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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1973-01-18, Page 991 E.LEON1 SONS '" LONC1h.1, CT.T The front of the old heating boiler was incorporated into the design of the new White Carnation. The boiler front not only adds to the atmosphere of the hall but serves as functional doors to the kitthen. Pat Norman demonstrates their use. The spacious dance floor of the White Carnation is one of the highlights of the hall. It retains the old red glass brick floor of the Carnation Plant and adds the atmosphere of an old barn. The stage at right is used for orchestras that are brought in from across South- western Ontario. The dining area of the White Carnation has a seating capacity of 200 for licensed events and features a floor to ceiling fireplace that takes four foot logs. The facility is also available for banquets and wedding receptions and has already proved to be a popular spot for area residents. Brian Stothers Brick layers R.R, 6, Goderich 529-7309 ' Clinton News-Record Bartliff's Bakery Ltd. Bestaurant & Bakery Albert St. Clifton 482.9721 Beattie Furniture 18 Albert St. Clinton Tht *Warta) SIGNAL-STAR 482,9521 014 WON NEWS-RgCORD, THURSDAY. JANUARY 18, 1973-9 Hosts and hostesses of the White Carnation in Holmesville are shown in their sparkling kit- chen. Left to right are Bruce and Dawn Rathwell and Pat and Bob Norman. The night spot features a smorgasbord dinner and dancing every other week with a name orchestra providing the dancing music. The White Carnation Lights handmade from old wagon wheels, cedar shingles and velvet wallpaper are a few of the innovations of the dinning area of the White Carnation at Holmesville which is holding its open house this Sunday. The room combines the rustic with the modern and people who have been there have described the place as "fantastic." From cheese & milk to fun and frolic What can you do with an old cheese and butter factory? That question was highest in the minds of Bruce Rathwell and Bob Norman when the for- mer Carnation plant at Holmesville went up for sale last April. A first thought, they won- dered if maybe it would make a good warehouse, but upon fur- ther thinking, they dreamed up the idea of turning the former factory and milk depot into a posh and well heeled night spot and banquet hall. Starting in July, nearly two months after buying the old plant, they and dozens of work- men, relatives and friends star- ted to literally gut the interior of the building and build it again from scratch. It took nearly two months to tear out the milk coolers and the ice plant and various walls and partitions. One of the ice making machines was sold to the Harriston Arena and now keeps that place in ice, It took nearly another three months to build up the inside and most of the ideas used in the interior were garnered from friends and relatives. Ken Scott of Brucefield, Bob's father-in-law, thought that the best name for the spot would be the "White Car- nation." Bruce's brother Bill thought that the front of the old boiler should be retained and it was subsequently used both as a conversational piece and as serving doors from the kitchen. • The original glass brick floor of the plant was retained as a dance floor and a country at- mosphere was added to the walls and ceilings with the ad- dition of barn boards, beams and lights handmade from wheels of an old seed drill. The hall, which can seat 300 for a banqUest and 200 for a licensed banquet, also has a floor to ceiling fireplace that consumes four foot logs with no trouble, as well as providing a homey atmosphere. The building was originally built in the 1870's and was a farmers' co-operative with the name of the Holmesville Cheese and Butter Company. In 1935 it was bought by the late Melville Elliott who ran it until 1946 when Carnation bought it and converted it into a milk handling depot. Because the Township of Goderich is not licensed, all parties at the White Carnation must be treated as private af- fairs and the only way to gain admittance to the semi-weekly dances is by reservation. Bruce and Dawn Rathwell and Bob and Pat Norman ad- mitted that running the wed- dings and banquets and parties is a big job but they are quick to point out that friends and relatives help out in the preparation of the smorgasbord meals that are served at the various functions. In fact, a casserole made by Bob's mother Charlotte Norman for last week dance was so good that dozens of people wondered if they could get the recipe. The Normans and the Rath- wells hope to stage a dance every other weekend with a quality orchestra and even- tually they hope to have a liquor vote in Goderich. Ever since its opening by MP Bob McKinley and Goderich Township Reeve Everett Mcllwain on Decem- ber 2, 1972, the dance tickets have been sold out two days af- ter they went on sale. The $12 per couple includes dancing, smorgasbord And all liquor. Tickets are available from Nor- man's Store in Homesville or by calling 482-9228. There will be an open house this Sunday when everybody is invited to tour the facilities and enjoy free coffee and donuts. Arnold Stothers "Sand blasting ik Air hammer work" R.R. 6, Goderich 529-7403 482-9342 482-9560 Bayfield Electric (Jati. Hutchins prop.) Bayfleid 565,2741 Conklin Lumber Co. Ltd. 620-7981 Harold Wise Ltd. 529-7913 482,7062 Albert St. 225 Maple St. Fairholme Dairy Chilton Donald Bell Building Contractor Clinton Clinton 78 King St. Dawson's Dungannon Plumbing (Ken Keller Mgr.) Plumbing, heating ill . electrical Contractors Bayfield Rd. S. Goderich 524-8321 262 Bayfield Rd. Clinton Clinton Meat Market (Grant Irwin prop.) 482-3834 Blake's Welding & Machine Shop Clinton 442./303 •