The Citizen, 1994-06-29, Page 35Page 7
— Stops Along The ‘Way '94—
Step back in time to historic Port Albert inn
By Janice Becker
A stop-over at a small fishing village
along Lake Huron is like a step back in time.
A general store, which hasn't changed much
over the years and an inn reminiscent of an
early time are the only commercial
establishments in town.
Linda Tyler and Paul Johnston, the
proprietors of Inn at the Port, take pride in
being only the fourth owners of their
building since its construction in the 1860s,
in the small community of Port Albert, home
to 300.
Linda and Paul are great hosts of history
as one enters the cafe portion of the
business. They know the stories behind the
building, preserve it, display it and share it.
The building was first used as a general
store and telegraph office until 1879 when
the general store moved across the road,
where it remains to this day.
It was then used for a private residence
until it was sold in 1942. The new owners
made an attempt at running a restaurant and
Bed and Breakfast.
The third owner operated a snack bar from
the premises and many of the locals still
remember it as the home of the one pool
table in town and the supplier for bootleg
liquor.
Linda says, "When the construction of
Highway 21 bypassed the village in 1963,
the business closed and returned to a private
home."
The couple bought the property six and a
half years ago and have been renovating and
restoring the structure to its original state.
"The property hasn't changed much and
we are trying to keep it that way. The pine
floors found throughout the cafe and upstairs
bedrooms arc original," says Linda.
"The upstairs floors had never been
painted or finished. All they needed was a
little sanding and varnish."
Many of the antiques owned by previous
proprietors of the property as well as pieces
collected by Linda and Paul over the years,
can be found in the bedrooms available for
renting .
"We both love antiques and they have
added to the decor here," says Linda.
One bedroom features the bed set owned
by Christine Hawkins, the last member of
the family who "built Port Albert" and the
owners and inhabitants of the inn through
the 1920s, says Linda.
During the renovations, Linda and Paul
tried to incorporate pieces of local history as
well as replacing some which had been
removed by other owners.
"Several years ago, a young boy was
sitting in a car across the road at the General
Store and knocked it into neutral. Being
situated downhill from the store, the front of
the inn served as the brakes. The entire front
of the building was rebuilt and the original
1860s doors were removed." says Linda.
During renovation, the doors were found
in the attic and replaced. "Paul eventually
wants to redo the windows in a style similar
to originals as well," she says.
The doors on the bedrooms came from the
airforce training base, located just outside of
town during the Second World War.
"The base was used to train Common
wealth soldiers and it closed immediately
after the war," says Paul.
Even the large field stone used to surround
the wood stove located in the cafe are from
the remains of a local bam foundation.
"We have tried to provide a haven for city
folks (and others) who want to go back 100
years. We don't have a television or phone in
every room, there is no fax machine and the
pool is a five minute walk (Lake Huron),"
says Linda. "We want a place where people
will want to come and where they will feel at
home."
The inn also features some rather unique
artistry in the dining area. Paul has affixed a
boat, fishing rod and basket to the ceiling. "It
had always been something I had in my head
that I wanted to do and this was the place,"
he says.
A visitor from Dungannon was fascinated
by the boat, but told Paul he needed a fish on
the end of the line. Some time later, the man
returned with a hand-carved trout to be
placed on the ceiling. The work is intricate
and exquisite, though fishermen laugh when
they see the bass lure being used to catch the
fish, says Paul.
Also on display are several pieces of local
woodworking and handicrafts which may be
purchased.
fishing and a Labour Day celebration which
will feature a soap box derby on the
Saturday and a street dance.
Paul laughs and says, "There is no reason
why anyone would live in Port Albert, they
do because they love it here. For 150 years,
time has stood still."
For a weekend getaway or summer retreat,
Inn at the Port is located in the "village
famous for the fishing", Port Albert. Il is
found north of Goderich, off Highway 21.
The Inn offers Bed and Breakfast facilities
as well as a small restaurant which is open
from 8 a.m. until 9 or 10 p.m. for those on a
day trip.
Port Albert offers visitors to the area great
WILLIAM'S
HAIRSTYLING
Homey
The accomodations at the Inn at the
Port are comfortable, with a touch of
history in the antique fixtures and
furniture.
121 King St.
Hensail, Ontario
J4 Tlace Jar J4 Tfair Affair •>£)
262-2102
The Inn at the Port
• Open year round daily
• Bed and Breakfast - guest only lounge with VCR
• Unique gift shop • Dining room featuring
"Breakfast all day" • Ice Cream parlour
Homemade pies • Group discounts • Special package rates
• Five minute walk to safe, sandy beach
• Great fishing and spectacular Lake Huron Sunsets
Come visit a place where for over 150 years time has stood still
Paul & Linda, Innkeepers Reservations Recommended
It's Worth The Drive To Port Albert
Summer Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Winter Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
PORT ALBERT, R. R. 3, Goderich, Ont. N7A 3X9 (51 9) 529-7986
Refurbishing the old
Paul Johnston and Linda Tyler have owned Inn at the Port in Port Albert for
six years and are restoring the Bed and Breakfast to capture the feeling of
the original 1879 establishment. Many antiques, including some of the
originals, are being used to furnish the bedrooms and pieces of local history
are being incorporated into the decor
Wlngham Blylh
Whiiachurch
X I
A Auburn
V- *
9, •
Lucknow
Robinton •
Sugar
Shack
Kincardine Hwy Goderich