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The Kent Hotel Celebrates 100 Years: A Century of History in Newcastle

today14 July 2024

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In the heart of Hamilton, The Kent Hotel stands as a testament to time, a landmark that has witnessed a century of change. This year, The Kent celebrates its 100th birthday, a milestone that highlights its rich history and enduring presence in our community.

A Bar at The Kent

 

 

A Century Ago: The Beginnings

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Hotel Kent, Hamilton (1924) – Charles W Weiss, Proprietor – Photograph courtesy of Newcastle Region Library.

The Kent Hotel’s story began in the early 1920s, when the site at 59-61 Beaumont Street was initially home to Massey’s Dog Circus. Acrobatic dogs, under the skilled hands of trainer Mr. Bill Massey, entertained crowds with their impressive tricks. By 1924, however, the corner block was advertised as a splendid site for a family hotel, marking the end of the Dog Circus and the birth of The Kent.

Hamilton, at the time, was burgeoning, with over 400 businesses and a population of around 14,000. The first licensee, Mr. William Weiss, and later his brother Mr. Charles Weiss, began a family involvement with the hotel that would last for several years.

 

Early Years and Community Involvement

The Kent Living Room
the Kent Living Room taken by Craig Smith, Flickr

The Kent quickly became a central hub for locals and visitors. It accommodated guests and longer-term boarders, and was frequently used by the Hamilton Bowling Club for its competition guests. The hotel’s early days were marked by community engagement, with Charles Weiss being a highly regarded and generous member of the Hamilton community. During the Great Depression, he was noted as one of the most generous donors to the Hamilton Distress Fund.

 

 

The Impact of War

Australian soldiers march during World War II (Courtesy Percy Haslam Archives, Cultural Collections UON)

Charles Weiss’s story took a tragic turn during World War II. Of German ancestry, Charles, born Karl, was interned as an ‘enemy alien,’ along with thousands of other German and Italian Australians. This event had a devastating impact on him, as recounted by his descendant Adele Weiss, who noted that Charles never emotionally recovered from his internment and died of a broken heart.

 

Post-War Changes and the Italian Influence

Beaumont Street Hamilton
Intersection of Beaumont and Tudor Streets, Hamilton, NSW, Australia by UoN Living Histories

The post-war years saw significant changes at The Kent. Hamilton experienced an influx of Italian migrants, many of whom made The Kent and the nearby Exchange Hotel their gathering places. This period saw a cultural divide within the hotel, with Italians and ‘Aussies’ frequenting different ends of the bar.

 

 

The 1989 Earthquake

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The peaceful routine at The Kent was shattered on December 28, 1989, when a 5.6 magnitude earthquake caused significant damage. The hotel’s facade was heavily impacted, with the verandah collapsing and exposing gaping holes in the building. Despite pressure to demolish, owners John and Pauline Stirling resisted, arguing that the damage was mainly superficial. The Kent was closed for repairs for three months, but it emerged stronger, with further renovations enhancing its facilities.

 

Modern Era and Continued Evolution

The Kent Bar

The Hunt family bought The Kent in 2002, bringing with them a long history of pub management. Stephen Hunt moved from Sydney to Newcastle to manage the business, drawn by the thriving area and the heritage style of the building. Under the Hunts’ stewardship, The Kent has undergone several renovations, including the addition of a veranda and a revamp of the dining and gaming areas.

The dining room, originally at the front of the hotel, was moved to the back to accommodate an enlarged gaming area. In 2014, further renovations restored the dining area and the front of the hotel, enhancing its charm and appeal.
 

 

A Hub of Entertainment and Culture

Band Genr8 at The Kent

The Kent Hotel has always been more than just a place to stay. It has been a cultural hotspot, hosting live music and performances. Many renowned Australian artists have graced its stage, and it has been a launchpad for Newcastle talent.

The hotel’s bar and restaurant have become iconic in their own right. Known for serving classic pub fare with a modern twist, The Kent has been a favorite dining spot for generations. Its beer garden, introduced in the 1990s, is a popular gathering place, offering a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of the city.

 

Community and Charity

Patrons at The Kent

The Kent’s commitment to the Newcastle community extends beyond hospitality. Over the years, it has been involved in numerous charitable initiatives, supporting local causes and events. From sponsoring local sports teams to hosting fundraisers, The Kent has always been a pillar of support for the community.

 

The 100-Year Celebration

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To mark its centenary, The Kent Hotel has planned a series of events that celebrate its storied history and its place in Newcastle’s heart. The celebrations kicked off with a grand gala, attended by long-time patrons, local dignitaries, and descendants of the original Kent family.

Throughout the year, The Kent will host special events, including historical tours, live performances, and community gatherings. An exhibition showcasing memorabilia and photographs from the past 100 years offers a nostalgic journey through the hotel’s history.

 

The future

the-kent-staff-2024

The Kent Hotel’s 100-year celebration is not just a milestone for the hotel but for the entire Newcastle community. It’s a reminder of the city’s rich history and the enduring places that shape its identity. As The Kent looks forward to the future, it does so with the same spirit of hospitality and community that has defined its first century.

For those who have walked through its doors, The Kent is more than a hotel—it’s a piece of Newcastle’s soul. Here’s to the next 100 years of The Kent Hotel, a true Newcastle treasure.

 

For a full rundown on The Kent’s history, and history of the broarder Hamilton area, visit https://hiddenhamilton.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-kent.html

For Craig Smith’s photos of Hamilton, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/120413605@N06/albums/with/72157644082625445

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Kent Hotel Patrons 1

 

 

Kent Hotel Patrons

 

Kent Hotel Patrons

 

 

Kent Hotel Bar

 

 

 

 

 

 

JOIN THE DISCUSSION with other Novocastrian’s about this post on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/reel/848061586774650

Written by: Newy Staff


Newy 87.8 FM is an FM radio station established in 2014 targeting Classic Hits music enthusiasts across Newcastle and The Central Coast, Australia. The station plays 60s 70s and 80s music. The station can be streamed online via this website or smart phone apps such as Tunein. In 2024 we opened a local newsroom dedicated to publishing Newcastle News.