer the license to Mary Elizabeth Hodge from Rosewood. The townsfolk gave him a send-off.

Last night a number of leading townspeople at Rosewood assembled at the Rosewood Hotel to bid farewell to Mr. F. Denny, who for the past three years has been the licensee of that house. Judging by the remarks of those present, he has during that period made himself very popular in the township and the rich agricultural district surrounding it. His health was drunk with cordial musical honours, and an extra cheer was given fcr Mrs. Denny. Several of those present delivered speeches expressive of regret that Mr. Denny was departing from their midst, making special reference to the orderly and up to date manner iln which he had conducted the hotel, his liberality in cases of distress or towards anything that made for the welfare of the township and district, and his unvarying genitality.

In responding, Mr. Denny intimated that he fully recognised the spontaneous good-will which has induced them to ask him to meet them that evening. He had made many friends during his stay in Rosewood, and his association with the place had been satisfactory in every respect. The welfare of that district would always have his hearty good wishes, and they had his assurance that he would always be prepared to assist it if called upon. It is Mr. Denny’s intention to commence business in Toowoomba, where he is about to take over the Crown Hotel at an early date. The Rosewood Hotel is now being conducted by Mrs. R. Hodge, and in the course of the evening Mr. Denny expressed the hope that the same patronage would continue to be extended to the house as during his tenancy. (5)

Mary Elizabeth Hodge -1905
Mary’s license was granted on 4th January 1905. Her husband, Robert Samuel Hodge (former publican) was pursing a political career as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. He built a beautiful home for his family at the top of John Street in 1902 . This home was purchased in July-August 1907 by Frederick William Ruhno. It is located at 92 John Street and known as “The Laurels”. You can read a detailed description of the house in Historic Places on this website. At the same time, William Ruhno’s wife Euphemia, bought the Rosewood Hotel.

In August 1905 a presentation to Robert Hodge was held at the hotel.
There was a representative gathering of electors of Rosewood at the Rosewood Hotel on Saturday night last, with the object of making a presentation to Mr. R. S. Hodge as a mark of their esteem and sympathy for the untoward manner in which he ceased to be the member for the district. Mr. T. E. Coulson, Chairman of the Rosewood Shire Council, presided. Apologies, were received from several gentlemen who were unable to be present at the function. An appetising spread was laid out, and after refreshments had been discussed the following toasts were duly honoured:-” The Guest of the Evening,” proposed in eulogistic terms, and responded to by Mr. Hodge; ” The Present (Mr. W. Young) and the Past (Mr. W. J. Bennett) Secretary of Mr. Hodge’s Committee,” responded to by those gentleman; ” The Hostess,” responded to by Mr. Hodge, and several other toasts. The presentation of a very substantial purse of sovereigns was made by the Chairman (who referred in flattering terms to Mr. Hodge), on behalf of the electors of Rosewood, who desired to show pratical sympathy with Mr. Hodge. The recipient, who, on rising, was greeted with warm applause, thanked those present and also those whose absence was unavoidable for their practical appreciation. He did not think he deserved the kind things said about him. He would still endeavour to work for the good of the place. After several other gentleman had spoken, referring to the many sterling, qualities possessed by Mr. Hodge, the gathering terminated. (6)

In August 1907 the license transferred to Ellen Margaret Fowler of Peak Crossing.

Ellen Margaraet Fowler -1907
Ellen’s husband was Joseph Fowler, an Accountant. Ellen had held a license for the Peak Mountain Hotel at Peak Crossing from 7 April 1906 to 30 June 1907 and they had one child.

Sarah Vincent Maher -1909
In June 1909 the license transferred to Sarah Vincent Maher, wife of Edward Alphonus Maher, of Dalby. Edward later entered into partnership with William Rhuno. Sarah had one child and had never held a license. In April 1910 Edward applied, and was granted, a billiard license.

Wesley Williams -1910
On 3rd November 1910, Wesley Williams acquired the liquor license along with the billiard license. Welsey was also the local representative for the Massey-Harris Company.

