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St. Croix Courier
January 27/1989
Sandy Morgan
More than 200 people attended the kick-off Wednesday night of the Algonquin Hotel's year-long celebrations of its 100th anniversary. Politicians, local business representatives, patrons of the hotel and senior Algonquin staff enjoyed this first in a series of five "birthday parties," which are to be held throughout New Brunswick and NS. The guests were given a premier showing of a six-minute multi-media show which depicts the hotel's history, its services and its plans for the future. General Manager Jim Frise, in his introduction to the film, said the hotel has never had the share of the market like the resorts in Banff or Lake Louise. However, he said he felt confident that with the renovations already completed and those currently underway that the Algonquin was quickly becoming a resort to be reckoned with. One of the projects that will be completed this spring is a health spa, which will include the latest in exercise equipment.
Another new selling feature of the Algonquin is its first-rate advertising copy. New brochures, maps and booklets have been drawn up explaining to potential customers in Canada and abroad the advantages of taking their holidays with the Algonquin and its staff. The Algonquin first opened its doors on July 1, 1889, telling its customers that it "will be replete with every convenience and luxury now demanded by summer tourists." The building, with its four floors and 77 guest room cost an estimated $50,000 to build. The room rates at that time were $3-$5 a day and $12 upward per week. Today a guest pays $119 for a double room or $187 if they would like to have their breakfast and dinner included in their room costs. The Courier will be following the many special events at the hotel over the months ahead and will be giving our readers a more detailed look at the history of the hotel which has made an impact on many of the residents of Charlotte County.
Telegraph Journal
January 28, 1989
Barbara Raynor
The first of a number of special events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Algonquin Hotel was held here this week. During the evening, a short video showing the history of the hotel was shown, then manager Jim Frise Welcomed guests noting that here were some 200 guests at the opening of the hotel in 1899 including such dignitaries as the Governor General of Canada. Over the past 100 years, he said, the hotel had great times and struggling times but added, "I also think it is a true reflection of the Algonquin that it has made its rejuvenation in this era and taken a surge at the end of this first century."
The hotel's success of the past two years, he said, is due to the Algonquin's uniqueness and its setting. He said they are making great strides to running right up there with the best that can be found. Frise said guest rooms, suites, corridors and recreation facilities have all been refurbished and when the hotel opens for this season, only 42 more rooms will need further refurbishing. It is hoped an indoor health spa will be opened at the hotel this year, he said, and a feasibility study is being carried out for a further meeting room to cater to the hundred conventions and corporate meetings which are held at the hotel each year.
Frise said the government of New Brunswick recognizes the tremendous amount of revenue generated by the Algonquin and noted that 82 percent of the trade for 1988 came from outside the province. "Most of these people would not have come were it not for the hotel," he added.
He said 1988 was a record year with sales of $4,200,000 and a record $225,000 profit. There was also a record length of season operating 150 days with an average occupancy of 80 percent, he said. There were more than 22,000 room nights sold and 119,000 meals served.
In this anniversary year, Frise said, a number of special events are planned. Similar functions to Wednesday night's will be held in Fredericton, Saint John , Moncton and Halifax. There will be special celebrations at the official opening of the season on May 12, on the official 100th anniversary on July 1, on New Brunswick Day and on Thanksgiving Day. At these events, said Frise, there will be special celebration menus, drss, decorations and maybe even 1889 prices. During the summer, there will be a special historical display at Fort Tipperary.
St. Croix Courier
Feb 15/1989
History of Passamaquoddy Park. By Frank Haley. (From ball diamond of 1949 to present—power, washrooms, profits)
Heritage house next to Cummings (circa 1850) renovated by Paula and Kendra Smith)
St. Croix Courier
March 29/1989
"Albert" fund is nearing half-way mark. (Drive to buy $15,000 computerized "personalized reader" for Albert McQuoid, "one of the area's outstanding citizens.")
