Dave’s store is the site of the former Beamish store, at one time a well-known mainstay in many Ontario towns to buy retail and dry goods on a Saturday morning trip in from the farm to shop.

This is just a small portion of the collection offered by John Nalon president of the Gananoque Historical Society and he is delighted to be able to bring some history to light and enjoyed, instead of being stored away. Sharing history is being part of history John says and, this part of history is ready for viewing by the public, complimenting his twice yearly newsletters.

There are seven large frames of old photos, postcards, and supporting memorabilia in the hall of the Shoppes of Gananoque. Stop by and remember, reminisce and yes, Dave usually has coffee and cookies out!

Originally the building you see on our home page was very likely built as early as the 1840s and by 1863, a hotel occupied the premises. Originally called The Albion Hotel, it was owned and operated by Bernard Shiels.  Mrs Shiels was in charge of the cuisine and the establishment boasted splendid meals with a reputation extending far beyond the confines of Gananoque. Mrs. Shiel’s full course dinners were 25 cents, with an extra helping if desired.

Room rates remained at a dollar a day when Mr. W.S.Lloyd became proprietor during the 1890s under the new name The Victoria Hotel.

The Thousand Islands Railway’s main station and staging yards was located amid a typical 1800s and early 1900s scene of industrial activity, negating the beauty and charm of the area has today. But the hotel’s location was ideal for passengers departing trains uptown at the nearby “Umbrella”.

Upon ceasing hostelry operations in 1906, The Jones Shovel Co. took over the Victoria Hotel building for its offices and remained there until 1963, when it announced they would close operations after 111 years. The local historical society of the day persuaded the Town to purchase the building and opened it as the town museum in June 1964.

The museum closed in 1998, museum inventory, for the most part, remaining in storage and the building was closed to the public until 2001 when the Chamber of Commerce opened the Visitor Services Center. Presently, the Gananoque Business Improvement Area and Thousand Islands Accommodation Partners share the second floor offices with the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Services Administration.

John Nalon,
President Gananoque Historical Society

The Thousand Islands Railway 500 was a one-of-a kind homebuilt diesel engine rebuilt and by CN owned-Oshawa Railway. It operated briefly in Oshawa before being put onto the Thousand Island 500 Railway in March 1931.  In 1947 it was re-engined with twin 142 HP Cummins diesel.  The legendary engine retired in April of 1963 and finally put on display three years later in April of 1966 at east entrance to Downtown Gananoque.