Wesley’s time at the Rosewood Hotel was short lived. Perhaps it was because his wife Catherine Louisa Williams found herself in trouble. In April 1911, a Supreme Court writ was issued by Dr. Thomas Percival Allen against her claiming £1000 damages for alleged defamation.

Henry Jacob “Harry” Wendt -1911
On 15th May 1911, Lieutenant Henry Jacob Wendt (13th Lighthorse Regiment) took over the lease of Rosewood Hotel from Wesley Williams.

Harry was born Heinrich Jacob Wendt in 1886 to parents Heinrich Wilhelm Christian Wendt and Elizabeth née Weller. In his youth he was in the State School Cadets and he played tennis and cricket. He never married and his life was full of varied experiences. He farmed at Tiaro near Maryborough, kept the Rosewood Hotel, and during the first world war he was partners with his brother Wilhlem in the Palace Hotel in Bourke Street, Melbourne. The brothers also had a mixed business in Sydney and spent 15 years away from Queensland, returning in 1933. In 1937 Henry and his brother William were grocers living at 262 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo. Henry died in the Brisbane General Hosptial in 1939 and is buried in Hemmant Cemetery.

Back to the hotel……

On 12th May 1912, Henry Charles Frederick Linning, a 21 year old  electrician, stole a motorcycle valued at £60, the property of Reginald Banks, an engineer. Banks had left the bike on the verandah of Menzie’s boarding house in Ipswich where he was staying. Linning took it and rode it to the Rosewood Hotel and asked Harry Wendt if he wanted to buy it for £60. Harry said he didn’t want to buy the bike. The next morning Linning left the hotel, leaving the motorcycle in Harry’s charge. On May 28th Harry took it to the Rosewood police. Linning was apprehended in Sydney and also faced three charges of forgery (cheques). He was sentenced to two years in prison with hard labour. Unfortunately he continued stealing after he was released and went back to prison for another two years. 

Just before 2 a.m. on Saturday, 3rd January 1914, a fire broke out in the rear of Fraser’s boot shop in John Street and it spread rapidly. Nine business premises including the two-storey Rosewood Hotel were destroyed.

When the fire burst through the roof of Fite’s shop and ignited the hotel, the flames leapt to an enormous height. Crowds of people from the surrounding district arrived to help. Hundreds of willing hands formed bucket brigades and removed as much furniture, fittings and belongings from the buildings as humanly possible in the circumstances. The hotel could not be saved.

The boarders were able to save most of their belongings. Mrs George Wallace (Edith), Harry’s sister, lost most of her wedding presents and the Rosewood Cricket Club lost their bats etc which had been stored at the hotel. 

After the fire, Harry Wendt fitted up a bar in his sample room behind the hotel and erected a large tent for his customers. The sample room had been spared from the fire along with a small residence. Frantic efforts saved a small amount of the hotel’s furniture and goods. Amazingly, the piano was saved, and it and other salvaged items were put in the Police Station’s yard.

The Rosewood Hotel and contents were owned by Mrs Euphemia Margaret Ruhno. Eupehmia had it insured for £1,150 with the London and Lancashire Insurance Company. Harry Wendt had his stock-in-trade insured for £100, and his furniture insured for £450, with the Australian Alliance Company.

An inquiry was held into the cause and origin of the fire. Harry Wendt testified, “I am the licensee of the Rosewood Hotel in John-street. On Saturday, the 3rd instant, about 2 a.m., I was awakened by cries of “Fire !” I was sleeping on the balcony of my hotel. I went to the back of the hotel and saw flames coming from Fraser’s shop. I roused all in the hotel. I did not go to the fire. My hotel was afterwards burnt down by the fire. I had a big stock of over £200 worth. The stock was insured for £100. The billiard table was insured for £60 – it was worth £85. The furniture was worth £300. There had been crackers discharged in the back yards of the shops burnt on the night of the fire. There was none discharged in my yard. I have no idea how the fire started.”

It was determined that the fire started under the back corner of the the Fraser’s (bootmakers) workroom at the back of their shop and that the fire was probably caused by fireworks.

Rosewood Ablaze

In mid February work began on building a new hotel. Charles Ridsdale was the local contractor and he took two months to complete the work. This is the hotel standing today at 6 John Street, Rosewood.

