Low Down Articles
Echoes from the Past
Article 14 of 111
This article first appeared in the "Echoes from the Past" column of the The Low Down to Hull and Back News.
Reprinted with permission. Search complete list of Low Down Articles.
o o o
Cycling Again at Wakefield (well! isn't "cycling again" - "recycling"?)
WAKEFIELD INN on Highway 105
Foster Earle operated an earlier hotel at this site. The Misses Jean and Mable Lindsay were the next to run it - as the Wakefield Inn. Ed Newton succeeded the Lindsay ladies, running it for many years, also calling it the "Wakefield Inn". During the 1960s a bad fire damaged the building, necessitating an extensive programme of renovation and redecoration.
In 1989 James Sisttie and his son modernized the building. The changed building was offered as boutiques or small stores. Gatineau Valley Fireplaces opened in the spring of 1989 but was forced to close its doors in the fall of 1991, probably because of the recession. Expeditions Radisson had a business at the south end of the building but has in the spring of 1992, moved into the space vacated by the Fireplace venture.
EARLE STORE Place 1870 complex
This wooden building standing on the busy corner of Highway 105 which leads traffic either into and out of Wakefield has served as a store for at least three generation of Earles. The stock initially was farm implements but was switched to plumbing and hardware as the needs of the customers changed over the years.
The downstairs, in the 1970s, was divided into small businesses, including a café. Upstairs there is a quaint old hall, used at one time as a council chamber and for movies. With a small stage added it also served for the production of plays. This was in the 1940s and even earlier.
Owing to strict fire regulations the public may no longer assemble in the hall. The Wakefield office of "The Post" and a boutique are both housed upstairs.
An irregular programme of recycling and change has been the lot of this veteran.
EARLE HOUSE opposite the Earle Store
Robert Earle the builder of many local structures, decided that time out should be taken to build his own house. This building, put up in 1880 is the result of that decision. As the family of his brother Arthur was steadily increasing, the two brothers got together to discuss the idea of swapping homes.
Robert knew his brother's house very well indeed as he had built it. An agreement was reached and the switch took place.
In 1975 James (Jim) Brown acquired the old home. Being in the construction business himself, Jim saw the possibility of turning the place into a classy restaurant. Although the inside was almost gutted in the process the end product was satisfactory achieved. Little of the outside was changed.
A series of owners and managers has and continues to offer a fair bill of fare. It is, in the 1990s, Earle de Wakefield Pub Restaurant.