Situated on the southwest corner of Henderson and Duke Streets where the McCarthy Motors property is now, it was a large three-storey hotel with a lookout on top. It was advertised as "the most pleasantly situated hotel in Chatham, directly facing the Theatre and the beautiful Elm Park. Recently re-modelled, refurnished and repainted throughout. In luxury, comfort and views, second to no other house in the town. Hacks to and from all trains and boats. Terms $1.50 and $2.00 per day."
Allan Mann was the proprietor. In the summer of 1905 he made extensive improvements to his hotel. He added a wing to the southerly side and a third storey to the main building. This gave the hotel ten extra bedrooms (making a total of 21), a bathroom and a lavatory on the top floor. The work was done by James Mowatt.
The Albert House had a ball room called "The Palms" and there are people on the Miramichi today who remember dancing there to a beautiful orchestra, with Arthur Goodyear at the piano and Willard MacDonald playing the violin.
The account reads "The walls of the office, halls and dining room are beautifully decorated with scenes from Mr. Mann's brush. A view of the harbour, winter scenes, a view of the north side of the river, flowers, horses, etc. are among the paintings.
"A billiard and pool room is connected with the hotel.
"The lookout on the roof affords a grand view of the town."
(Albert House Official Opening) |
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Oxtail - Vegetable FISH Boiled Salmon - Baked Bass BOILED Sugar Cured Ham Leg of Mutton - Caper Sauce Turkey - Celery Sauce Ox Tongue ROASTS Beef - Brown Gravy Turkey - Chestnut Dressing Cranberry Sauce Goose, Sage Dressing, Brown Gravy VEGETABLES Mashed Potatoes, Mashed Turnips, Corn and Peas |
Brant, Currant Jelly Duck, Apple Sauce RELISHES Spanish Olives, Tomatoes, Celery, Chow Chow, Mixed Pickles, Beets Worcester Sauce, Tomato Catsup PASTRY English Plum Pudding, Brandy Sauce Lemon Pie, Mince Pie, Apple Pie, Washington Pie and Cream Pie. DESSERT Pineapple, Peaches, Pears, Rasp- berries and Strawberries. FRUITS Oranges, Grapes, Bananas, Apples and Ice Cream BEVERAGES Tea, Coffee and Cocoa |
In the 1930's J. D. Lahay's wife Kit ran the Park Hotel and also operated a candy store.
The last proprietess was Mrs. Peter Lynch who was noted for her generosity to the poor.
The hotel was demolished shortly before the new Post Office was built in 1956.
(Acknowledgements: Charles Whitty and Miss Dora Johnston.)
(Northumberland News, June 3, 1981)