4 minute read
Clinton
A delicious legacy
Buildings with a long and varied history are always interesting. The White Carnation on Parr Line in Holmesville was built as a cheese and butter factory in 1895, making it over 125 years old. By the 1940s, it was the largest cheese maker in Canada, but the direct connection with dairy products ended in the early 1970s when it was converted into a private catering facility and took on the name of The White Carnation. It is an iconic spot for locals, as most people have attended many events there over the long history of the venue.
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Since 2017, it has been owned by chefs Corinne Bos and Noriel Abejaron. Corinne grew up locally and was excited to bring her partner Noriel back home to begin the adventure of their own business after many years in high-end kitchens in Toronto.
Continuing the Sunday buffets was an important part of the plan, as was introducing new cultural foods and flavours, while still focusing on local foods.
Through the many renovations, the building still holds much of the charm and history from its early days and is a very popular location for weddings, retirement parties and meetings, easily accommodating up to 150 people. They are also available for off-site catering. Noriel’s skill with artful and delicious buffet tables has earned the pair a legion of devoted customers, both for events and the popular Sunday buffet.
The pandemic has created many challenges for everyone in the restaurant and catering industries, however The White Carnation has offered weekend take-away meals that kept up to their high standards of variety and taste. They also partnered with Made in Huron Artisan Market to offer soups, salads and main dishes at a retail location.
They look forward to reopening once the current restrictions are over, and are currently giving the building a makeover with some new exterior paint.
To keep up with the next takeout menu and future reopening dates, check them out on Facebook - White Carnation Banquet Hall - or call 519482-9228. 79867 Parr Line, Holmesville.
Welcome to Parker House Motel
Satellite TV, LED TVs in all our rooms,
Wireless Internet, free local calling, A/C, fridges, microwaves Your host: Ann Anderson 77575 London Rd., Clinton ~ Municipality of Bluewater
PHONE: 519-482-3469 Ext. 0 • FAX: 519-482-9545 www.parkerhousemotel.com • email: reservations@parkerhousemotel.com
Clinton Historic accommodations
When Bob and Janice Clark arrived at the entrance of Kildonan House with the intention of viewing the property as their next venture, Janice noticed a familiar name.
“A plaque at the entrance indicated that the house was originally called the Irwin Gunn Home and that’s my mom’s maiden name, she’s from Goderich,” explains Bob. And that wasn’t the only familial connection, it turns out.
The house, located at the corner of Kirk and High Streets in Clinton, dates back to 1867 when businessman Richard Irwin returned to the area from the United States and began construction on the Italianate villa. His second wife hailed from Virginia, prompting Irwin to name the villa Washington House. Richard Irwin was Bob Clark’s great-grandfather.
In the early 1900s, the home changed ownership. This time, Dr. William Gunn took possession as he moved to the area to start Clinton Public Hospital. He eventually used the present-day parlour and the adjoining office (currently Bob’s office), as his medical practice. The house took the name Kildonan from Dr. Gunn’s hometown in northern Scotland, Bob explains.
Today, just as it was under the Gunn ownership, the venue is a spot for charitable events and afternoon teas. Bob and Janice recall the trousseau tea party they organized for the Red Hat Ladies from Bayfield to celebrate the royal wedding of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, to Prince Harry. Money raised supported the women’s shelter in Goderich.
Under the property’s various owners, the villa was used as a boarding house for visitors to the area – the board of health, medical students and more. Today, Bob and Janice operate Kildonan House as a bed and breakfast with four suites, each complete with en-suite bath and one apartment-style option.
Previously owned by an antiques dealer, the house remains resplendent with collectibles from bygone days. The collection includes period pieces dating back to when the home was built in 1867. Some of the paintings in the home date back to the 1800s. A gilded mirror made in France in 1790 hangs in the hallway. A baby grand piano designed for use on ships and once sailed on the Manitoulin Ferry linking the island with Tobermory has found a place in the ballroom. Another white French provincial baby grand piano sits nearby.
The second-storey balcony overlooking the entrance to the property is ideal for a sunset drink or afternoon tea while imagining days when previous visitors would arrive, whether for medical purposes or after a busy day at work. These days though the saltwater pool just off the coach house calls to guests looking for a bit of relaxation.
With the Clarks’ keen interest in supporting the local food and drink scene, Huron County wines and beers and locally roasted coffee are available to guests throughout the day. They’re up to speed on all things related to fine food in Huron County too, serving local ingredients as part of their breakfast options.
But they had us at saltwater pool and local white wine! 71 Kirk St., Clinton. www.kildonanhouse.com
Your hosts: Bob & Janice Clark
71 Kirk Street, Clinton 519-482-1163 Email: inquiries@kildonanhouse.com Website: www.kildonanhouse.com
5.0 Google rating
Currently doing takeout
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