Harry Wendt was granted a leave of absence from the hotel from 7th April to 5th May. The billiard licence was renewed and Alexander McPherson was appointed as his agent.

Mr. H. J. Wendt, of the Rosewood Hotel, has disposed of his lease to Mr. M’Pherson from North Queensland, and will be leaving the district at an early date. Mr. Wendt will be greatly missed, as he has been an enthusiastic cricket and tennis player, and has greatly assisted both clubs. He has  also taken an important part in the newly-formed Amateur Turf Club. (Q.T. 26th March 1914)

Alexander McPherson -1914
On 5th May 1914, at the Rosewood Court, the license was granted to Alexander McPherson. One year later Alexander took a leave of absence owing to illness. His wife Mary was appointed in his place.

The photo at the top of the page was taken when Alexander was the licensee and the hotel was newly built.

The period 1915-1963

August Varendorf -1915
On 5th October 1915, the license of the Rosewood Hotel transferred from Alexander McPherson to August Varendorf. The billiard license was also transferred.

August and his wife Catherine Julia née Sweeney previously ran the Royal Hotel at Moore. They had two daughters Eveleen and Margaret and a son named August.

It wasn’t long before he and his neighbour Alexander Fitis, who had a refreshment room next door, fell out of favour. There was a lane beside the hotel that they both used. When he moved into the hotel, August put a gate and a lock on the entrance to the lane to keep horses from entering it. Fitis found it annoying. August would unlock the gate for Fitis and lock it again after he left. Fitis had used the lane for years and believed that the old right-of-way belonged to him, so he decided to cut the chain to allow him to come and go freely. This he did more than once. Varrendorf wrote to Fitis, offering him the use of the right-of-way for £5 a year. In early December matters came to a head. Fitis cut a chain the previous evening which August immediately replaced. The next morning, when asked, August refused to open the gate so Fitis cut the heavier chain and took his horse back out. Fitis hit him. August Varrendorf sued Alexander Fitis for unlawful assault and willfully and unlawfully damaging property. 

Fitis said, We arranged to have a lock and key but I find there is now a strange lock that my key won’t fit, and the only chance I had of getting out was to cut the chain. I hit complainant because he hit my horse, and he was about to hit me. I got a letter, asking for an apology, and I thought I was entitled to an apology. I put the letter in my window, as I thought that was the best place for it.

Fitis was convicted on the charge of unlawful assault, and was fined 10s, with 3s 6d costs of Court, 10s witness’s expenses, and £2/2 /-professional costs. The case for damaging one chain was dismissed, with £2/7/- costs against the complainant.

One night in January 1916, at about 8.15 a.m., William H. Johnson, a representative for the International Harvester Co., was sitting on the rail of the balcony of the Rosewood Hotel. He overbalanced and fell a distance of 20 feet to the street, landing on his face and stomach. He was put into Varendorf’s motor car and taken to Dr Wallace, then to Ipswich Hospital. His wife and family lived at Tweed Heads, and when she was advised by telegram of the accident, she came to Ipswich. Johnson’s condition was very critical. He was suffering from a fracture of the base of the skull, however, there is no record of him succumbing to his injuries.

Towards the middle of the year, William Hart offered to sell August Varendorf his Coronation Hotel in Toowoomba for £800. This offer was to include the boot shop belonging to the hotel premises and the painting of the hotel. The Varendorfs decided to accept the offer. A contract was signed and £500 was paid.

On 29th June, the Catholic Advocate reported the following: Mr A Varendorf has sold out of the Rosewood Hotel to Mr William Joseph Carmichael of Brisbane. Mr Carmichael with his wife and family arrived on Monday (26th) and took over the hotel. Mr and Mrs Varendorf and family will leave for Warwick per motor during the week where they will spend a holiday.

After their holiday, August Varendorf took over the Coronation Hotel in Toowoomba. The Varendorfs were running the hotel when they found out that William Hart renegged on parts of the deal. The matter ended up in court resulting in the sale being cancelled and the money returned.

