THE STEPHENSON HOUSE

[St. Catherines Constitutional, 4 June 1868]

At no period since its first opening, now twelve or more years ago, have we seen this popular resort in better order for the reception of visitors than at present. During the winter and spring months very great alterations and internal improvements have been in progress, under the superintendence of Mr. Graves, whose good taste and practical judgment in the fitting up and management of this first-class Hotel, has been thoroughly tested since his connection with it. The sitting-rooms; parlors, sleeping apartments, and bath-rooms have all received a careful overhauling, and the furniture in each now presents a renewed and inviting appearance. But it is in the grounds and out buildings that the most marked changes have been made and where the returning guest will be most agreeably surprised in the attractions available. To Mr. Dolson’s mechanical skill and the proprietor’s well-filled purse, the guests are indebted for the convenient and rather handsome bowling and billiard saloons, which now occupy the site of the old rookery that so long served for these purposes; and to the superintendent may be credited the remarkable transformation, from bleak unsightly stubble, to the beautifully sodded circles, terraces, fancy walks, croquet plots, trees, shrubbery, &c., which improve the general appearance. These will much tend to increase the comfort of guests and render their sojourn here more attractive than ever before. It is also in contemplation to still further beautify the grounds by the erection of a handsome fountain, and to improve boats and other sources of recreation not previously in use. While the owner is thus endeavoring to make the House deserving of patronage in every way, and thereby adding to the wealth of the Saints who reap large returns from the visitors in the goods annually sold them, there remains a duty to be discharged by the Council in improving the sidewalks and ditches approaching to the resort, that should no longer be neglected. The improvements immediately required have already been pointed out to the Chairman of the Street Committee, who admits their necessity and is willing to proceed with them when authorized to do so by other members. Let us hope that this authority will be given at the next meeting, and the reproach of bad walks and an indifference to an establishment of so much solid value to the community, will be removed at the earliest moment. There are very few merchants who have not reached respectable sums in their wealthy sales during the visiting season from the wealthy guests of the Stephenson House, and we feel certain they will cheerfully contribute their quota to do all the Corporation may be fairly asked for, to help the owner in the laudable enterprise he is now so praiseworthy carrying out. Mr. Hannifan is again in charge again in charge of the office and with Mr. Graves, will conduct the business in the same agreeable manner as last season.