Ralph Snowball photo of the Grand Hotel in Bolton Street, Newcastle. During my time as a journalist this was a popular spot for stop-work meetings in times of industrial strife.
Some photos of old Hunter Region hotels
In times gone by hotels were often among the grandest buildings in many Australian towns. Not surprising, since they generally made their owners a decent income, and a substantial investment in good quality food, drink and accommodation facilities could pay a handsome dividend. Hotels were meeting places for locals, resting places for visitors, temporary offices and display rooms for travelling salesmen ("commercial travellers" as these were known) and centres for important public events and private functions. As a result, hotels often feature in old postcards and collections of photographs, which makes them an interesting and useful…