In 1900 Australia was still a number of individual colonies, the Boer War was still taking place, and in China the Boxer Rebellion was drawing nations across the world into that conflict.

In Charlton ten members of the community from different walks of life met in a small room behind a shop, and with the taking of minutes, banking and a constitution the Charlton Club was born on May 21st; the first President being local solicitor Ben Green.

Even from the very early years membership was very select and difficult to obtain with a strict processing system in place.

The inaugural year saw 115 members pay a subscription of 10 shillings and 6 pence per annum. Once you became a member any breaching of the rules would result in expulsion, with future readmission unlikely.

In December, 1916, a Liquor Licence was obtained that was extended to a 24-hour licence in 1917; this licence still exists today.

Many extensions and alterations to the small rooms at 37 High Street were made over the years with the last major one being done in 1972. A cleaner was employed for 12 shillings per week, which increased to 16 shillings if flood waters from the Avoca River came in.

The clubs magnificent full size billiard table was purchased in the early 1900s from Melbourne firm Alcock and Pierce, with the building being purchased outright in 1913. “Ballarat Bertie” beer was the drink of choice for members. The club purchased the burnt out café site where the Bendigo Bank now stands for use as a car park, and in 1972 spent $12,000 on further internal work and purchases for the comfort of members.

From the First World War until 1966, hotels were forced to close at 6 p.m. each day, but the Charlton Club’s unrestricted licence made membership an attractive option. Oldtimers still recall 4 bar staff serving patrons 3 deep along the bar. Record memberships were recorded in the 1980s, but with a downturn in patronage in the 1990s, only one bar steward was employed. With the installation of poker machines in mind, a motion was put forward to open membership to females; that was carried 105 to 75. Current vice-president Rodney Heritage nominated his mother as the first female member, and this was successfully adopted.

Today the Charlton Club still opens Friday evenings and for functions, meetings and events as required, and is totally run by volunteers. It is a popular spot for visitors to drop into from the rear Travellers Rest Caravan Park with many regular return patrons enjoying the friendly atmosphere. Those early pioneering members would be proud of the continuing tradition that they first started one hundred and twenty five years ago.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 30 May 2025.