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The Citizen, 2004-08-12, Page 6Historic renovation After months of hard work, the owners at the Blyth Inn have completed renovations of seven hotel rooms in the building. The historic feel of the building still exists and is brought to life through the three Villager rooms, two Villager deluxe rooms, one master suite and one deluxe suite with a six- person hot tub. This master suite offers its guests a comfortable four-poster bed, warming fireplace and a two- person Jacuzzi tub. (Elyse DeEttuyn photo) LAWN QUESTIONS? Organic Programs Ora Available ACCREDITED WedIVVaie 524-2424 -Trust the Professionals - / Den-Way Auto body ftd 25th Anniversary Celebration Den-Way Auto Body Ltd. is pleased to announce their 25th year of service. To celebrate, we would like to invite our customers to a customer appreciation barbeque Friday, August 13, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. 45> For more information 482-7569 4P- • 42. Air& 0111E1**.a 7440arr Apr Jelk dNgZabl 79111111Ma celebrati JULY 30-31 AUGUST 1 "lataVat.*A4.;.": There is no doubt that small towns know how to party. The Auburn 150th was a huge success, with beautiful weather and large crowds at all the events and activities. It's easy to see that fun was had by all. It was nice to see all of our hard work and dedication over the past two years pay off. Friends and family from far and wide returned home to laugh, play and reminisce. I think that our success is due in part, that we tried to have something for all age groups, and by the response I know we accomplished that. I would like to thank the entire Auburn 150th Committee. And on behalf of the Auburn 150th Committee and myself we would like to thank all the volunteers, sponsors, and the municipalities of Central Huron, North Huron, and Ashfield Colborne. We all worked together to make a celebration that will be remembered for years to come. Jeff Thomson COMMITTEE CHAIR AUBURN 150th CELEBRATION PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2004. Inn back in business for overnight guests Ry Elyse DeBruyn Citizen staff It may be hard to believe due to the size of the town, but at one point Blyth had five hotels, which eventually were all shut down. leaving the town with none... until Continued from page 1 County will be smoke-free. One-third of Huron County smokers are trying to quit and a smoke-free environment makes it easier for them to do so. To support those individuals who would like to quit smoking, the Huron County Health Unit will be offering a free Stop Smoking Program to adults in the fall; the Health Unit also has free, self-help smoking cessation materials. Smokers can also call the Canadian Cancer Society's Smokers Helpline for free information, advice and support by calling 1-877-513- 5333. Is your workplace or public place ready to become smoke-free? Would you like to quit smoking and now. Owners of the Blyth Inn have recreated an 1800s-look for its seven newly-renovated hotel rooms. Michelle Nesbitt, co-owner of the Blyth Inn, said they began their eight-month renovation last November. are looking for some assis- tance? If you have any questions about the bylaw education kits, the ETS Bylaw, or if you would like more Continued on page 1 Stewart. The fear is qualified building officials will be in short supply, and will go elsewhere after a municipality invests $11,000 in training. It has happened already in a couple of instances, Stewart said. The general feeling among North Huron councillors was to take no "It was a private renovation. Friends and family came to help us do most of the work," said Nesbitt. The Blyth Inn has a long and infamous history which dates back to the temperance movement of the late 1880s. As the Temperance Act came into effect on May 1, -1884, patrons woke the next day to find the main street of Blyth lined with bottles which apparently contained rye and port. In that year, all five hotels were selling liquor with or without a license. Then in 1886, Blyth established four hotels and one liquor shop. Among them was the Commercial Hotel, known today as the Blyth Inn. In the early years, the Commercial Hotel also contained a small grocery store and an ice cream par- lour. Since its beginning, the Blyth Inn has had several owners including Mr. Milne, John McCaughey, Frank McCaughey, John Emigy, E. Johnston, William Johnston, Harry Johnston, Grover Clare Sr., A.J. Glass, Kenneth Poole, Mr. Caves, Grover Clare Jr., Adrianus Schipper, Anne and Harry Kowlackuk, Harold Ferguson and in 1983 Peter and Carol Irwin. The hotel building went through some dramatic changes after the Irwins purchased the property. The first and most visible to the public was the remodeling of the front entrance and the change from the old whitewash to the blue exterior seen today. The dividing walls between the old Hub bar and the main area were eliminated, windows were added to the back and side of the structure, halls were opened up add the dinning room was moved. In the area which is now the non- smoking section. the Hub once information about quitting smoking, contact the Huron County Health Unit at 482-3416, or 1=877- 837-6143 if calling long dis- tance. action at this point and find out how other municipalities are going to handle the situation. If building inspection is to become a county responsibility, then perhaps the township won't have to do anything. Councillors agreed that sharing qualified building inspectors among the municipalities was a pretty good short-term solution. stood, followed by a coffee,shop in 1990, befOre the Irwins added it to the main room. In 1992, the dining room was moved from the front area of the building to its present day site. This change allowed two stores, one of which is Carol's Candies, to be added. Today a- group ownership consisting of Jim and Sheila Thompson, Cheryl Thompson, Jason Rutledge and Jeff and Michelle Nesbitt dperates the Blyth Inn. The original nine rooms and one apartment were completely changed as walls were torn down, new windows were installed as well as new insulation and drywall. Finally everything was painted and designed to fit the 1800s style, but with modern technology including large washrooms with walk-in showers. "We wanted to save the historical feel of the building," said Nesbitt. Although Nesbitt said almost nothing was salvageable, they were Continued from page 1 day", says Henning. "Wear light- coloured clothing and cover up whenever possible. Use insect repellent containing DEET, carefully reading and following all product instructions found on the label." The Huron County Health Unit will increase mosquito surveillance activities within a five km radius of where the positive crow was found. Huron County residents are asked to continue to report the location of any dead crows or blue jays to the health unit. Stay informed about West Nile virus so that you can have a healthy summer. For more information, call able to keep the original brick in the rooms. The second floor of the Blyth Inn has three Villager rooms which all include a cherry wood queen-size sleigh bed and a private ensuite. There are also two Villager deluxe rooms on the second floor, that can accommodate up to four persons and include private ensuites. The third floor is filled by the master suite offering a beautiful four-post bed, fireplace and two- person Jacuzzi tub. Just down the hall is the deluxe suite, the largest room in the hotel, with its six-person hot tub, private bath and accommodations for six. All guests receive a continental breakfast with their stay. Relaxation and leisure packages are also available, including a theatre package, a golf package and an extreme sports package involving paintball, motorcross or parachuting. For more information or for reservations call 519-523-9381. the Huron County Health Unit WNv Infoline at 482-3416 Ext. 2001 or if long distance, dial 1-877-837-6143 Ext. 2001. Check out our N,ebsite at www.huroncounty.ca/healthunit ETS bylaw takes effect Sept. 4 Council feels sharing inspectors a good short-term solution Surveillance increases