Name/Title
Capstan Inn, Wasaga Beach, Ont.Entry/Object ID
2020.1.1Description
Black and white acrylic copy of Capstan Inn postcardContext
The Capstan Inn was the first beachfront hotel located across from the Dardanella. The Capstan Inn was built in 1911 by the McLean Family. The original Capstan Inn burned down in 1915 and was rebuilt as depicted in this picture. Photo circa 1920's.
The McLean family managed, built, owned, operated hotel establishments in Wasaga Beach circa 1910 to 1960. After managing the Ivandale Hotel on the Nottawasaga River at Wasaga Beach, John and Sarah Ann McLean purchased land on the beach in 1911and built the first beachfront hotel at Wasaga Beach, the Capstan Inn. The hotel was destroyed by fire in March, 1915 and was quickly rebuilt and reopened on July 1st, 1915. In 1919, the John and Sarah bought an adjacent lot and their oldest sons, James Alexander "Sandy" and Wilson Hugh McLean built the Dardanella Dancehall. Also in 1919, Dan McLean, their third son and his wife Lora built the Wasaga Inn and operated it until 1945.
Sarah Ann & John ran the Capstan Inn until her death in 1931 when Wilson Hugh McLean and sisters, Pearl and Iva operated the hotel. In 1945, the sisters sold their shares in the hotel to Wilson who operated the Capstan until his retirement in 1958. Wilson "Red" McLean, Sandy's son and John and Sarah's grandson, and his wife Lorraine built the Breakers in 1931 and bought the Nottawa Inn in 1944. Wilson sold the Nottawa Inn in 1960.Acquisition
Accession
2020.1Source or Donor
UnknownAcquisition Method
GiftDimensions
Height
15-5/8 inWidth
19-5/8 in