|  The
Criterion is an iconic symbol in the history of
Hotels in Australia. Its famous cousin the 'Breaky
Creek' Brisbane was built in the same year 1889
with very similar architecture, the Criterion
having one extra floor. Following the Canoona
gold rush of the 1850's the embryo of the Criterion
Hotel, Palmers store was situated on the banks
of the Fitzroy River opposite the present Criterion.
1856 saw the construction of the Bush
Inn 'where The Criterion now stands' by Robert
Parker of Gayndah. The eldest daughter of Parker,
Dorinda Anne married George Silus Curtis a promising
real estate agent, auctioneer and aspiring politician.
Dorinda Anne was inspired to erect a 'public house
of splendor and class' and after several journeys
overseas The Criterion Hotel was constructed in
1889, the tender price reading 'just a little
over ten thousand pounds'
 George Silus Curtis MLA was well known for his
separatist feelings and was the leader of the
push for separation of South and North Queensland
with Rockhampton being the capital of North Queensland.
Whilst writing for the Brisbane Journal 'The Boomerang'
Henry Lawson, Australia's legendary poet, wrote
a poem in relation to the separationists:
'Now
the people of Rockhampton while their land was
being camped on
by the God of revolution and the angle of despair.
Held a meeting, never heeding how the country
lay a bleeding
And they talked about seceding just as if they
didn't care
So they rave for federation while they howl for
separation
Did you ever see a nation, such a state of things
reveal'
With such a colourful beginning the Criterion
was destined for great times
and has played host
to Queen Elizabeth II, The Duke and Duchess of
Gloucester, The English Cricket team, Rockhamptons
own Rod Laver, Lew Hoad, Ken Rosewall and during
World War II was the headquarters of General Eichelberger
US Army and the planing Headquarters for the Battle
of the Coral Sea and the Pacific often visited
by General Douglas MacArthur and many
more international
identites.
Since construction in 1889 'The Cri' has been
a family operation, originally the Parker-Curtis
families, The Smith family 1922 to 1982, Balkin,
Gill, Tourish and from 1991 the Turnbull family.
The Turnbull family are proud to have
been owners since 1991 and are continually
seeking new avenues to ensure the longevity of
this Australian Icon. Four generations of the
Turnbull family currenlty reside at 'The Cri'. |
