George and Charles (Chad) Skinner
George and Charles Skinner, sons of Henry Skinner, were instrumental figures in the expansion and diversification of the Skinner family's business interests in Australia. Their lives were marked by entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and a deep commitment to the development of their community.
George and Charles Skinner were born into a family deeply involved in the timber industry. However, they recognized the potential for growth and diversification beyond this industry. They played a crucial role in the transition of the family's horse-drawn sugar processing plant into an aerated beverage business. This venture marked a significant shift in the Skinner family's business interests and contributed to the development of local industries.
In addition to the aerated beverage business, George and Charles also established a steamboat business. They constructed timber steamboats, initially to deliver their aerated beverages. Recognizing the potential of this mode of transport, they expanded their services to deliver mail and then passengers and supplies. This venture became the main transportation link from Murwillumbah to Tweed Heads and Brisbane, playing a crucial role in the region's logistics and connectivity.
In the early 1900s, George and Charles further extended their influence by building and operating several hotels. These included the Skinner Hotel, now known as the Courthouse Hotel, in Murwillumbah, and the Dolphins Hotel in Tweed Heads. These establishments not only provided essential services to the community but also became significant landmarks in their respective locations.
Historical artefacts from the Skinner and Lowes steamboat and aerated beverage businesses are on display in the Murwillumbah Historical Museum, serving as a testament to the significant contributions of the Skinner family to the region's development.
At the time of his death, George Skinner was a wealthy man, with an estate worth in excess of 20,000 pounds. This wealth was a testament to his business acumen, his ability to seize opportunities, and his commitment to the growth and development of his community.
George Skinner, Senior, who was one of the oldest and most respected residents of the Tweed, and he passed away in Murwillumbah on February 7, presumably in 1933. He was born in Hartley, New South Wales, and moved to the Tweed area when he was just 5 years old. His father initially worked as a sawyer and timber-getter on the north arm of the Tweed, and later started farming at Tumbulgum. He also established one of the earliest sugar mills on the Tweed, which was eventually absorbed by the C.S.R. Co.
George Skinner and his brother Charles opened a cordial factory at North Tumbulgum around 1888, which was later moved to Murwillumbah. This factory eventually became a limited company known as Skinner, Lowes, and Co., Ltd. They also had a mail contract from Murwillumbah to Tweed Heads, and eventually expanded their business to include river passenger and cargo trade, using steamers and motor launches.
Mr. George Skinner was also a founding member of the Murwillumbah Club, treasurer of the Tweed Masonic Lodge, and one of the earliest aldermen of Murwillumbah. He had a family of seven children1.
However, the Skinner family's ventures were not without challenges. The Skinner Hotel was burned down in the 1907 fire, leading to significant losses. Other properties were also affected by fires and floods during their period of business expansion, leading to unexpected setbacks. The entry of Coca Cola into the market and the advent of the internal combustion engine posed significant challenges to the Skinner family's businesses. These developments, along with the pressures of the Great Depression, led to the company going into receivership and eventually being dissolved in the 1970s.
Despite these challenges, the legacy of George and Charles Skinner lives on. Their ventures in the steamboat and aerated beverage businesses, as well as their contributions to the hospitality sector, speak to individuals who were not afraid to take risks and seize opportunities. Their life stories are a testament to the enduring spirit of the Skinner family and to the broader narrative of innovation, adaptation, and resilience in the face of change.
Charles (Chad) seated on far right, George seated third from right and Emily standing with arm resting on Georges chair - pictured together for a family wedding.