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Vol. 13, Issue 5
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Wednesday, March 2, 2022
International Hotel’s final month
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FREE
When ‘I love this bar’ is more than just a hashtag By Mark Ribble LEAMINGTON — When the lights go out at Leamington’s International Hotel on March 31, the end of a long era in Leamington’s social and entertainment history will be reached. The I.T., as it’s known by most, is closing its doors, with new owners set to take over April 1. Plans for the future are unknown but it’s rumoured that it will be reinvented as something different from its current version. And what it has been, is a place to call home for many of the area’s more social families. Originally a sawmill, the building at the corner of Mill Street and Erie Street South burned down in 1866 and was rebuilt as a stable and harness shop before new construction of the Leamington Hotel, which opened May 1, 1924. Later that year, the name was changed to the International Hotel. In its early days, the building also housed the first Greyhound bus stop in Leamington, where it was regaled as an elegant place with long flowing
curtains and fine meals. Over the war years, the hotel took on the nickname ‘Bucket of Blood’ due to many fights breaking out on a regular basis among customers. Locals affectionately called it the ‘Bucket’, but it was always a popular night spot in Leamington. In 1976, Joe and Terry Berthelot moved to town and purchased the hotel, which brought the hotel out of its ‘Bucket’ days and ushered in a new family-like atmosphere that patrons still enjoy today. “It’s like Cheers but only a little more hardThe I.T. staff pose for a photo with the old ‘Ladies and Escorts’ sign from days gone core,” says employee Vicki VanEvery, who’s been by. Standing from left are Edmund Medeiros, Vicky Moody, Sara Jackson, John Biekx at the I.T. for about 18 and Nelson Morin. Seated from left are Sally Hamilton, Vicki VanEvery and Kalee Wright. SUN photo years. “We’re all like family here.” wife Kim then took over ends and the welcoming “They really stepped Noel Berthelot was a until her death a year ago. atmosphere they provide up during the pandemic,” big part of his parents’ Kalee Wright, who’s to anyone who comes says Kalee Wright. “A lot management of the ho- been an employee and in off the street, but it’s of the regulars came in no tel, and upon Joe’s death manager at the I.T. for the some of their more chari- matter what, following in 2007, he took over the past 14 years, is sorry to table endeavours that the whatever rules were in reins. see it close. She’ll miss the staff is most proud of. place.” Noel ran the hotel for employees and the reguThe annual Kids ChristThe love for the regular about 10 years until his lars. mas event has been going customers and welcomsudden death in 2017. “There are so many sto- on for over 30 years. San- ing nature of the staff reNoel’s loss left the I.T. ries,” she says. “But most ta (Nick Wilhelm) and ally shines through when family reeling, but they aren’t printable in the Mrs. Claus (Julie Kenne- you sit at the I.T. bar and soldiered on, making sure newspaper.” dy) brought joy to hun- watch them go about his vision was carried The I.T. is known for its dreds of children over the their business. on in his absence. Noel’s great live music on week- years, and some of those It wasn’t that many kids are now grown up years ago that there was and working at the hotel. a women’s side and a “I remember coming to men’s side at the hotel — the Kids Christmas when as there was at many such LEAMINGTON — Barring any un- to restore Leamington’s entertainment I was a kid,” says Vicki establishments, and the foreseen health measures or drastic mainstays, such as the Summer ConVanEvery. “Now my kids staff at the I.T. still have spike in COVID cases, the Municipali- cert Series, Mill Street Markets and and grandkids are com- the sign that points to the ty of Leamington is planning a summer Canada Day celebrations. ing to it.” Ladies Entrance. of music and entertainment as seen in “We’re looking forward to a full slate The I.T. also runs a soup Vicki VanEvery talks summers prior to the pandemic. of activities,” he said. cook-off and various oth- about the ghost with the Councillor Tim Wilkinson asked the He explained that those discussions er social events like meat top hat who patrols the question at the February 22 council are ongoing, even though the town is draws and 50-50 raffles basement. meeting regarding plans for the sum- still in the process of filling the position to bring in customers and “A lot of us have seen mer of 2022 in Leamington. of events coordinator. entertain the regulars. him or experienced his Peter Neufeld, CAO for Leamington, Announcements are expected soon. And there are plenty of presence,” she says. said that “discussions are underway” regulars. See BAR - Page 2
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