Mid North Coast Pioneers - Newcastle to Lismore and beyond

FOTHERINGHAM'S HOTEL

Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW : 1898 - 1954), Saturday 24 September 1921, page 8

CHANGE OF OWNERS

Mr. A. J. Fotheringham has disposed of the well-known property, Fotheringham's Hotel, Taree, to Mr. James Crittenden, and the transfer of the license was granted on Saturday last.

The new proprietor is a native of Taree Estate, and is a landed proprietor on the Lansdowne. Previously to taking over the Taree hotel, he was licensee of the hotel at East Kempsey.

The hotel sign had carried the name of Fotheringham for a long period. The late Mr. George Fotheringham purchased the Ferry Inn at Tinonee in 1881, from the late Mr. John Murray. After about seven years in Tinonee he bought the Taree hotel from the late Mr. Alfred McCartney, who had purchased it from the late Mr. John Keats. The hotel premises then only consisted of the two-storied building on the river side of the present roadway into the yard. On the corner of Pultney and Victoria streets was a store conducted by Mr. E. M. Davis, and between It and the hotel was a butcher's shop. The late Mr. Fotheringham acquired these properties and built on the sites the additional premises which now have a frontage to both streets. About seventeen years ago Mr. Stone, who afterwards went to Woolgoolga, had a four years' lease of the hotel, after which the proprietor again took charge. Excepting that small break, the hotel has been in the hands of the Fotheringham family for more than 32 years, and during that period there has never been a police prosecution for breach of the law. That is a splendid record. Fotheringham's Hotel, Taree, has always been favorably known to travellers of the coast, and other centres, too. It has also been largely patronised by district and local residents. After the death of Mr. G. Fotheringham, the business was carried on by Mrs. Fotheringham, until about five years ago, when Mr. Arthur J. Fotheringham became the owner and licensee.

Mr. Arthur Fotheringham had grown up with the business, and knew all its ramifications, and assisted his father, As he grew older many of the duties of management devolved upon him, and well fitted him to carry on when his father died. Under Mr. Arthur Fotheringham's control the hotel lost none of its popularity, and he will be missed by many who had acquired the habit of calling in at "Fog's."

For some years Miss Polly Jones had been household manager, and her cheery personality will be also much missed.

Although Mr. Arthur Fotheringham has passed from business activities, many pleasant legends of him will still exist in the atmosphere of the hotel.

And "Archie" has gone, too! Both "Arthur" and "Archie" will have the best wishes of a wide circle of friends.