Charles Alfred ANDERSON (1883-1940)

CHARLES ALFRED ANDERSON, proprietor of "Anderson's Queenscliffe Hotel," is the fourth son of the late Mr. John Bernard Anderson, formerly of Avendal, Norway, who was for many years a resident of Port Adelaide. The late gentleman conducted the Kent Hotel for several years, and about December, 1884, came with his family to Queenscliffe, Kangaroo Island. Having obtained the first licence issued for a public-house on the island, he opened the present Queenscliffe Hotel, which was the pioneer building of any note to be constructed there. At that time there was no jetty or wharf, the only means of getting ashore being on the backs of the sailors. Roads also were unknown. The establishment was conducted by the late Mr. J. B. Anderson, who, in conjunction with the business, owned and traded with the ketch "Hawthorn" between Port Adelaide and the island. He also founded the first eucalyptus oil factory on Kangaroo Island about the year 1890, and forwarded samples of his manufacture to all parts of the world, receiving the record price of 3s. 3d. per lb., a figure that has never since been reached. The enterprise was relinquished ten years later, on account of the reduction of profits brought about by competition, but to the present day his "Kangaroo" brand of oil is well remembered as a superior product. He ended a successful career in 1901.

After her husband's demise, Mrs. Anderson let the hotel for six years,, and went into private life at the Semaphore. On July 1, 1907, the lease expired, and she again resumed the proprietorship of the house, placing the management in the hands of her son; the subject of this memoir, who has worked up a splendid connection. A few years ago the building was enlarged by the addition of another storey, necessitated by the increased patronage, caused by the growing popularity of the island as a health and pleasure resort. It is now an imposing structure, with accommodation for about fifty visitors, acetylene-gas fittings being installed throughout. The rooms, which include sample-rooms for the use of commercial travellers, are spacious and well furnished, and the whole has been thoroughly renovated on the most modern lines. Visitors receive the most courteous attention, every facility for picnicing parties is provided, and only the best brands of wines and spirits, etc., are kept in stock. Mr. Anderson's house is a popular one, and is well deserving of its good repute.

- Cyclopedia of South Australia, 1909, pp.1018-1019