The Queen's Hotel
Turnberry Street, Brussels, Ont.
( Built: 1878 ~ Demolished: 1986 )
James Stretton owned the lot in 1860. He mortgaged the property in 1860 and again in 1867 for $1,300. He may have built one of the five hotels listed for the village of Brussels in 1870. (Huron Expositor Apr. 29, 1870) A map of the burnt area resulting from the fire of 1876 shows Stretton’s Hotel took up a large part of the lot. The hotel stables were built to the back of the lot and extended past the stone building to the south of Stretton’s block.
Stretton may have been the hotelkeeper in the 1860s or he may have leased it to an independent hotelkeeper as he did in later years. In 1872, the hotel was let: “Dr. Bailey, late of Seaforth, has rented Stretton’s hotel for the term of years. He took possession on the 1st of Nov.” (Huron Expositor Nov. 8, 1872)
In a series of items titled “Progress of Brussels,” the Huron Expositor noted that: “James Stretton has had a fine building put up near his hotel on Turnberry street. It is a two-story one, 52x24 feet. A portion of the upper floor is at present used as a photographic gallery, and when the lower part is finished, Mr. Stretton will let it as a hardware store. There is a good opening here for this class of store. Mr. McAllister is the builder.” (Huron Expositor Dec. 26, 1873) It was a frame building. Mr GA Page, a photographer from Strathroy, leased the second story of the building.
In its December 18, 1874 issue the Huron Expositor reported that: “Mr. Snyder from Listowel has opened a new furniture store in Stretton’s block.” Mr. Oremus of Seaforth opened a barbershop in Stretton’s block in April 1875. In September, there was news of a new tenant: “Mr A Hood of Wroxeter has rented the store adjoining the Queen’s Hotel, Brussels, from James Stretton, for three years. Mr Hood will occupy the store about the 1st of October.” (Huron Expositor Sept. 10, 1875) Hood ran a general store selling dry goods and groceries. R Frank Uren, photographer, was the new tenant of the gallery on the second floor. The building project was summed up in this report of October 29, 1875: “Our enterprising townsman Mr Stretton has nearly completed the handsome block which has occupied the attention of builders and painters so long, and he has secured responsible tenants for those stores already finished, and is receiving numerous applications for the stores not yet completed. This block is an ornament to the town.”
Above Photo: The main façade of the Queen’s Hotel with its two projecting wings and handsome piazza, the centre being topped by a lofty and highly ornamental rectangular tower, surmounted by a cupola whose top is protected by a handsome iron railing.
In January 1876 another newcomer arrived: “Mr James Marnell, a shoemaker, from the village of Hollerd, in the township of Maryborough, has rented the shop in Stretton’s block, adjoining A Hood’s. He will have a new stock opened out in about two weeks.” (Huron Expositor Jan. 7, 1876)
All of Stretton’s fine new buildings were destroyed in the fire that occurred in August of 1876. “Mr. Stretton had just finished painting and otherwise adorning his premises, in which he took great pride, as well he might, as he undoubtedly possessed the neatest block of buildings in Brussels…. The fire raged unceasingly from about half-past 10 in the evening until about half-past 4 in the morning when the walls of Stretton’s hotel fell in.” James Stretton’s loss was estimated at $12,000; he was insured for just $2,000. His tenants also suffered losses: J. Mannell, shoemaker, loss $500, no insurance; A. Hood, merchant, loss $3,000, insurance $2,000; W. Oremus, barber, loss $100, no insurance; U.F. Uren, photographer, loss $100, no insurance. (Huron Expositor Aug. 25, 1876)
Stretton set about rebuilding, and on a grander scale than before. He mortgaged his property for $5,000 in 1877 and for $2,000 in 1878. The new structure was to be of brick: “Mr McNaughton has just finished burning his first kiln of bricks of this season at his yard. The kiln contains 150,000. He has also a second kiln of the same quantity, nearly, ready for the fire. Of these 300,000 there are 250,000 for Mr Stretton’s new hotel.” (Huron Expositor June 29, 1877) The actual brickwork commenced in July 1877. By October it was reported that: “Mr Stretton is putting a large cupola on his new hotel on which, on Monday last, was placed a flag-pole, and from the top of which is now floating the Union Jack.” (Huron Expositor Oct. 5, 1877)
The new Queen’s Hotel was leased in February 1878 to “WH Matthews, of London, Ont., for three years, at an annual rental of $1,000. The hotel is to be ready about the middle of March. Mr Stretton is to have the use of the hotel for one week after it is completed, that he may have an opportunity of welcoming his many friends to his new house.” This arrangement fell through, however, when Mathews absconded. Moorehead & Co. of London issued a writ of attachment against Matthews. John Parker, having recently lost his Brussels House to fire, became the new hotelkeeper at the Queen’s.
