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Segenhoe/Aberdeen Inn was built in 1837 on the estate of
Thomas Potter Macqueen
Ralph
George Martin
was the first licensed innkeeper at the Aberdeen
Inn.
He had previously held the licence for the
New Inn at
Black Creek; for the
Traveller's Rest
in
Murrurundi, and later held
the license for an inn at Armidale.
The Aberdeen was advertised to be leased out in 1839
(2).
- To Innkeepers and others - To be let for a term of seven years,
from 1st July 1839, that splendid Inn at Aberdeen, Hunters River, on the
main road from Maitland to Liverpool plains, New England, and all the
out stations. The Township of Aberdeen is just commencing and in a few
years it promises to be the first town in that district. The above Inn
is now in full trade, and the license will be transferred immediately
therefore it being the best time of the year for the trade; harvest and
sheep shearing just commencing the tenant will have the benefit of it.
The Aberdeen Inn being so well known it requires no puffing, but
any respectable party that might rent the inn with attention will
realise a fortune in three years. An Eight horse flour mill was also
advertised separately.
The next publican was
Philip Wright
who also took over the flour mill. By 1841 the Inn and flour mill were
to be offered for sale under orders of the Under Sheriff.
Scone
folk were in a state of great excitement in November 1844 when it was
thought that Governor Gipps would being visiting on his journey up the
valley. He was expected to stay at the Aberdeen Inn and then proceed to
meet the gentry of the district. On reaching Aberdeen however he was
taken suddenly ill and compelled to go to bed.
Dr. Docker and
Dr. Haig attended him in
his illness. This was a great disappointment to Scone people as many had
invited the Governor to partake of their hospitality.
John Bingle's mansion at Puen Buen was
put to inconvenience to make ready in case the Governor should visit. A
correspondent to the Maitland Mercury observed that His
Excellency preferred stopping at inns rather than private estate because
of the abuse he had received from the grazing and squatting community
for promulgating the new squatting regulations.(3).
Some of the Governor's suite and a select few gentlemen were entertained
at Puen Buen in his absence.
William Gardner was innkeeper between 1855 and 1857
In April 1859 the application of William Walker for a license was
opposed by the Police Magistrate on the grounds of his intemperate
habits. The application of Thomas Pierce Hopkins was objected to by the
police Magistrate and the further hearing of the case was postponed. He
was later granted the license however in October closed the Segenhoe and
moved his lemonade and cordial business to Muswellbrook.
In 1863 W. Irving Gardiner gave notice that he was opening a wholesale
and retail store in the house formerly known as the Segenhoe Hotel at
Aberdeen.
In 1891 Tenders were invited for the lease of the newly completed
substantially built stone premises at Aberdeen, admirably suited for a
hotel or boarding house and standing on the site of the old well known
Segenhoe Hotel.
Segenhoe Hotel History
(2)
Sydney Herald October 1839
(3) Maitland Mercury 2 November 1844
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