Pictured above: The Lakeview House was built in the Spring of 1902 by Charles Mallory to houses the abundant tourist trade that was plentiful during the turn of the century. Over the years this hotel prospered with various owners and people who leased it from the present owner. The Lakeview House and later called the Lakeview Hotel was the place to go for your entertainment. Un Officially in the 1970s, it was called the Tilton Hilton when owned by Andy Everitt. Future owners called it the “Erieau Landing", then “Anchor Inn" and now today it is called “Bayside Brewing Company". Photo courtesy of Brian French from his mom collection of post cards that she collected of the area.
History of Erieau
In the beginning of our history as a village, our name wasn't as it is today. It was either called Rondeau Harbour, Rond Eau, The Eau or the Piers when talking about Erieau back in the day. Once Erieau got a post office our name had to change since there was already a post office named Rondeau. Malcolm Sherman a postmaster combined the words of Lake Erie and Rondeau and formed the name of Erieau. Erieau was incorporated as a Village on April 5 th 1917. J.G. Kerr was elected the first Reeve of Erieau. Erieau got its name when Sherman Malcolm, combine the word of Lake Erie and Rondeau Bay to form the name of Erie Eau, hence Erieau.
Erieau through its history as a Village was known for its fishing and coal industry. In later years it became well known for its ship building as well. During its years as a Village, it was well documented that we had the lowest hydro and property taxes in Harwich Township. In its earlier years with coal coming from the United States, coal boats made their stops here along with tourists who came over. Between 1895 – 1910, the Scottish and Irish would have picnics, with games, races and dances. Some crowds were estimated at 10,000 here in the Village for these festivities. But most were around 2000 in attendance.
Many people today walk down the center of our boulevard and do not believe that at one time, there was a double set of tracks leading down to the coal yard and rail yard. Where the Erieau Marina basin is and South Side Marina this is where the coal yard was up until 1969-1970. Many ships and boats were built here between 1943 – 1981. Goodison Fisheries moved their business to Erieau from Erie Beach and thus began building fish tugs, government boats, Pelee Isander ferry being one. During the second war world, Erieau had the highest percentage per capita going off to war. 64 men and 4 women heard the call of duty. This is quite surprising when war broke out our population was only 225. This meant 100 percent of the men left the village as they became of age or at least lied about their age to get in.
Coal Dust and Revellers: The Role of the Railroad in the Establishment of Erieau
Erieau's origins can be traced to the late nineteenth century. One reads of picnics there as early as 1870, but it was in 1894, when the Erie and Huron Railroad first began running excursions to Erieau, that the community's reputation as a summer resort was initiated. Tracks ran down the center of the village and eventually into the coal yard established there, The train had three stops: Jubilee, Centreville and Craford House. Resort hotels were a popular feature in the early days, and the cottages, which had started to appear even before the railroad arrived, continued to proliferate. Today's boulevard (where you are standing), and the Marsh Trail, are visible reminders of the trains that brought Erieau about. This endeavour of the placement of tracks was to bring in coal to Erieau by coal boats from Ohio to supply this area for heating purposes. This is another story about the history of Erieau and the railroad. A quote from a song written by Jerry Dalton. “The Train don't to Erieau anymore."
The photo gallery below features a collection of photos.
The Bungalow - The Bungalow was built circa 1899-1900 to house the vacationers coming from Chatham by train and also by passenger boat from the U.S.A. The Bungalow was owned by the Railroad and leased by various people throughout its short life. These merchants envisioned this place as a great tourist destination. In October, 1912, tragedy struck and the building burnt down and was never replaced. Harry Hall and E.J. Buzzard proprietors over its life. The Bungalow was situated on the beach area across from South Side Marina is located.
Pavilion and Bandshell - Pavilion and Bandshell was located near the Bungalow. This was used to provide entertainment to those visiting Erieau during the day and during Irish and Scottish Picnics. These buildings were built circa 1900. Burnt down circa 191O.
Craford House & Wedding Cake - The Craford House was built by Philander Craford to house the summer tourist trade. Built in the early 1880s. The house is now set back from the road and over the years additions made to it, Matilda Scratch (Hardy Scratch) daughter of Philander Craford buildings was the daughter of Philander Craford passed away in 1952. Jack Parker bought the Craford House and move the house back to its present location in 1952. He also bought the Wedding Cake from the estate. Located to the right of the Craford House was "Wedding Cake" - Built by Philander Craford to house the summer tourist trade on second and third stories and General Store on the bottom level. Built in the early 1880s. Top level of the wedding cake burnt down in 1952. There were several owners of this building over the years and it is now owned by Brian Cofell and Lucy Rizetto where they have the Five-Eau clothing store and cottage café.
General Store & Post Office - Owned and operated by F.C. Powell and then Bert Woods, who then sold it to Oliver Vidler in 1960s. Grocery store operated there until 1975 when he renovated it into Molly & OJ's Restaurant and Sandbar. Presently operated by Tom & Sandy Vidler. There was also a coffee shop in the 70s and a Fish store on left side of the building. The Sandbar was at one time a net twine shed for repairing and stringing nets. And it was also the Big Little Store operated by Lyle and Annie Schroeder in the mid 70s.