St. Croix Courier
May 3/1989
Algonquin readies for start of 100th season. (Ann Doon public relations director)
St. Croix Courier
May 17/1989
Waweig tourist center opens (now St. Andrews Information Center—run and operated by town)
*1988 Season Good Year for Tourist. Stats re 1987
Marking 100th anniversary—Algonquin opens with opulence, fanfare. Alex Merrill
St. Andrews. About 350 guests poured into the Algonquin Hotel's dining room Friday night to partake of an opulent ceremony for the opening of the season. They were greeted by smiling hosts in antique drss, decor of the 19th Century, and the lazy strains of a five-piece jazz band. Inside were tables laden with all manner of fish and seafood appetizers, cornucopias of cheese and fruit, and chefs displaying their skill with flambéed swordfish and other delicacies. And to aid digestion of the hors d'oeuvres, there were several open bars serving drinks for a good 2 1/192 hours.
After they had their fill, guests were feted to speeches by Algonquin Manager Jim Frise, MLA Reid Hurley, St. Andrews' feisty mayor Bev Lawrence and others, ending with a surprise appearance by Sir William Cornelius Van Horne himself (played by Peter Pacey). Van Horne, the wealthy businessman who provided the impetus behind the CP railroad, elicited chuckles from the crowd when he noted that "it's a distinct pleasure to be back in the hallowed halls of a hotel under CP management."
The hotel was taken over by the Nb government from CP in 1973 and CP was contracted to run it. It is owned and operated by Algonquin Properties, a provincial crown corporation. Hurley noted that the past two years "have been the best ever in the operation of the hotel, and it looks like 1989 will be another banner year." To ensure the hotel continues to do well, Hurley announced the government has put $700,000 into the renovations of the hotel this year for roof replacement, room renovations, golf course improvement and a new health club. The first three items are part of a five-year program now in its second year. Hurley noted the importance of the Algonquin to the tourist trade here, saying it may be the most photographed attraction in New Brunswick, and it is to the province as the "Bluenose is to Nova Scotia." [New Brunswick's Bluenose!]
Open from May 12 to Oct. 8, this will be the longest operating season since the government purchased the hotel and occupancy rates are expected to exceed 80 percent. There will be centennial celebrations all season long, but the highlight of the season is expected to be the actual anniversary of the opening day on July 1.
In an enthusiastic speech, Lawrence lavished praise on the Algonquin, calling it "a symbol of what's best about the town." He described it as "stately and grand," but "not overarching." After the festivities, some of the guests sat down to an $18.95 buffet while others left, already satisfied with the appetizers. When contacted later, Frise would not comment on the cost of the evening, saying only that it was a "public relations expenditure," and "as a CP Hotel, we don't divulge all our expenditures."
Telegraph Journal
May 18/1989
100th Season (photo)
The Algonquin Hotel has opened for its 100th season and a number of events are planned for the hotel's special year. Gerald Pond, vice-president (planning) with the New Brunswick Telephone Company, Ltd., presents a 100-year-old telephone to hotel manager Jim Frise to mark the hotel's centennial.
St. Croix Courier
June 14/1989
Fort Tipperary Display Gives Taste of History
Sandy Morgan
Everyone knows that most people find it "acceptable" to take a tiny (in some cases not so tiny) souvenir from their favorite vacation hotel. Guests, over the years, at the Algonquin are no different. The Algonquin is celebrating its 100th birthday this summer, and as part of those celebrations, Ann Doon, public relations director, has arranged a historical display at Fort Tipperary. Guests, past and present, were asked to give up their souvenirs, just for a while, to fill out the display.
The "Fort," which was owned by Lord T. G. Shaughnessy of the CPR, responsible for saving the hotel from financial collapse 11 years after its opening, houses the display. His great-granddaughter Margot Mais and great, great great granddaughter Jenny MacDonald, both of Bayside, were on hand to cut the ribbon guarding the entrance to the grand old home this weekend. The stately white house, behind well-kept, manicured lawns, is across from the hotel and has a commanding view of both sides of the peninsula. The display was conceived to give visitors to the hotel and local residents a glimpse of the Algonquin's history and what it was like to be a guest 50, 70 and 100 years ago. People were encouraged to submit anything of interest from the hotel, they might have "obtained" over the years. Anyone participating (and you still have a chance for a couple of weeks) has the hope of winning a vacation for two at Hotel Vancouver. The display has numerous pictures depicting the hotel and grounds and how they have changed over the years, the town and its changes, but perhaps the most popular were ones showing the change of scenery at Katy's Cove.
