[2] In these early times the Emu Hotel occupied one corner (built by James Henley) and the Commercial was on the opposite corner (built by Colin Gardner).

General merchandise was available at McKenzie's store and there were two blacksmiths, a saddler, a bootmaker, a carpenter and a doctor, Dr McSweeney.

[3] A Mechanics Institute comprising a free library and a spacious hall opened in 1889.

A court was established in Milawa in 1874 by the visiting Magistrate Mr Howitt, in a room leased from the Emu Hotel.

The police station was located at the Commercial Hotel and in 1917 moved to McKenzies store upon becoming vacant.