Originally, it operated as the Royal Exchange Hotel in 1886 under the licensee Richard Green, a well-known figure in the town. Green was not only a storekeeper and butcher but also a cattle dealer, alderman, and multiple-time mayor. His wife notably opened the North Bourke Bridge in 1883. Green had previous experience as the licensee of the Salmonford Hotel at Fords Bridge and later managed Bourke’s Royal Hotel.
In 1894-1895, the hotel took on the name The Harp of Erin under its new publican, John McLaughlin. However, in 1897, Alexander Shaw assumed control of the hotel, renaming it The Caledonian. Despite the changes in its official name, the hotel became affectionately known among locals as “The Golden Stairs”.
The hotel was situated on Mitchell Street, with Doughty’s Horse Bazaar located to its right, between the Harp of Erin and the Carriers Arms Hotel. To the left stood the Shakespeare Hotel, strategically located at the corner of Mitchell and Glen Streets, forming a key hub in the town’s social and commercial landscape.
In 1903, disaster nearly struck when a fierce fire broke out on Mitchell Street. The flames, fuelled by the predominantly timber buildings lining the street, lit up the night sky. Despite the destruction of nine shops and a horse bazaar, a heroic effort by the fire brigade successfully saved the Harp of Erin, preserving this well-loved establishment for refreshment-loving locals.
In 1924, the Caledonian was one of seven Bourke hotels to fall victim to the Government Licensing Reduction Board.
The building was sold to the Bourke Municipal Council and used as the local council chambers until 1934.
After serving Bourke for about fifty years, the old Caledonian Hotel was demolished in 1935.
Read Bruce Gray’s colourful story on the Caledonian Hotel.
The Pubs & Breweries of Bourke
From its earliest days Bourke has always had a reputation as a drinking town and it’s no wonder as it was, in fact, founded by publicans!