Village Inn demolition sparked considerable debate

During a large part of the 20th century, Grimsby had a famous dine-anddance hotel, in the heart of the village. It was the Village Inn opened in 1907 by John Hewitt, a Grimsby boy who sought his fortune in Chicago and found it.

When he came back to Grimsby for his retirement, he invested in many worthwhile projects, including the Village Inn.

After his death in 1919, the hotel was purchased by Napoleon Servais who had experience in operating small hotels in Haileybury and Timmins.

A Small Drop of Ink

By Dorothy Turcotte

The Village Inn became famous after World War II when Peggy O’Neil was hired as managing director and hostess.

Peggy brought the place alive with many special events, and the fact that she was always ready to sing for guests.

Peggy did a singing commercial for local radio stations. Those who remember that ad will remember Peggy O’Neil’s voice singing “That’s Peggy O’Neil.”

As a talented singer with her own radio program, Peggy was able to bring many of her musical friends to perform at the Oak Room, and diners and dancers came to hear them.

The stone building that became the Village Inn was originally a home/ business premises for Robert Dolmage and his family.

When John Hewitt took it over, he added a large addition of matching local limestone to accommodate new facilities.

The Village Inn continued on until 1973 when it was demolished to make parking for the new Steinberg’s Plaza. Grimsby’s heritage lovers protested, but it was no use. The historic building was gone.

This awoke in Grimsby and the Grimsby Historical Society the determination to preserve as much as possible of the town’s heritage.

We’re still trying.

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