Miss Chapman: 

Ah, here’s a good place to start! This is the Welland House Hotel. Tourists come from all over Canada and the United States to relax and enjoy our springs and mineral waters.  

Ah, look! That’s Mr. Edward Carol leaving the Welland House, he’s the manager of the hotel, he can certainly tell us more about it. 

[Enter Edward Carol] 

Edward Carol:   

Hello Miss Chapman!  And who is this?  Your friend?  Welcome to the health spa resort of Canada! 

Miss Chapman:  

Hello Mr. Carol.  I’m showing my friend around our great town and I was hoping you could enlighten us on some of the features of the Welland House. 

Edward Carol:  

I would certainly be happy to Miss Chapman. Our mineral waters here at the Welland House are guaranteed to cure your ailments and illnesses, their healing properties are unmatched. Many of our visitors come as tourists from the southern United States.With over a hundred guest rooms — 60 of which have a private bathroom — we would be  happy to accommodate your friend Miss Chapman. 

Miss Chapman:

Thank you for your hospitality Mr. Carol, unfortunately we are not seeking housing but we would be delighted if you could speak to us more about the prestige of the Welland House. 

Edward Carol: 

Of course.  Did you know the Algonquin peoples recognized the healing properties of the mineral waters long before the construction of this establishment? Based on the strength of those waters, our hotel as well as the Stephenson House and the Springbank Hotel have emerged as prime destinations for Canadians and Americans seeking relief and relaxation in health spas. 

Miss Chapman:  

How interesting!  And who built the Welland House? 

Edward Carol: 

The Welland House was constructed in 1856 and involved some of St. Catharines most prominent families. Some of these families include the Merritts, Haynes, and Goodman’s who helped fund the hotel through a joint-stock in 1853. The hotel went through a series of owners but is now owned by Captain James Norris. 

Miss Chapman:  

I know Mr. Norris.  I’ve seen him at the Grand Opera House! 

Edward Chapman:  

I’m sure you have Miss Chapman. The Hotel also hosted several notable figures from the American Civil War, including former Confederate president Jefferson Davis, the family of Robert E. Lee, and Mary Lincoln, wife of the assassinated U.S. president Abraham Lincoln.

Miss Chapman:  

Oh my, what else can you tell me about the hotel Mr. Carol? 

Edward Chapman:  

I’m sorry Miss Chapman, as much as I enjoy discussing the history of our hotel, I must go to Mr. James Norris’ residence.  He has just returned from Buffalo following a surgery. 

Miss Chapman:  

Oh dear! Please send him my regards for a speedy recovery. 

Edward Chapman: 

I certainly will Miss Chapman.  Good day to you! 

Narrator:  

By the 1920s, the St. Catharines spa industry began to decline and so did the popularity of the Welland House. By 1993, the Welland House had closed its spas and guest rooms. In 1994, it became a Brock University student residence until it was officially closed in 2015. A fire in July 2021 ultimately damaged the Welland House beyond repair, and shortly thereafter it was demolished. If you’d like to further examine the Welland House the way it looked in Rubena Chapman’s time, click on the SketchFab 3D model to the right, or below if you are using a phone. Move your cursor to the left and right, and you’ll be able to view the hotel as it looked from multiple angles. 

Miss Chapman:  

Alright, let’s continue shall we?  The next building I want to show you is my favourite. 

Narrator: 

To continue, press the “Next” button below.