Looking back, many would always remember the river with the new Belmore Bridge at Maitland.

But, construction on the new bridge began in the 1960s, to replace the old bridge of the 1800s.

Thanks to the Mercury’s archives, we are able to look back on the times before, during and after its construction.

Related content: A look back at Maitland in the 1960s

To celebrate this beautiful piece of Maitland history, we are looking back at life on the Hunter's rivers and waterways, from the Fairfax archives.

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