William Joseph Carmichael -1916
William was granted permission to run the hotel after the Varendorf’s left until his license was granted on 1st August. He was a wood tuner by trade. His father had a sawmill in South Brisbane. His wife Agnes Anastasia née Noonan was from Lowood. They had six children. Ursula and Callista attended the Beaudesert Convent. Winifred, Agnes, Kenneth and William were at home. Winifred and William attended school in Rosewood.

In November their four year old daughter, Agnes Marie, was jumping about on a spring mattress on a bed in the hotel when she overbalanced. She struck her head on the bedpost and was unconscious. Dr. Wallace was called in. Agnes remained unconscious for about eight hours and it was feared she was seriously injured. Surprisingly, she recovered well.

After Christmas in 1917 a man named George Gibson appeared in the Brisbane Court charged with impersonating William Carmichael and pretending to be the proprietor of the Rosewood Hotel. It turned out that Gibson had another alias, Thomas J. Duff, and had a long list of convictions. He pleaded guilty and was eventually sentenced to two years in prison with hard labour.  Hotel Keeper Impersonated  A Cute “Customer” Wanders into Finney’s and Poses as a Publican

John Robert Moore -1918
On 1st October 1918, at the Rosewood Police Court before Mr. W. E. McKenna (Licensing Justice), the license transferred from William Joseph Carmichael to John Robert Moore (Sheriffs’ Bailiff). Moore had a wife and child. He had the licence until December 1918, when he went to Federal Hotel in Brisbane and James Clifford from Ipswich took over (license granted 5th February 1919).

James Patrick Clifford -1919
On New Years’ Day 1919, a cricket match was played on the show ground wicket between the Laidley and Rosewood cricket teams, and resulted in a win for Rosewood. Mr. R. Francis captained the visitors, and Mr. James Hogan the home team. At night the visitors were entertained at a banquet at Clifford’s Rosewood Hotel.

The victualler’s and billiard licenses for the Rosewood Hotel were finally granted to James Clifford on 5th February 1919.

On 13th March, the first match of the season and the very first to be played on the new Anzac Park recreation reserve was played.  Rosewood Rugby Football League secured a victory over the Brisbane Railway team by 14-6. They were entertained at Clifford’s Hotel.

In April the members of the Queensland Times Cricket Club visited Rosewood. After the match they were entertained at Clifford’s Rosewood Hotel as guests of the Rosewood Cricket Club. Mr. Bourke captained the home team, and H. P. Ogg skippered the visitors. Mr. M. O’Sullivan (Rosewood) and Mr. Buyemeister (Ipswich) performed the duties of umpire. Mr. Thomas J. Barker kept the scores. Rev. Father Kelleher was an onlooker. The newspaper men batted first and put together 102 runs. L. McKerehan, a linotype operator, gave a fine performance for the not-out innings of 25. C. Stevenson (15), and the skipper, Henry Ogg (14) were the only other double figure scorers. The Rosewood players made a supreme effort to win, the principal scorers being Tom Bennett 26, F. Mengell 17 but the visitors won by seven runs.

Again in January 1920, after a cricket match between Gatton and Rosewood, the players convened to the Rosewood Hotel.

In March 1921 James Clifford disposed of the goodwill of the Rosewood Hotel to Charles Henry Stuart of Brisbane, who took possession immediately (license granted 3rd May).

The Cliffords remained in the district for a few weeks before moving on to the Prince of Wales Hotel in Brisbane Street, Ipswich. Their departure will be greatly regretted, as, during their two years stay here, they have made many friends and taken a keen interest in all public matters. (7)

The hotel may have seemed to have changed hands often up to this point, but over the next seven years the hotel changed hands even more frequently.

Charles Henry Stuart-1921
Charles Henry Stuart was a single man and had not held a licence before. It must have proved a daunting challenge to him because on 5th May 1921, he sold the license to Martha Jane Hambly, a widow with two children from Gatton.

 Martha Jane Hambly -1921
For three years prior, Martha had run the Imperial Hotel at Gatton. She immediately advertised for a hairdresser with their own fittings to come and work in the hotel.