This popular beach, a short walk from the hotel, used to sport a jazz band, which started entertaining guest at 10—in the morning. Swimwear went from "amusing" to being just the tiniest bit risqué. Guests at the official opening Sunday afternoon, enjoyed seeing pictures of some of the more famous guests of the hotel. The display is now open to the public, and is housed in the main living room of the Fort. (see Ann Doon on famous visitors).
Telegraph Journal
June 12/1989
Exhibit opens to help celebrate Algonquin's 100th Anniversary
Barb Raynor
An exhibit to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Algonquin Hotel was officially opened here yesterday. Appropriately the exhibit is housed in Fort Tipperary which was the summer home of Lord Shaughnessy, who was president of the CPR in 1902 when the company purchased the Algonquin. Hotel manager Jim Frise told guests at the opening that he felt it was important for visitors to the hotel and the town to be able to appreciate and enjoy some of the rich history of the hotel. He said some of the exhibits might bring back fond memories of early summer days in the community for some residents.
The display will be open daily throughout the hotel's season, and each visitor also will receive a copy of the hotel's history compiled by Professor John Marsh of Trent University. Frise also paid tribute to the hotel's public relations coordinator Ann Doone for all the work she put into organizing the exhibit. Doone in turn thanked the many local residents who provided her with memorabilia for the show. Frise noted that a draw will be made July 1 from the names of those who provided the material and the winner will receive a vacation for two at Hotel Vancouver. A wonderful collection of old photographs depicting the hotel and the town are displayed including a picture of Sir John a. MacDonald and his wife who visited the resort the first summer it opened.
One of the pictures shows the mineral springs at Katy's Cove which visitors believed had medicinal value so took away in bottles and barrels. There is also a photograph of the hotel's orchestra who played at Katy's Cove every morning for early dippers.
Also on display are tennis trophies and golf memorabilia from the hotel's famous course. In the 1920's it only cost $5 per season or 50 cents a day.
The display takes visitors through the hotel's history from gracious afternoon teas on the front verandah right up to the recent visit of Prince Charles and the Princess of Wales. Nearby at Ross Memorial Museum their special exhibit this summer, which was officially opened by Mayor Bev Lawrence on Saturday, also honors the hotel's 100th anniversary. The display entitled "St. Andrews as a Resort Area" includes CPR posters, souvenirs for summer visitors, poster size reproductions from a 1917 CPR promotional booklet.
The ribbon cutting was performed by the great-granddaughter of Lord Shaughnessy Mrs. Margot Mais who was assisted by her daughter Terry Mais and granddaughter Jenny.
St. Croix Courier
June 28/1989
St. Stephener meets demand with Digdeguash tourist resort. (ACOA money) Frank Irving, Lake Digdeguash Four Season Chalet.
Telegraph Journal
July 3/1989
Barbara Raynor
There was a double celebration here over the weekend as the town celebrated not only Canada Day but also the official 100th birthday of the Algonquin Hotel. In town, Canada Day began bright and early with the annual firemen's pancake breakfast and this was followed by the parade which travelled from the Community College to the Sir James Dunn Arena. The bright sunshine brought out local residents and tourist alike to watch the parade led by the alone pipe and members of the Royal Canadian Legion with Mayor Bev Lawrence and his wife Bernice travelling in an antique car not far behind.
Meanwhile, over at the hotel there were games for parents and children alike on the front lawn. There was also a golf tournament over on the golf course. Following the parade there was the Lions chowder wagon, sports events and a dog show at the arena. Down at the town square in the afternoon there was a variety show. At the hotel a crowd gathered to watch manager Jim Frise cut the 100th birthday cake. He was presented with a picture of the hotel on behalf of the management and staff by sports supervisor Sam Gaudet. Entertainment continued with dancing by girls from Susan's School of Dance and more games during the afternoon. This was also the ideal time for the launching of St. Andrews' author Willa Walker's book "No Hayfever and a Railway" which was held on the hotel's Sunset Terrace.
