HISTORY

“For many years ‘Kenna’s Hotel’ was the principal rendezvous for farmers of the district and for train passengers, known has having one of the finest views of Orange from its 12 feet wide balcony.” – National Advocate, Thursday 25 June 1914

HISTORY

“For many years ‘Kenna’s Hotel’ was the principal rendezvous for farmers of the district and for train passengers, known has having one of the finest views of Orange from its 12 feet wide balcony.” – National Advocate, Thursday 25 June 1914

1820

The surveyor J. B. Richards indicated a village reserve on his plans, in the parish of Orange.

1846

Blackman’s Swamp proclaimed a village and named Orange by Major Thomas Mitchell in honor of Prince William of Orange.

1860

Orange proclaimed a municipality

1877

Great Western Railway from Sydney reaches Orange

1879

Great Western Hotel established, licensee Patrick Kenna Mayor of Orange.

1881

Great Western Railway reaches Dubbo. Many well-known Orange identities later became licensees of the hotel including the late W West, J Wright, Frank Quinn, Tom Sloane, Walter Pye, Jack Forrest and Gus Lawler.

1914

Renovations throughout the hotel included a new dining room, and a new bar.

1946

Orange was proclaimed as a minor city

1950

The red cedar bar of Petty’s Hotel, that once fronted York, Clarence and Jamison Street in Sydney, was dismantled and re-installed at Orange’s Great Western Hotel.

2019

Hotel renovation under construction. Watch this space!

Thanks to historians Euan Greer and Ross Maroney.