In August 1921 Martha died at the Ipswich Hospital after a short illness.

A few days later Robert Ballaghin, a carpenter, who was staying at the Rosewood Hotel was found unconscious lying in bed. His face was covered with blood and he was in a bad way. Dr. Wallace found the man had injuries to the eye, head, hip, foot and a fractured arm. It was thought that he had walked in his sleep and fell over the balcony as blood was found on the road below and on the downstairs verandah. He survived his fall.

Robert Gray -1921
On 4th October 1921 the license transferred from Samuel A. Tynan (executor of will of M. J. Hambly) to Robert Gray. 

Mrs Sarah Ann Yule Roche -1922
In January 1922, Robert Gray disposed of his interest to Mrs Sarah Ann Yule Roche of Brisbane. She obtained her license in April.

Charlotte Isabel Soderholm -1923
On 10th April 1923, Olive Charlotte Isabel Soderholm was granted a license. Sarah Roche went to Augathella and eventually bought the Claren Hotel. 

Joseph Austin Sellick -1923
In October Olive Soderholm sold the lease to Joseph Austin Sellick who was soon elected president of the Rosewood Rugby League Club. 

Alexander Hobart -1924
Once againthe license of the hotel changed hands in March 1924, Alexander Hobart, of Kalbar, being the new proprietor. Alex was elected as president of the Rosewood Rugby League Club in place of Joseph Sellick.

Francis Joseph Diamond -1926
In September 1926 Francis Joseph Diamond obtained the license. Alex Hobart went to the Globe Hotel in Inglewood. Frank and his wife Vivien Laura Diamond, née Ford, only had the hotel for a year. In late September 1927 they went to take the license for the Royal Exchange Hotel at Gympie. 

Edwin McIntosh -1927
At the same time as the hotel was changing hands, the trial of Alan Jeynes for the murder of Louise Bade was wrapping up. Detective Sergeant Francis Henry McIver had been staying for some weeks at the hotel, which he used as headquarters for his man-hunt. His presence there naturally attracted people to the place, and business to the bar. The hotel broker and the buyer (Edwin McIntosh) came to Rosewood to arrange final details of the sale. Just when everything seemed settled, the publican demanded another £25 from McIver and he got it!

Edwin’s wife was Ellen, née Molloy, and their child came to Rosewood from the Commercial Hotel at Crows Nest.

Thomas Ernest Baker -1928
By September 1928 Thomas Ernest Baker had the license and freehold for the hotel. He and his wife Elizabeth née Elliott came to Rosewood from the Prince of Wales Hotel at Proserpine. The McIntoshes went to Dalby to take on the Albion Hotel.

In January 1929 Michael John O’Connor (64), a fruit vendor,  died suddenly while sitting on the verandah of the Rosewood Hotel. Thomas Baker noticed he was very ill and sent for Sergeant Tighe and  Dr Wallace. The Rev. Father O’Rourke came too. Michael died within 20 minutes of their arrival. A bottle, which might have contained poison, was found on the footpath. A post-mortem examination was conducted by Dr. Wallace in the presence of Sergeant Tighe and Constable Nolan and the contents of the man’s stomach were forwarded to the Government’s Analyst.

The man who was about 60 years of age, traded as a fruit hawker in Rosewood. For some time, he resided at Thagoona, but recently came to Rosewood. It is known that he had a daughter and two sons and at one time lived at Mt. Morgan where a sister named Mrs. Bird also resides. It is understood that he served in the South African War, also the late war and that he lived for a number of years at Gympie being engaged in the mining industry. (8)

The hotel must have been a favourite place for the local cricketers to gather after games. In March 1930 a match which caused a good deal of interest was played between Eastern Suburbs A Grade team from Brisbane (including several interstate players) and the local team. The visitors won by eight wickets and 30 runs. J. Downey captained the visitors, and W. Johnson the home team. The visiting players were entertained at the Rosewood Hotel.

Tom and Elizabeth Baker donated trophies for various sporting events like athletics, basketball, rifle shooting, bicycle racing and for dances. The wheelers often started their races at the hotel and had various courses e.g. to the bottom of Amberley Hill and back. Tom was vice president of the Rifle Club and the Amateur Wheelers and a member of the Social Service League. He was also treasurer of the Basketball Club.

