– The Sun (Sydney) Sunday 16 January 1949
Although the story states the licensee of the North Richmond Hotel was E.J. Baker, it was in fact, Stephen Henry Baker. Stephen Baker held the license of the North Richmond Hotel from 1941 to 1957 (except for a few times when he was granted ‘leave’ by the licensing court).
“Thirsty Dennis” was born in 1947, while his parents were running the pub. Dennis was 10 years of age when his parents left the pub in 1957.
Dennis never lived to a ripe old age. And it didn’t have anything to do with his early drinking age. Sadly, Neil Renaud tells us that “thirsty Dennis” died on February 2 1975 (aged 28) as the result of a speedboat accident on the Hawkesbury River.
The current North Richmond Hotel, although much altered, was built in 1930.
The pub was established as the Lakeview Hotel, and the sign changed to the North Richmond Hotel on March 24 1930 when a new double storey brick structure, with balcony replaced the original single storey inn.
Unsympathetic alterations were completed at the hotel in April 1970. The public bar was enlarged to enclose the verandah and balcony, and a bottle department, with a drive-through feature, was also added at the same time.
The North Richmond Hotel continues to trade to this day, just outside of Richmond, north-west of Sydney, NSW.
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Categories: NSW hotels, Publicans
Hello Mick,
I believe that “thirsty Dennis” died on 2nd February 1975 (aged 28) as the result of a speedboat accident on the Hawkesbury River, either upstream or downstream from Windsor. There is at least one newspaper report of this.
Thanks, Neil Renaud
It had since been “renovated” back to original 1930’s build, and they even uncovered some by old signs in on the restoration. A great place for a drink n feed these days.