Some history about 33-35 Queen Street
33-35 Queen St.
This was originally the site of the Barraba Freezing Works which were opened on April 25, 1916. The works were completed at a cost of £6,000. It was expected that 24,000 rabbits would be treated weekly.
19th May, 1916
BARRABA FIRE - FREEZING WORKS DESTROYED
A serious outbreak of fire occurred this morning when Curtis & Curtis’s freezing works were destroyed. The fire commenced at half-past three, and when discovered it was burning fiercely. The first indication the residents had, was several loud explosions, due to the bursting of ammonia cylinders. There were 3000 boxes of frozen rabbits in store. The firm’s books were saved. The total damage is estimated at £15,000, which is only partly covered by insurance in the Liverpool and London and Globe office. An adjoining cottage, belonging to J. Charlton, was also destroyed. This building was insured for £100 in the same office. Curtis and Curtis will be heavy losers. The destruction of the works is a serious matter for Barraba. Although partially closed for the time being, owing to want of shipping space, the works have been a great stand-by to the town. The origin of the fire is unknown, but there are no suspicious circumstances.
Harry and Dave Eames had a garage in this building. They specialised in VWs. Harry lived in an upstairs section of the building at the front. Harry later built and owned the motel in Edward St. The building was then occupied by Col Freestone as a Blacksmith’s shop. Previously Col Freestone had his Blacksmith’s shop on the corner of Fitzroy and Maude Streets. Mick Johnson worked for a while with Col in this building.
Note: Some seats are still available for the bus trip around the locations of some of the small schools that used to operate around Barraba.