Mrs. Walker, wife of novelist David Walker, thanked the publishers for producing such a good looking book along with the many people who had shared their early memories of St. Andrews and its families with her. Birthday celebrations continued in the evening with a gala dinner attended by Premier Frank McKenna and the chairman, president and chief executive officer of Canadian Pacific Hotels and Resorts Robert Demone. Entertainment was provided by international recording star Frank Mills.
The head table guests were ceremonially cried in by town crier and mayor Bev Lawrence and piped to their table. Frise read excerpts from the St. Andrews Beacon published 100 year ago describing the official opening of the hotel and spoke of its "roller coaster" history with both good times and bad time. However, he said the Algonquin had taken a surge as the end of the its first century approached. He said the hotel's momentum is building now as its passes into its second century and they want to attract more business.
Frise said the unique town of St. Andrews continues to be an integral part of this resort package. Demone said the hotel is alive with memories for thousands of people who have visited it over the years. "Generations of visitors from Canada and the US have made St. Andrews their special spot." The premier said the province and its citizen are proud of their association with the Algonquin throughout its 100 year history. He said the history of the hotel has been part of the history of New Brunswick and Canada so it seemed appropriate the hotel and the country should share the same birthday.
Fredericton Gleaner
July 3/1989
Algonquin Hotel 100 Years Old
Marillee Little
On July 1, the Algonquin Hotel in St. Andrews celebrated not only Canada's birthday, but the centennial of the hotel as well. There were games, balloons and birthday cake for the kids; an afternoon garden party on the terrace to launch Willa Walker's book on St. Andrews, followed by a gala reception and dinner with entertainment provided by pianist composer Frank Mills. Saturday was a day of jubilation at the summer resort, which first opened its doors to the public on July 1/1889. "Our momentum is building now and we're not going to allow this rise, through the 100-year crest, to build without some solid foundations which will prevent an ebb-tide soon after," General manager Jim Frise told about 150 guests, who partook of the seven-course centennial dinner Saturday evening.
"Poised to enter our second century, the Algonquin has to shed its unprofitable service-to-travellers role to a profitable businss, allowing growth and expansion of our facilities and our services so that we can attract an increasing share of the convention, touring and vacationing markets," he said. In preparation for its centennial year, the hotel underwent a major renovation job including the installation of a new slate roof, the refurbishing of the 200 guest rooms, and the redesigning and redecorating of all the lobbies, restaurants and lounges and the addition of large conference rooms.
Mr. Frise paid special tribute to "the unique town of St. Andrews which as been, and continue to be, an integral part of this resort package. More than ever before, the people of St. Andrews participate in, and support, our path of growth and development." Premier Frank McKenna told guests the history of the Algonquin Hotel has been an important part of the history of New Brunswick and Canada. "It is appropriate that we are celebrating the hotel's birthday at the same time we are celebrating Canada's birthday. Both welcomed people from around the world and both matured with grace and dignity."
He said the image of the Algonquin and the values it represents is "the kind of image we would like to protect as a province and are attempting to market across the world." Bruce Smith, minister of supply and services, speaking on behalf of Algonquin Properties Limited, the government holding company for the hotel, referred to the Algonquin as "the cornerstone and flagship facility" for New Brunswick. "To many non-residents, it represents their image of New Brunswick, an image of excellence in hospitality," he added.
Mr. Smith confirmed the government's continuing support for the hotel "and the continued development of the property to one of the premier resorts in North America. Algonquin Properties, which oversees the hotel with CP management, is dedicated to making sure this place functions well." He went on to say that he believes the involvement of the province in the hotel represents one of the province's best investments and represents an investment in the future of St. Andrews. The Province purchased the complex, including the golf courses and Katy's Cove in 1974.
Robert DeMone, president of Canadian Pacific Hotels, in his remarks referred to the gala evening as "a celebration of history." The Algonquin is "alive with the memories of the thousands of people who've come here over the years to work and to play. . . The Algonquin has been special to us at Canadian Pacific since 1902, when the early fathers of CP, Van Horne and Shaughnessy, fell under the spell of this beautiful countryside.
"We are delighted, too, that the government of New Brunswick is currently restoring and upgrading this grand old lady. We believe this commitment of restoration is important to the very fabric of the country," said Mr. DeMone.
