DOWNEY'S HOTEL

Downey's Hotel, Gulgong, 1872

Source: SLNSW

On the far right is the only shot of Downey's Hotel in the Holtermann Collection. In 1872, the business was located west of Woods' Sydney House general store and the School of Arts on Mayne Street. In 1875 it was located at the corner of Queen and Medley streets. The hotel was licensed to Michael Downey up until he died in 1875.

Michael Downey, was born in Wollongong, the son of Daniel Downey, a farmer, and Bridget Donoghue. He married Bridget Costello in Braidwood in 1864.

Michael died on 30 April 1875 from Phthisis (of eight months' duration). He was 29 years old. He was survived by his wife Bridget. At the time of his death he had 2 sons. Three other males and 2 females predeceased him.

Michael and Bridget's children included:

• Daniel - born 1868 in Braidwood
• Mary A - born 1869 in Braidwood; died 1871, Mudgee.
• John M - born 1871 in Mudgee
• Percy/Pierce - born 1873 in Gulgong; died 3 May 1874,  from acute pneumonia, aged 7 months. 
• James - born 1875; died 20 Oct 1875, aged 6 months, from bronchitis.

Headstone for Michael and Percy Downey

NEWS ITEMS

1871 - [ADVERTISEMENT]

M. J. DOWNEY - Begs to inform his numerous friends and the general public that he will be happy to see them all at Downey’s Hotel, Queen Street, Gulgong, Where he has always in stock the Very Best Brands in WINES, SPIRITS & LIQUORS, and trusts by uniform attention to their wants to merit a fair share of their patronage.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 1, 18 February 1871

1873 - St. Patrick's Day.

The words "past 11 o'clock" had scarcely escaped the lip of our night watchman, Mr. Richards, on Monday morning, before Mr. Sayers' band struck up an enlivening air which soon collected a large crowd. A procession was formed in Queen-street [Mayne Street], near the Opera House, and headed by the band marched down Queen-street as far as Downey's Hotel, Returning, the procession marched to Lower Herbert-street, gathering numbers as it proceeded.

Returning to Queen-street there must have been at least 200 persons, who followed the band. Here they made a halt and gave four or five lusty cheers. The music was kept up until daylight. Religious ceremonies were held at the Catholic Chapel in the forenoon, very numerously attended. There were also during the day several couples joined in the holy bands of marriage.

At 12 o'clock the sports in Mr. Homer's paddock commenced, and by 2 o'clock over 2000 people had collected. Most of these were from the town and the different leads, but there were a great many from the neighbouring stations and farms. In the wardrobe of those present, I noticed that green was the predominant colour.

After two or three boys' and youths' races, in which lads named Owen and Gaffney came off victorious, the interesting event of the day came on. This was a pedestrian contest for a beautiful silver cup (St. Patrick's) as first prize, and five sovereigns for second. It was a handicap race, and only five started. There were three races, 150 yards, 200 yards, and 440 yards. In the 150 yards the competitors came in thus—Yeomans, Medus, Ryan and Davis. In the 300 yards Davis did not start, and the runners came in in the same order. In the 440 yards Ryan did not start. Yeomans and Medus walked to within 160 yards of the post, made a sharp spurt, Yeomans taking the lead, and was an easy winner of all three events. In putting the stone and throwing the hammer Mr. O'Connor was far ahead of his competitors. In the wrestling there were six contestants. Messrs. Curbing, O'Connors, and Farrell soon disposed of the other three, being much heavier men, but after an hour's struggle between Cushing and Farrell, in which neither got any advantage, night came on and it was called a drawn game.

The utmost good order and sobriety prevailed throughout the day. In the evening there was a numerously attended ball, at Jamieson's Hall, the hotel, and dancing was kept up until near morning. There was also an appropriate play at the Prince of Wales. Altogether it was a great holiday with our Irish friends, in which others happily joined, and all are deserving much credit for the way and manner in which things were conducted.

Source: Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) Fri 21 Mar 1873 Page 2

1874 - £1 REWARD.

LOST,—A bay mare, 17 hands high, collar-marked, off hind foot white, star on forehead, branded WH off shoulder. The above reward will be paid on delivery to Mr. Downey, "Downey's Hotel," Gulgong. WILLIAM HEIRN, Owner.

Source: New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900) Wed 28 Jan 1874 [Issue No.21] Page 268

1875 - DEATH

Death of an Old Resident - Another old resident has gone to ‘that bourn place from thence no traveller returns.’ Mr Michael Downey, who was well known and equally respected, died at this residence last evening. He had been ailing for some time, and it was patent to all, that his end was not far distant. Note Michael Downey aged 29 years is buried in the Gulgong Cemetery.

Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, Saturday 1 May 1875.

1875 - FUNERAL

The friends of the late Mr Michael Downey are respectfully invited to attend his funeral, the cortege to start from his late residence, Royal Hotel, Queen Street, tomorrow at 2.30pm for the Gulgong Cemetery. W T LEWIS Undertaker.

Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, Saturday 1 May 1875.

1876 - ALMANAC

Downey’s Hotel
Corner of Queen and Medley Streets
The Best of Accommodation with Civility and Attention
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, Almanac 1876

1876 - ADVERTISEMENT

To Let with immediate possession that well centrally situated HOTEL at the corner of Queen and Church Streets, now occupied by MRS DOWNEY. Apply to Woods Bros & Co.

Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, Saturday 14 June 1876

1876 - Gulgong Hotel [LATE ROSSITER’S]

Mrs Downey Begs to thank those who so kindly patronised her during the time she has been in business in Gulgong and to inform them that she has taken the more commodious premises known as ROSSITER’S HOTEL and solicits a fair share of public support, which she will endeavour to earn by keeping the very best.

Opening day will be tomorrow evening in the shape of a House Warming, everybody is invited.

Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, Saturday 21 June 1876

1876 - NOTICE

Found between the Cemetery and Mrs Downey’s GULGONG HOTEL, a parcel. The owner can have the same by giving proper description and paying the cost of this notice.

MRS DOWNEY GULGONG HOTEL.

Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, Saturday 22 July 1876