HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-11-05, Page 108Congratu1atiofl°
Charnpion on
'a century of excellence!'
ITe are very pleased to be a part of
n! Champion's 100th Anniversary. In keeping
VEth this ilalsor.+.,= we would lake
to offer a brief history of our own establishment.
The property on which the Hotel Bedford n w
sits has actually accommodatedAlbi two
hotels.
The
original hotel was called the
burned to the ground in 1895. It was replaced a
year later with the present building which was
built by the new hotel's namesake, the Bedford
family. The new hotel was operated by Jonathon
Miller who bore the title as the largest man in
the district, weighing somewhere around 450
pounds. Jonathon Miller oversaw the hotel's
operation until 1904 when he bought the hotel at
Smith's hill (presently Carlow) . He remained
there until his death in 1908.
Between 1905 and 1915, Hotel Bedford was
operated by Fred Davis. It then fell under the
reins of Gordon Sutcliffe and Harold Warner
until 1928 when the Litt family took control.
Wes and Gid Litt, who were cousins, managed
the hotel until 1935 when Wes sold out his
interests to Mrs. Ethel Litt, the estranged wife of
his cousin, Gid. Mrs. Litt undertook the
mangement of the hotel with her daughter,
Auleen, until 1938 when Auleen and her husband,
Frank Curry, attained controlling interest. Mr.
and Mrs. Frank Curry operated the hotel
effectively for 42 years, eventually selling out to
their eldest daughter, Mary and her husband
Bruno Lapaine, in. 1970.
They operated the hotel successfully until 1974
when Mr. and Mrs. Tony Vandersteen procured
ownership and
atine &ouel for y ea-- s before
selling
out to a group of investors. It was during
this time that the hotel underwent elaborate
renovations.
By 1982, however, the hotel was experiencing
severe financial difficulties and its operation
returned to Mr. and Mrs. Bruno Lapaine who
still continue to manage it.
Even through all the renovations, the hotel has
maintained its old world character and continues
to be one of the landmarks of Goderich.
We attribute the Hotel Bedford's longevity to
Champion's longevity. Champion's major
economic influence has contributed greatly to the
prosperity of many local businesses over the
years and we sincerely hope that Champion
remains a Goderich landmark for another 100
years.
Best wishes and congratulations to all the
`Grader People' past and present, on the
achievement of 'a century of excellence.' We
truly share in your jubilation.
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