A beefwood round fence marks the original selection. Photos show it to have been a solid structure with deep verandahs, fruit trees and a garden. The name probably came from a simple bough shed or cane grass shelter built by the first settlers. In December 1906, Grass Hut covered itself with glory when 90 people from across the district rode in for a sports day and evening dance which raised nine pounds for the Bourke Hospital.
The hotel was linked to a personal tragedy in 1919 as reported in the 11 June edition of the Western Herald. The story paints a picture of the travellers of the times;
“TRAGEDY AT GRASS HUT.
At Grass Hut on Wednesday last a swagman with a bike called at the Hotel and after he had a drink departed. He gained entrance to a hut about (one and a half) miles from the place, the door of which was locked. On Friday Mr. E. Nolan bad occasion to visit the hut and after unlocking the door found the dead body of the traveller (named Snow) on the floor;- with his throat cut. Deceased had shaved himself and had evidently then committed suicide. Mr. Nolan reported the matter to the Enngonia police, who in turn informed the Coroner. Mr. A. Knox Poolman held an inquiry on Friday night at Grass Hut and returned a verdict of suicide.“
The pub got a small mention in the same publication in December 1922, though it is not sure whether the article would be filed under ‘weather’ or ‘housing’;
“BLOW AT GRASS HUT.
We hear that an exceptionally heavy rain and windstorm struck Grass Hut on Saturday evening last. It is stated that 250 points of rain fell in half an hour. The wind un-roofed the stables and took the roof off the verandah of the hotel.“
The pub outlasted many of its contemporaries along the road north from Bourke which, with the rise in motorised transport became ‘shorter’ year by year. It was typical of those well-loved bush establishments, crucial to life in those times, a sentiment which is conveyed in the Western Herald in 1924;
“GRASS HUT HOTEL
On Wednesday morning last the licence of the Grass Hut Hotel was transferred from Mr. A. E, Major to Mr. J. Barry. The new proprietor is well known in the Bourke district and as far as the border, and. is sure to receive good support in his new home. Joe very successfully catered on the Telegraph Hotel in Bourke for the last 9 years and was renowned for the excellent brands of spirits stocked, and is. sure to keep the same supply at Grass Hut, and residents of that district as well as the travelling public can rely on the best brands of wines, beers and spirits being always in stock. Meals will be ready at all hours for travellers and there will be ample accomodation. We wish the new proprietor every success.“
Between 1938-42 the pub was operated by John Maxwell, the son of a Bourke camel driver. John has been recognised in The Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach, for his droving feats. He once moved 3000 head of cattle with his son and daughter nearly 1000 kms from Northampton Downs in QLD to Brewarinna NSW.
The pub eventually burnt down in 1991, almost a century after serving its first drinks.
