Mr. Dee obtained a license for the new public house built by Robert Keddie at Raymond Terrace in 1843.  There were 13 rooms and a cellar with a detached kitchen and 2 cottages adjoining. It was to go under the sign of the Freemasons Arms in honor of the ancient fraternity of which 'mine host is a Brother' (44)

In 1845 Mr. Keddie was in financial difficulty and the premises at the Trades' Arms Inn in East Maitland and also four stone cottages and five brick cottages in East Maitland and the Freemasons Inn together with two cottages were possibly sold.  (45)

In 1847 the Freemasons' Arms was offered for sale. Charles Dee was still in occupation at a rent of £75.

By November 1848, James Holdstock had taken over the license. In an advertisement in that month he thanked the inhabitants of Raymond Terrace and surrounds for their past favours  and stated that he had laid in an extensive and varied supply of wines spirits and ales. He had the best Jamaica Rum selling at 9 shillings per gallon. (46)

John Barry took over the license for the Freemason's Arms in 1850. The Barry family continued in the hotel industry for many years -  J. F. Barry was the proprietor of the Commercial Hotel in West Maitland from 1897 to c1910. The Commercial stayed in the family through to 1925 with a Mrs. J. Barry being the proprietor at that time.  J. J. Barry was proprietor of  the Railway Hotel in West Maitland in the years 1897-1905 and also the Hunter River Hotel  at Raymond Terrace was owned by Mrs. Barry in 1882.