In the 1890s Hannah McMahon and her husband William owned and operated the “Steam Packet Hotel” which stood on the corner of Victoria and Commerce Streets, Taree.1 Following William’s death in 1899, Hannah managed the hotel until it was destroyed by fire in 1913.2
A new brick hotel, constructed by local contractor H W Alcorn, was then built on the corner of Victoria and Manning Street opposite Clerke’s butcher shop.3 This hotel was operated by Mrs McMahon with the assistance of her daughters.4
Hannah died in 1931 and in 1935 her executors undertook substantial alterations to the building. The construction works were carried out by Vince Doran and included the addition of a third floor, making the Exchange the only three storied building in Taree.5
A cottage for staff accommodation adjoined the hotel.6
In the late 1950s or early 1960s a building known as “The Poplars” was erected to the rear of the hotel overlooking the Manning River and proved popular as a dance venue.7 The name was the winning entry in a competition and reflected the Poplar trees which grew along the riverfront in the vicinity.8 “The Poplars” is now (2019) known as “The Waterfront Room”.
Author: Penny Teerman
References:
1 Manning River Times Centenary Supplement 1869-1969 Pg 17
2 Manning River Times Saturday 25 October 1913 Pg 6
3 Wingham Chronicle Wed 6 May 1914 Pg 2
4 Northern Champion 6 November 1920 Pg 4
5 Northern Champion 7 August 1935 Pg 2
6 Taree in My Lifetime by Wendy McKeough 2013
7 Ibid.
8 Conversation with Wendy McKeough 21 April 2015