On Saturday night 28th May 1934, some of the Rosewood and district residents gathered in the dining room of the Rosewood Hotel to say “au-revoir” to Albert Edward and Edith Clarice Taylor. Albert Taylor had been the manager of the local branch of the Queensland National Bank Ltd. for three and a half years, and was transfered to manage the Goomeri branch.   Read about the farewell

In July 1935, the question of the exclusive right to supply liquor to the Rosewood Hotel was bought before the Brisbane Supreme Court. Queensland Brewery Ltd., Brisbane, sought an injunction to restrain Thomas Baker from purchasing wines, ales, beers and other liquor from any other person, firm or company except Queensland Brewery Ltd, during the term of the sub-lease. 

The sub-lease, which was dated 11th October 1927, concerned land on which the Rosewood Hotel stood. The hotel was formerly owned by Edwin McIntosh, who on 11th October 1927, gave a lease to Baker for 15 years from March 1st, 1929. At the same time, Queensland Brewery Ltd gave him a sub-lease for 15 years less one day from March 1st, 1929. The important matter for the court to decide was clause 23 of that sub-lease, which stated that any wines, ale, beer, port, and other liquor used, sold, or consumed on the hotel premises, should be exclusively supplied by the Queensland Brewery Ltd. Ultimatley a judgement was given to Thomas Baker with costs.   Supply of Liquor – Rosewood Hotel Case    Against Brewery Verdict for Rosewood Plaintiff  

After having stability for over seven years the licensees changed frequently. On 15th June 1936 it transferred from Tom Baker to Thomas Vincent Johnson. 

Thomas Vincent Johnson -1936
The Johnson’s infant son became critically ill in September, so after just six months, Edward John Goodson took over on 16th November. The Johnsons went to Southport for a holiday. 

Edward John Goodson -1936
Edward was formerly from New Guinea. His license was finally granted on 12th January 1937. Just months later, on 18th June, the license transferred from Goodson to Louise Margaret Rushton. She came from the Prince Alfred Hotel at Booval. 

Louise Margaret Rushton -1937
A year later the licensed passed to Ernest Nicholas Gainen.

Ernest Nicholas Gainen -1938
Ernest and his wife Clara Loretta, stayed until July 1940 and they went to Prince Alfred Hotel at Booval. Their niece Kathleen, who lived with them, died there soon after aged 25 years.

Kathleen Gaines was born at Barraba, New South Wales and was educated at the Deaf and Dumb Convent, Waratah. Her mother died when she was seven years old. Since then, she and her two brothers Roy and John had made their home with their uncle and aunt. Though deprived of the faculties of speech and hearing, Kathleen entered happily into the social and recreation life of the town while in Rosewood. She was a member of St Brigid’s Tennis Club and of the Younger Set of the C.W.A

Henry George Meskell -1940
On 27th July 1940, the license went to Henry George Meskell. On 27th February 1941 a leave absence was granted to Henry & Lydia Meskell. Miss Olga Hope Brown took over.

Olga Hope Brown -1941
In April 1942 the Public Health Department found that the stairway needed repairs. The stairway also served as a fire escape leading from the top floor of the hotel to the back yard and it was referred to the Council and the Health Inspector to arrange to have the repairs done.

Olga found herself before the Rosewood Police Court on a few occasions. In November 1942 she was convicted and fined £25 and ordered to pay 6 shillings costs of Court, in default one month’s imprisonment for keeping her hotel open for the sale of liquor during prohibited hours. She pleaded “Not guilty” and was given until December 13th to pay the fine and costs. The complaint was made by Police Sergeant Francis Norman Aspinall. At the same hearing, a second charge against her was heard for using insulting words in a public place. The complaint was withdrawn for lack of evidence. 

Marstella Madson, a tool carrier from Lanefleld, appeared also before the same Court for being found on licensed premises during prohibited hours. He pleaded “Guilty,” and was fined £1 with 6s costs of Court, in default five days’ imprisonment.  Read about it here.

