First Street

Government Road ran from Main Road to the early punt crossing over Cockle Creek operated by Willie War, a Chinese man. It was renamed First Street in the Sulphide Corporation subdivisions of 1896 and 99. There is evidence of several early shops having been here. Watkins Bridge, built in 1899, was named after Davey Watkins M.P.. About the turn of the nineteenth century a sawmill owned by Mr Findlay was on the Boolaroo side of Watkins Bridge. During the 1930's motor cycle hill climb, events were held here going up Munibung Hill. During the 1930's the council decided to rename the numbered streets after former councillors' names. First Street became George Street after George Hardy. The Newcastle Morning Herald on 4 January, 1939 states that this had been reversed.

Government Gazette of 24th June 1938, No.99 Folio 2497 "Street now known as George Street to be known as First Street"

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