Image Left: Illustration of the Queen's Hotel, Turnberry Street Brussels, Ont. Belden’s 1879 Illustrated Historical Atlas of the County of Huron described the new hotel: “The Queen’s Hotel is one of the finest buildings we have ever seen in a place of corresponding size. The main façade shows a chief front and two projecting wings, the interval being filled by a handsome piazza of equal height with the main building, which is three stories and basement; the centre being topped by a lofty and highly ornamental rectangular tower, surmounted by a cupola whose top is protected by a handsome iron railing, the architecture of the rectangle being broken at intervals by gablets and dormers, which add to the general effect, making it as a whole one of the finest commercial buildings anywhere to be found.”
In May 1880 there was a change in hotel management: “Mr. A Roe, of Toronto, has rented the Queen’s Hotel from Mrs Parker and bought out her stock. Mr Roe, who is almost a stranger here, is well acquainted with the travelling public, and is known to them as a first-class hotel keeper and as one who always keeps a first-class hotel.” This change was occasioned by the death of the former proprietor, John Parker, in April. It was reported that Jimmy Turnbull had also severed his connection with the hotel. Mr. Roe had a large gong put on the In May 1883 Roe moved on to the Queen’s Hotel in Wingham. His lease on the Brussels Queen’s Hotel expired in July. James Stretton then leased the hotel to T O’Neal, formerly of Arthur. Mr O’Neal purchased the furniture from Mr A Roe. O’Neil stayed only one year and in February 1884, the Queen’s was again leased, this time to RW Tuck, a former general merchant of the village. Things got a little rowdy one night late in 1884: “Last week RW Tuck of the Queen’s Hotel had some eight festive young men up for malicious injury to property and using profane language. It cost them in the neighbourhood of $80 fines and costs. This should be a warning to them and others who practice such pranks.” (Huron Expositor Nov. 14, 1884)
The Stretton brothers, James and William, took over management of the hotel in May 1885. The Brussels Post reported: “Stretton Bros. intend taking possession of Queen’s today (Friday) and are thoroughly refining the house with new furniture etc. William Stretton is to be home this week from Lake Superior country and will invest his means in the business. The boys count on running a first-class house in every particular and bespeak the patronage of the travelling public.”
The barroom of the hotel was completely renovated in September 1886. A new floor was installed and the partition back of the bar was taken out making the room at the rear into part of the barroom.
SH Laird moved his barbershop from the Post Office block to the Queen’s Hotel shop in July 1887. In April 1888 he renovated: “The tonsorial parlor of SH Laird, Queen’s Hotel block, has received a thorough renovation and with its new paper, paint etc. looks as neat as a new pin. Many of the city shops could take a pattern from our barbers and improve thereby.” (Brussels Post Apr. 13, 1888)
A fire escape ladder was put in position at the Queen’s Hotel in 1889. Warrick, the local Veterinary Surgeon, moved his office from IC Richards’ harness shop to the room formerly occupied by James Jones, jeweller, in the Queen’s Hotel block.
