Hotel

Dowdall's Hotel about 1910; looking south.

John James PARNELL was one of the first land purchasers at Tomerong in 1855. He opened the 'Traveller's Rest Hotel' on the southern boundary of his land at the junction of the Main South Coast Road (now Hawken Road) and the South Huskisson Road (now Pineforest Road). The hotel was opened on 1 October 1857 and John Parnell advertised it in the ‘Illawarra Mercury’ as The Traveller’s Rest, Tamorang, half-way between Ulladulla and Shoalhaven. House of refreshment and accommodation... with ...excellent paddocks for the accommodation of horses and cattle... He trusted that ...by strict attention to cleanliness and comfort, he will merit that support which he now solicits. A Ballroom was added to the Hotel in 1866.

The Traveller’s Rest was to become the centre of entertainment in the district for the small, scattered settlements around the Bay. A ball at the Traveller’s Rest generally followed boat launchings at Currambene Creek and sporting events held in the district. John Parnell was frequently issued a license to sell refreshments on the course at local horseracing events. The Tomerong Races were held annually on Boxing Day and meetings were held at the Traveller’s Rest for the purpose of appointing Stewards and arranging the programme. John Parnell was the Treasurer of the race committee for several years and frequently entered horses in race events. The races were very popular during the 1860s and 1870s with large numbers coming from all over the Shoalhaven to participate. The Hotel was used for political meetings, auctions, accommodation and refreshment.

John Parnell retired from the Hotel about 1887 and the Hotel was, probably, leased to Joseph Olley MULLEY and then Thomas Francis MOONEY I. By 1890 the Hotel was showing its age and the District Licensing Inspector, brought the condition of the property before the quarterly meeting of the Shoalhaven Licensing Bench in May where, after 33 years of operation, the licence was not renewed. Harriet Dent (John's daughter) reopened the business for accommodation and in 1891 the renovated Hotel was reopened the following year; first by John's son Henry Charles Parnell and then his brother Thomas Augustus Parnell, and then to their brother-in-law Alexander Dawson. Thomas Mooney reapplied for the licence in 1898 and despite local opposition he was successful and renamed it the 'Commercial Hotel'. The Commercial Hotel contained nine rooms exclusive of those used by the family. The Hotel was reportedly a rowdy place. In 1907 Mooney was sentenced to nine months hard labour after selling to John Nowland, in 1905, following a dispute over the Hotel furniture. Mr Nowland had previously worked in Balmain and other Sydney hotels.

John Nowland moved to the Wandandian Hotel in 1909 and was replaced by Frederick George Dowdall and the 'tone' of the Hotel improved. Frederick Dowdall, a former traveller for Castlemaine Brewery, became the final licensee of the Commercial Hotel after the premises had been extended, renovated and refurnished. Dowdall was well known and popular throughout the State and continued to operate the hotel until its closure. A move to reduce the number of Hotel Licences in the State resulted in the closure of the Hotel on 3 June 1911. About 1932 the building was removed and a house was erected on the site.

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Back to Institutions of Tomerong

Images

• Village Map No.6 also see adjacent slides. TP4638
• Looking South TP3087
• Traveller's Rest Ads TP5687
• Hotel Map TP4252
• Hotel Map 2 TP5691
• Looking South 2 TP3941
• Location TP5940

Links

1. Tomerong Local History Web Page- tomeronghistory.com
2. Tomerong Past Facebook Album- Tomerong Past Facebook This site may provide more information relative to this institution, business or location. Check the appropriate album; e.g. Village, Sawmills, Clyde Shire etcetera.
3. Tomerong History- From Bullocks to Bypass