Then and now: Quinn’s Inn – From stagecoach stopover to Pub

Southeastern Ontario is full of history, there is no doubt about that. Every corner tells a story, none more so than the four corners at the junction of Highway 138 and County Road 18. 

The small village of St. Andrews West is home to St. Andrew’s Catholic Church. The parish hall was the original church and is the oldest remaining stone structure in the province erected as a church. It was completed about 1801 and is known as the “Round Church. Its walls are one metre thick. It was used as a hospital in the War of 1812. The church that stands next to it was built in 1860. It has an impressive bell tower and spire. The presbytery stands next to the church. 

Across the street, on the northwest corner, is the Pioneer Graveyard. There stands a replica of the “log church” first used when the area was settled in 1784 by United Empire Loyalists. The cemetery is the resting place of Simon Fraser the famous explorer and John Sandfield Macdonald, Ontario’s first premier from 1867 to 1871.

John Sandfield Macdonald (1812-1872) left a lasting legacy in the village when he built Quinn’s Inn on the northeast corner. The Inn was built in 1865 to serve as a stagecoach stopover, hotel and tavern. That location was on the main stagecoach line from Montreal, Kingston, and Toronto. Back then County Road 18 was the Line Road and Highway 138 was the King’s Road. Macdonald never operated the Inn himself. He leased it out. Upon the death of Macdonald in 1872, the tenth item on his will stipulated that the basement of the tavern “shall for the period of twenty years after my decease be reserved for the use of the Catholic inhabitants of the Parish of St. Andrews upon each Sundays, holidays or other days upon which a funeral takes place…” He also noted that future owners or lessees, should keep the basement clean and in winter provide ample heat. He mentioned leaving a large wood stove for that very purpose. It was to be used for wakes. 

The building was used as a tavern until it was gutted by fire in 1879. In 1895, it was purchased by William and Elizabeth Masterson, who renovated the interior. It became a barber shop, post office and general store, as shown in the artwork. Frank Quinn took ownership in 1924, followed by his three sons in 1948. It remained a general store until 1989 when it was restored to its original charm. The stone walls are in evidence along with a well-worn, wide board flooring. Today Quinn’s Inn is operated by the Belmore Family. It is a pub, restaurant and banquet hall, so it is open to the public.

Our 'Now & Then' series, unveils the rich tapestry of South Eastern Ontario's historical landmarks and buildings, all waiting to be discovered on your travels. Delve into the intriguing stories behind these iconic structures and the vibrant communities they call home.

Written by Ginette-Guy Mayer; her interest as a writer revolves around history, genealogy and women’s stories within those contexts. Now retired, she lives in Cornwall, Ontario, where she volunteers with various heritage, history and genealogical groups. She is the author of the biography Unforgotten Mary Mack, the Elizabeth Grant Mysteries, set in 1930s Cornwall and the DS Henry Stafford Mysteries series, set in 1980s Winchester/Chesterville.