History
In 1853 natural salt springs were found in the downtown area of St. Catharines, Ontario. A trio of men bought three lots at this corner and construction began on the Welland House Hotel. The hotel was constructed using mostly Black workers and was the second spa hotel to be built in the area. Opening in 1856, the mineral waters were pumped from the main spring near Twelve Mile Creek to the hotel. It was believed the waters had healing powers and could cure many ailments.
Welland House was established as part of the local spa market, and was mainly a summer resort that catered to wealthy citizens in Canada and the United States. The hotel often boasted famous guests including actors, politicians, musicians and performers. The Encyclopædia Britannica even listed it as one of the world’s best spas.
The hotel had a number of owners, including the Malcomson brothers who purchased it in 1893. They greatly improved it by drilling a new well, building a bath house and opening a private hospital named The Wellandra. The hospital was a key addition to the hotel, and continued to promote the healing powers found in mineral water treatments. In November 1909, Mary Malcolmson started the first North American Girl Guide troop at the Welland House. Unfortunately, the spa business in St. Catharines went into decline and Welland House closed its doors in 1993.
The Hotel Bar, named the Alibi Room was known to be a meeting place for gays and lesbians in the area from 1968 until its closing.
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