The North American Hotel

The American Hotel, referred to in the past as both the North American Hotel and the American House, was built c.1824. It is one of the oldest hotels in Ontario, rising to importance during the period of stage coach travel. Although ownership has changed hands numerous times, the building has remained in operation as a hotel, closed only during prohibition. The two storey building once boasted a front verandah, an upstairs ballroom, and an archway on the Mill Street entrance which permitted carriages to drive through allowing ladies to go directly inside. The American Hotel contained the last old time stand-up bar in Ontario, and maintained segregated male and female front rooms until 1966.