In July 1943 Olga announced her engagement to Tech. Sgt. William Y. Bookout (U.S. Air Corp) from Gastonia, North Carolina. They didn’t marry. Instead she married Leslie Ernie Wilson in 1946.

Olga went to court again in September 1943. Sergeant Aspinall charged her with  committing a breach of the intoxicating liquor order No.1A under the National Security Regulations. She supplied three lodgers with liquor on her licensed premises at 9.10 p.m during prohibited hours. It was the first case of its kind in Queensland. It was heard by Mr. R. H. Allen, S.M.. She was fined £10 with 6s. costs.

In October 1944, Euphemia Margaret Rhuno died at her home “The Laurels”. The ownership of the Rosewood Hotel passed to her son William Norman Rhuno.

The Queensland Times on 28th June 1945 reported: Miss O. Brown, who for several years has conducted the Rosewood Hotel at Rosewood, has disposed of her interest in it to Mr and Mrs Jock Duff of the City View Hotel Ipswich. Miss Brown and Miss J. Gibson, also from the Rosewood Hotel, will leave for Brisbane at the end of the week.

John “Jock” Duff -1945
Jock was one of the vice presidents of the reformed Rosewood Cricket Club while he was in town. In February 1947 Jock went to Scotland to visit his parents in Edinburgh and his wife kept the hotel while he was away. He had a lovely singing voice and rendered solos at several community functions. The 1948 electoral roll shows John Duff (hotel keeper) and Claire Magdalene Duff (hotel manager) at Rosewood. 

Arthur James Asher -1949
Arthur James Asher was the next publican. He was a Watchmaker by profession. His wife was Jean Kathleen née Dickson.

The Queensland Times on Monday 2 October 1950 reported: FAREWELL EVENING AT ROSEWOOD ROSEWOOD, 1st Oct. – A surprise farewell evening and presentation was made to Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Asher, of the Rosewood Hotel last Thursday night. Mr. and Mrs. Asher, who will be succeeded in the business by Mr. J. Heenan, of Laidley, had previously announced to their customers that “free beer and a buffet supper would be provided on Thursday night” and friends decided to make the evening a surprise presentation farewell. Mr. J. Hayes was chairman. and speakers were Messrs. E. R Chilcott (on behalf of the publicans), E. R. Blake (the public), F. Ward (miners), V. J. Donovan (cricketers), and N. J. Armitage (business folks). Mr. A. R. Blake made the presentation of a smoker’s stand to Mr. and Mrs. Asher and a china breakfast set to Lee Asher. Mr. Asher responded.

John Heenan – 1950
On 29th September 1950,  Arthur James Asher passed the license to John Heenan of Laidley. John “Jack” and Kathleen Mary Heenan née Bugler were at the Hotel until 1962.

The wonderful photo below was kindly provided by Jack and Kath Heenan’s nephew, Lawrence Roache. Lawrence said that Kath was in charge of the accommodation, counter meals and played piano in the lounge on Friday nights with her brother Mick Bugler on drums. Jack was in charge of the bar and ordering of liquor through Bulimba Breweries. Prior to coming to Rosewood they were hoteliers in the Queensland National Hotel in Laidley, in the 1940s.

Daniel John McMahon -1962
Daniel John & Mildred Stella Hortense McMahon still had the hotel in 1963.

Information on future licencees will be added below as it is discovered.

Phillip Charles and Lilly Ginnivan – 1968

Des and Margaret Jackson held the license from 1980-1985.

Donald Angus and Georgina Rose Taylor 1991-2004

© Jane Schy, 2024

 

 

References:
(1) Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, Tuesday, 30 March 1880, page 2
(2) Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, Saturday, 23 December 1882, page 3
(3) Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, Tuesday, 21 August 1894, page 2
(4) Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, Thursday, 21 July 1904, page 11
(5) Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser -Tuesday, 17 January 1905, page 12
(6) Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser – Tuesday, 8 August 1905, page 8
(7) Queensland Times, Saturday, 5 March 1921, page 2
(8) Queensland Times, Saturday, 5 January 1929, page 8
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