Fire at Capertee
1894
What became known as Shervey’s Hotel in Capertee was built in 1862. By 1894 this hotel was considered to be the oldest landmark on the Mudgee road. In that year the building was owned by Mr Shervey and the licensee was Mr Phillipson.The hotel was a regular stopping place for people travelling to and from Mudgee. One night in November 1894 the hotel had as a guest one Mr Fleming, brother-in-law to Dr Nicholl of Mudgee. Mr Fleming was riding his bicycle from Sydney to Mudgee and stopped overnight at Capertee. Mr Fleming found the night warm enough to leave the window open. He placed a lit candle near the window while he left the room. It was believed the curtains may have blown over the candle and caught fire. The resultant fire caused great damage in the town. Not only was Shervey’s Hotel completely destroyed, but so too was the neighbouring general store belonging to Mr Paton.
Ref: RDHS Research & Writing Group Newsletter Spring 2010
 |
| Capertee Royal Hotel |
Photo: Capertee Royal Hotel collection
This photo shows the Capertee Royal Hotel which was rebuilt in stone in 1884 after the previous timber building was totally destroyed by fire on the night of 14th January, 1884.
Ref: SMH - 16 November 1894, p.9
Hi. Just a little side note. Mr Matthew Phillipson (Licensee) was my Great, Great, Grandfather. His family lost all of their official papers in the Hotel fire, and, as a result, when officially re-registering the family, an error was made in the spelling of the surname and to this day his descendants' surname is spelled with only one 'L'. i.e 'Philipson'. I have a lovely portrait of him which I can forward a copy of if it would be of any interest. Kelly Duncan.
ReplyDeleteHi. Just a little side note. Mr Matthew Phillipson (Licensee) was my Great, Great, Grandfather. His family lost all of their official papers in the Hotel fire, and, as a result, when officially re-registering the family, an error was made in the spelling of the surname and to this day his descendants' surname is spelled with only one 'L'. i.e 'Philipson'. I have a lovely portrait of him which I can forward a copy of if it would be of any interest. Kelly Duncan.
ReplyDelete