The proprietors of the hotels received regular citations for violations under the Scott Act, or the Canada Temperance Act. The Act forbade the selling and drinking of intoxicating beverages, and, in particular, selling liquor to minors and selling liquor on a Sunday. More often than not, the hotel proprietors paid the fine and carried on with business. Hotels also could not sell liquor on election days: “The proprietor of the Central Hotel paid $20 at costs this week for selling liquor on Municipal election day. The proprietor of the Queen’s was up on a similar charge but as there was no evidence the case was dismissed.” (Brussels Post Jan. 18, 1885) In 1890 the proprietors of the Queen’s Hotel were fined $10 for allowing persons to gamble on the premises.
Fire threatened the hotel again in January 1891. The Brussels Post reported on the serious fire: “Last Sunday evening at about 6:15 o’clock, fire was discovered in the stables belonging to the Queen’s Hotel. Notwithstanding that the alarm was sounded and the fire engine soon taken to the river the flames spread so rapidly that the building was almost consumed before water was thrown. To make matters worse the fire commenced in the part of the building where Capt. Stretton’s horses and cows were tied and despite efforts to rescue them five horses and four cows quickly fell a prey to the flames. One horse was got out but was so seriously burned that it was found necessary to kill it owing to the way it was burned. Had the fire been confined to the barn and shed, as it was hoped, it would not have been so bad but such was not the case. The frame addition to the rear of the Queen’s caught and the fire soon worked its way under the roof where it was impossible almost to get at it either inside or out. When it showed itself inside the two lines of hose were brought to play on it after some delay and the devouring element got under control. Not, however, until the roof and a large portion of the upper flat of the north wing of the large building was badly wrecked. The furniture and fittings had been removed and some of it very badly damaged. It was feared at one time that the whole structure would be destroyed but the night was calm and the deluge of water on the floors favored the extinguishing. How the fire originated is not known but the general impression is that it was purely accidental, perhaps from a match, cigar stub or the like, but it is only supposition, as far as we know. On Tuesday, Dr. Hea, Inspector of the Western Assurance Co., paid his official visit and on Wednesday a settlement was arrived at. The Hotel was insured for $7,000 and on this amount $892 was allowed to put the building in repair; $475 was paid for the barn and $5.10 for damage to the adjoining house. There was no insurance on the furniture or contents of the barn so that Capt. Stretton’s loss is the serious one. The repairs will be attended to at once and the barn rebuilt as soon as possible. The Fire Brigade came in for considerable adverse criticism as to hose and management of the same in playing on the fire. As the fire bell rang as people were getting ready for church the services were thinly attended. Some were withdrawn entirely.”
Messrs. Smith & Malcolm quickly made the necessary repairs to the hotel. A new timber barn, 40x60 foot with 16 feet long posts and with a 15x60 foot lean-to, was built. By March the Stretton brothers had their hotel back in ship shape again.
In May 1891, AJ Cousins, of Mitchell, leased the Queen’s Hotel from Capt. Stretton, for a term of five years, and purchased the furniture, etc. in the house. “The building is receiving a thorough overhauling and fitting up. The new proprietor comes well recommended as a reliable businessman and will put the Queen’s Hotel in the front rank of popular hostelries in Huron County. Capt. Stretton and family continue to reside in Brussels, living in the house west of the hotel.” (Brussels Post May 8, 1891) Frank White, a former Brusselite, was the bartender. “A very neat and convenient office” was “fitted up in the Queen’s Hotel for the accommodation of the travelling public.” R. Williams ran a new free bus between the Queen’s Hotel and the railway station. Two billiard tables were placed in the south room of the hotel in October, but the billiard room run by Mr. Senior, had no connection with the hotel.
