I've just returned from Elora, Ontario. where I attended a wedding with family members. We stayed at Drew House, within walking distance from the beautiful, historic village of Elora. The charming Drew House is a converted 19th century coach house, built before Confederation. It was designed for the family of George Alexander Drew (1826-1891), a lawyer, politician and judge, who served two terms as the Member of Parliament for Wellington North. He represented the riding as the Liberal-Conservative member of the Canadian House of Commons from 1867 to 1872 and from 1878 to 1882,
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| George A. Drew (1826-1891) |
Drew's grandson, also named George Alexander Drew (1894-1973), became the youngest mayor ever of Guelph, Ontario in 1925 at the age of 30. He went on to serve as 14th Premier of Ontario from 1943 to 1948.
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| George A. Drew (1894-1973) |
The original structure of the Drew House, located on East Mill Street, was built in 1857. Since then, it has been greatly expanded. It was originally a one-and-a-half-storey home. Since the 1870s, it has been an impressive two-storey stone structure. There haven't been many owners since the George Alexander Drew first lived there. It is now an inn for travellers to Elora.
During our two-night stay at Drew House, we were shown much hospitality by our hosts, Kathleen Stanley and her husband, Roger Dufau. The couple have been operating Drew House as a bed and breakfast since 1999. They made us feel comfortable and they served us hearty breakfasts. I wish to thank them for making our stay a pleasant one. If you happen to be visiting Elora, I highly recommend the Drew House. Thanks Kathleen and Roger!
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| Innkeepers Kathleen Stanley and Roger Dufau |
For those interested in the heritage of Elora, a book about the history of Drew House has been written by Elysia DeLaurentis. It is titled A Grand and Storied Home: The Drew House of Elora, Ontario. It is available for purchase at Magic Pebble Books in Elora. and at Drew House.
- Joanne
