The Queen Victoria Inn
Jerrys Plains
Richard Alcorn had previously been the proprietor of the Greyhound Inn at Falbrook.
In 1838 he built the sandstone Queen Victoria Inn at Jerry's Plains.
Edward Alcorn, brother of Richard took over the licence in June 1840.
The settlers had long complained about the state of the roads in the district and in 1842 a communication was forwarded to the Governor setting out an idea for a better road. However it seems that Richard Alcorn was not prepared to wait for government funds. By May 1842 the Hunter River Gazette recorded that the Messrs. Alcorn had not only marked but cleared a road between Jerry's Plains and Patrick's Plains avoiding the high stony ridges and valleys the previous track had passed through. There was said to be always a plentiful supply of grass and water by this line. The new road would save five miles between Jerry's plains and Patrick's Plains and fifteen to Maitland.
In 1842 James Ham was issued the publican's licence for the Queen Victoria.[1]
Sir Charles Fitzroy passed through Jerry's Plains in 1847 and Richard Alcorn was expecting to entertain the Governor before he moved on to Merton. However Sir Charles made only a very short stay of about ten minutes at Alcorn's Inn, the horses of the party being held at the door. He then proceeded to the Police Barracks where he dined with Lieutenant Gall. Richard Alcorn had made expensive preparations for his Excellency's reception and was disappointed at missing the honor of entertaining him [2]
Richard Huxley
Richard Huxley was granted the licence in April 1862 until 1877 [3]Henry York
The Singleton Argus reported that Henry York purchased the Inn in 1877 [4]. He transferred the licence from the Jockey Club Inn at Singleton to the Victoria Inn. A visitor to the district described the York family in 1879: With this spirit pervading the community it is not strange that any visitor, who is not predisposed to be grumpy, can enjoy himself for two or three days under the care of host York and his good wife ; especially when that most amiable individual,. Miss York, will undertake to get together those of her young friends who can sing, and they are very willing-for the mutual enjoyment of an hour or two's music. It was thus that I spent a pleasant couple of days at the Plains last week [5]Henry Parker
Henry Parker was granted a publicans licence in 1883. He was also a grazier and dairyman. He left Jerrys Plains for Moree in 1900 after a residence of over fifteen years. He returned however and remained in the district until 1918 when he left to reside with his daughter at WaratahNotes and Links
Edward Alcorn took out a licence for the Caledonian Hotel in Singleton in April 1853.References
[1] Maitland Mercury 15 April 1843[2] Maitland Mercury 10 February 1847
[3] Maitland Mercury 17 April 1862
[4] Singleton Argus 7 July 1877
[5] Maitland Mercury 10 July 1879
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