Person Record

Metadata

Name

Walsh, J. M.

Places of residence

Balmy Beach, Sarawak Township, Grey County

Nationality

Canadian

Notes

J. M. Walsh was the hotel manager at the King's Royal Hotel at Balmy Beach circa 1902. This short-lived hotel business had a large hotel building near the shore at Balmy Beach, with a long wharf where a steamship ferry could bring tourists / visitors from Owen Sound to the hotel. The hotel was depicted on picture postcards, and there were also tablewares and souvenirs with the King's Royal name on them. John H. McLauchlan had purchased 70 acres of land and had established McLauchlan's Park, which had opened on the site first and had a pavilion. The "McLauchlan Park and Balmy Beach Resort" officially opened on July 1st, 1899. In 1900, there was a deed of land between John H. McLauchlan and his brother, Joseph Kent McLauchlan. The King's Royal Hotel, a large structure, with a capacity for 250 guests, was built in 1901/1902. It was advertised in various publications, such as souvenir booklets. It had a Vice-Regal visit on ________, 1903.

Although it was hoped that the summer resort and hotel would rival Mackinac as a resort destination, it did not succeed, and closed in 1911 for two years. It re-opened again but business still was not improved.

During the First World War, the hotel building was torn down (1916). There were other structures on the site. The "Balmy Beach Pavilion" survived for some time afterwards, used for dances, etc., but it too eventually disappeared. The "Balmy Beach Lodge" was also after the King's Royal time period (rebuilt in 1929 out of wood salvaged from the King's Royal Hotel's theatre building).

Archival Items:
1959.060.001 Large framed photographic image of the King's Royal Hotel building
1964.070.011 Photograph of the King's Royal
1970.093.009 1914 timetable card for the King's Royal Hotel steamer, the BROCKVILLE (used to ferry visitors from Owen Sound to Balmy Beach)
1973.111.139 Booklet, "Prospectus of the Owen Sound and Georgian Bay Park and Summer Resort Company, Limited".
1989.019.001 Blueprint map-like document showing the King's Royal Hotel park plan (shows the buildings and wharf)
1991.055.003 Advertising booklet re the King's Royal Hotel (includes floor plans of the building)
1992.003.006 Contract between J. M. Walsh and Harry Rich re Mr. Rich managing vaudeville performances at the King's Royal Hotel, 1902
1999.025.024 OWEN SOUND SUN newspaper, June 16, 1903 article re the Vice-Regal visit to King's Royal Park.

Occupation

Hotel Manager at the King's Royal Hotel (Balmy Beach)

Publications

McLauchlan, Gayle, THE McLAUCHLANS OF OWEN SOUND
McLauchlan,Gayle, BALMY BEACH 100 YEARS (1998), has info and images re the King's Royal
McLeod, Rose, SARAWAK SAGA, has info re the King's Royal hotel