Tourism Minister Roland Beaulieu presented a congratulatory plaque to Jim Frise, commemorating the Algonquin Hotel "for 100 years of dedicated service to the residents and guests of New Brunswick."
St. Croix Courier
July 5/1989
Algonquin 100th birthday celebrated with lavish dinner
Laura Haley
St. Andrews. Friends of the Algonquin put on their best clothes and gathered for a lavish dinner here Saturday night, capping off a day of celebration. It was not only July 1, Canada day, but also the day chosen to celebrate the 100-year history of the grand resort hotel. New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna, Charlotte County high society, the president of Canadian Pacific Hotels and Resort, former hotel managers and a host of provincial dignitaries paid $75 a plate for the privilege of joining in on the fun. Joining the big names was composer/pianist Frank Mills, perhaps most famous as the creator of "Music Box Dancer," who entertained diners after the meal. The seven-course meal, punctuated with fine wines, began with Consommé Faisan, and the speeches of dignitaries were interspersed with Salad Mimosa, Poached Filet of Salmon in Aspic, Champagne Sorbet, Beef Wellington, Fraises Romanoff, and, finally, cheese and fruit and coffee and friandises.
The Algonquin's image is the image the province wants to project—a place full of tradition and local history, but modern and sassy at the same time, McKenna said. He said the province is proud of its association with the Algonquin. The province owns the hotel and has contracted CP to manage it.
The Algonquin is one of CP's gems, said Robert Demone, chairman, president and chief executive officer of CP Hotels and Resorts. "The Algonquin is alive with the memories of the thousands of people who have come here over the years to work and to play," Demone said. James Frise, Algonquin general manager, recounted the hotel's early history. "I think it's a true reflection of what the Algonquin is made of that its rejuvenation has taken a surge as the end of the first century approached. It's almost as [if] she knows herself that somebody somewhere, or many people everywhere would have her under scrutiny, and knowing that she was originally put together by people with tremendous vision, she was going to put them right once and for all," Frise said. Frise noted, while looking at the Algonquin's past, that although the hotel enjoyed some grant times, it never really took its place as a major Canadian resort. Frise pledged to keep the present momentum going, and not to let the "ebb tide" come and take the progress away.
Frise complimented the support of the townspeople, and the calibre of the staff at the hotel. Bruce Smith, minister of supply and services, the department responsible for the hotel, began with a humorous tale about the origin of his name—Bruce Atherton Smith. He said he was named after a relative, Mrs. E. Atherton Smith, who had a summer home in St. Andrews. He had hoped to inherit the home some day, but that was not to be, much to his dismay.
"Basically, this is the reason I was appointed minister of supply and services, because . . . the premier said, 'Bruce, you're finally going to get to own your house in St. Andrews,'" Smith quipped. "To many non-residents, it (the hotel) represents their image of New Brunswick, an image of excellent in hospitality," he said.
(Illustrations: Frank Mills at piano, McKenna at podium [Algonquin a role model for other tourist attractions in the province], Mayor Bev Lawrence as town crier.)
St. Croix Courier
July 12/1989
Flashback—Tyn-y-coed in the late 1880's. (Haven't seen this one; people in it)
St. Croix Courier
July 19/1989
*Two Algonquin shows— Ross style recalls Astaire/Coward. (Steve Ross, pianist, from New York's famous Algonquin Hotel's Oak Room)
St. Croix Courier
Sept 27/1989
St. Andrews and the islands say tourism up and down.
St. Croix Courier
Oct 4/1989
McQuoid has lots of uses in mind for reader/scanner. Gala presentation at Algonquin with Mayor Lawrence. Photo. Order of Canada 1973. By Tom Moffatt. Friends recall various interests, like ham radio.
St. Croix Courier
Dec 6/1989
Journalist and historian Dick Wilbur publishes "The Rise of French New Brunswick." At Nick Wainmann-Woods new bookstore, Blue Peter Books.
The Right Honourable Ramon John Hnatyshyn
Governor General: 1990 - 1995 Appointed: December 14, 1989 Sworn In: January 29, 1990, Ottawa Born: March 16, 1934, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Died: December 18, 2002