TIMELESS WOLLONGONG

As Joseph and Rebecca Makin did not sell the old Royal Hotel on the corner of Crown and Corrimal streets, they concentrated on making the building work for them.

In July 1892, Joseph advertised his intentions of applying for a publican's licence at the next sitting of the Licensing Court on July 10. It was disclosed in the court that Joseph intended to alter and enlarge the hotel. Architect William Kenwood produced plans showing that the accommodation area would total 33 rooms, of which six would be for the Makins' use. An additional storey, making the building three storeys high, and a new wing on the western side were added. The backyard would have substantial stables, toilets, laundry and kitchen facilities built. The remaining land facing Burelli Street would be cleared for the building of an English-style summerhouse. The official opening of the hotel took place on Thursday, May 11, 1893. From 7.30pm, the Wollongong Town Band, providing music for 90 minutes, drew a large crowd at the front of the building. No doubt the new kitchen facilities enabled Rebecca to cater on a much larger scale. Just four months later she catered for the fourth annual Illawarra Half Company Ball at Wollongong Town Hall on September 13. There were 70 couples present and all enjoyed the supper provided by Rebecca. On Monday, September 25, Rebecca catered again, this time for the Hospital Ball at the Council Chambers. She provided crockery, glasses and waiters to attend the tables.

From 1882 to 1898 Rebecca catered for the annual Wollongong Agricultural Show's dinner. During the two show days in 1898 she catered for the general public, providing dinners and afternoon teas.

It was announced in early April 1907 that a visit to Wollongong by the Governor-General Sir Henry Northcote had been planned for April 24 and 25, 1907. The Governor-General arrived at Wollongong Station at 10.45am. After a visit to the hospital, the official party proceeded to the Town Hall for a special luncheon before moving on to Port Kembla and Mount Kembla. In the evening a banquet was organised which was catered by Rebecca. Tickets could be purchased for the banquet at the Town Hall for 7 shillings and 6 pence. Some unusual meals were served, such as giblet pie and kidney pie for starters.

The following year, 1908, the Licensing Court sat and it was noted that some of the hotels in Illawarra would cease to operate. One of those was Makin's Royal Hotel, which would close its doors as a hotel in 1911.

Opposite the Royal Hotel stood the Cricketers Arms Hotel where Dwyers once stood. After the closure of the Cricketers Arms in March 1910 Rebecca began operating the building as a private boarding house. When, by July 1911, the Royal Hotel closed, this left only the boarding house opposite being managed by the Makins. In December 1911, Joseph and Rebecca sold the house next to the old family home and adjoining block of land on the corner of Corrimal and Market Streets. A family gathering took place at the Royal Hotel in February 1914 to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of Joseph and Rebecca Makin.

In 1915, Tooth and Company purchased the Royal Hotel site and it was the new licensee in 1916, the Makin's son, Frederick George, who planned to alter the premises. About one fourth of the original hotel would remain and then it would be developed into a new hotel, named the Oxford Hotel. Frederick Makin would lease the hotel for 10 years.

Meanwhile, Rebecca was well into her 70s and still maintaining her private boarding house in the old Cricketers Arms - that was until it was placed on the market in May 1919.

Rebecca Makin died in December 1920, aged 79 and Joseph died six years later.

Information courtesy of Carol Herben OAM.  Call 0409 832 854 or email sycado6@bigpond.net.au