Cousins did not last in the business a year and the hotel was again leased, for a term of five years, to John Martin of Wingham. “Mr. Martin ran the Brunswick House for some time in Wingham but has lately been in the boot and shoe business. The furniture is to be valued on Friday of this week. Mr Cousins talks of going to the Northwest.” (Brussels Post Mar. 25, 1892) The arrangement with Martin fell through and it was later reported that “James O’Leary, who has been in connection with The Commercial Hotel, Seaforth, for the past four years, leased the Queen’s Hotel in this place from Capt. Stretton for five years and he also purchased the furniture, carpets, etc. Mr. O’Leary is a young man, unmarried, and Miss O’Leary, his sister, will be installed as housekeeper. He comes highly recommended by those who know him.” (Brussels Post Apr. 15, 1892) A number of improvements and alterations were then made, principally in connection with the barroom. Scott Bros. of Seaforth placed a square Steinway piano in the hotel.
Advertisement Below: from the Brussels Post 1893. Fashionable haircutting was a service offered at the Queen’s Hotel, as well as medical services offered by traveling doctors.
On the 1st of May 1897 O’Leary’s lease expired. The Post reported that: “James and Frank Stretton have taken possession of the Queen’s Hotel this week as successors to James O’Leary, who has been the lessee for the past five years. The furniture was valuated on Tuesday by Messrs. Leatherdale, of town, and Hamilton, of Atwood. WR Stretton, whom we stated would be associated with ‘Jimmie’, as he is familiarly called, will continue as engineer on the CPR where he has spent the past 15 years. He expects to leave for Schrieber next week. Mr. O’Leary will spend a portion of this season looking after his race horses, and he may take a trip to the gold fields unless he strikes a mine before the Summer circuit is over nearer than the Pacific coast.” (Brussels Post Apr. 15, 1897) They set about making improvements to the interior and exterior of the hotel. The balconies were renewed “to insure greater safety to guests who may wish to enjoy the out-door breezes and sights.” New furnaces were put in and an addition built on the stables. “Stretton Bros. are building a new brick veneer stable in the space between the hotel and their present stable, Thomas street. The new building is 20x60 feet and will have a felt and gravel roof.” (Brussels Post Oct. 22, 1897)
William Stretton sold the Queen’s Hotel to Joseph Querin in July 1902. Querin managed the hotel himself. In October 1920 Querin sold the large barn belonging to the hotel to ST Plum & Son who intended to re-open it for the convenience of the travelling public for feeding and stabling horses. Querin had found it too much work to manage both hotel and stables on his own and had closed it. Plum also “purchased the bus and gray team associated with it for many years from Anderson Bros. Sam Parr will continue to drive and carry the mail to and from the GTR. It is expected the transfer of the mail carrying contract will be made at an early date from Anderson Bros. to Mr Plum. The new folk will look after it all right.” Mr. Plum continued to run his blacksmith shop. “Improvements are being made in the stables purchased in the way of office, change in stalls, &c. and a livery will be run in connection 3 horses being bought during the past week.”
Querin sold the hotel to George Tate in 1921 who quickly sold to James E. Smith and Edward Dixon. Dixon was sole owner by 1923 and he sold to Samuel T. Plum in October 1923. In March 1925, ST Plum & Son brightened the hotel by stringing 14 lights along the second verandah. In 1928 Plum leased the hotel to Earl Maxwell Somers.
Image Right: The Queen’s Hotel and the Stretton Block to the south are seen in this early coloured postcard. Stanley and Margaret Rutledge ran a Pool Room in the hotel from 1938 to 1945. After 1945, Maggie Rutledge continued the business until 1954. The Pool Room was in the south wing in the front room with the large window. This room had once been a sample showroom set aside for commercial travellers as a place to show their wares. The room had a separate exterior entrance for those customers who did not want to enter the hotel itself. When the hotel was demolished in 1986, this section of the building was preserved and is now part of the streetscape at the Huron County Museum, Goderich.
There were many other lessees of the hotel through the years: MN McDonald in 1930, CH Stubbert from 1931 to 1933, Maude and Harry Kirby from 1935 to 1945 and Maude and Betty Kirby from 1945 to 1953. Albert Buller was the hotel owner starting in 1955. David Brittain took over in 1969. Simmer Hotels owned the Queen’s from 1977 to 1979. The hotel was demolished in 1982 and the grocery store was built in its place.
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