Reflecting on a ‘really rocking’ hotel - Dorothy Krusky

The Hanmer Tavern stood on the corner of Highway 69 North and Notre Dame Avenue in Hanmer for 100 years.

When giving directions to taxi drivers, friends, and co-workers or out of town family, one just had to mention the Hanmer Tavern and that was all it took to find one another.

The tavern was recently demolished by Colin’s Haulage. It seems only fitting that a local company, owned by Colin Ellsworth of Hanmer, would take on this huge task. As I looked above, more than a dozen pigeons were flying frantically about and none too pleased, for they soon would be homeless. The corner will remain cold and bare until the next building is erected. Memories have gone down with this old building.

I found myself mesmerized by the whole event. It is not every day one sees a landmark building being reduced to rubble.

I found myself mesmerized by the whole event. It is not every day one sees a landmark building being reduced to rubble. I found it needed one last cheer for all it gave to the patrons and workers over the years. It shielded many citizens, especially school children, as they braved the cold winter temperatures to go to school in the early mornings.

The Hanmer Tavern held, grace withstanding the elements of all weather. It stood with cracked windows. The entrance was boarded up to keep the mischievous intruders out. It had also changed owners a few times, but it still remained open to its patrons until five years ago. The beauty of the building had succumbed to a fire and was unsafe to the public. One must take pride in a building that endured harsh times along with the good times.

After a little digging, the history of the Tavern began to unfold. The tavern was built 100 years ago by Mr. Disilete, who later sold it to Mr. Cayan, both residents of the Hanmer area. Mr. and Mrs. Richer took ownership 50 years ago and have kept it in operation for most of that time period. There was a Mr. Ouellette purchased the building from Mrs. Richer. However, after a short period of time, it was sold back in to the Richer family. According to Mrs. Richer’s recollection, the rooms they rented above the tavern were “always full.” She recalled “the numerous stag parties that were held, and the weekly bar brawls that one or two patrons would start.” She spoke about the Chinese restaurant that was downstairs and a salad bar for the diners upstairs.

I sensed a bit of pride when she spoke of how the “Hanmer Tavern had the first cocktail bar in the Sudbury region.”

She also said she felt pleased that her family was able to give steady employment to many people over the past 50 years.

I was impressed that a woman in her 80s could still remember the names of workers. Her son Paul managed the place and brought in bands that made the Tavern a great place to go.

After leaving Mrs. Richer’s home I made a call to a former employee, who worked in the restaurant downstairs.

Mrs. Smagac worked for five years at the tavern and said she loved her job. Her memories were of a place that was “really, really rocking back then.” One memory that stands out is when the out-of-town contractors came to stay at both the Hanmer Tavern and the Fleur de Lis Motel on the other side of Highway 69. They were hired to build the local high school just down the street that is commonly referred to as Hanmer High. It is a French public high school that is still operational to this day.

All week I watched as the workers from Colin’s Haulage worked through damp, cold weather. Many residents could be found stopping to look or take pictures. As I stood out in the cold, I spoke with people who had their own story to tell. On my last day I spoke to Mr. Gérard Lamy, who just happens to be on the committee that is working to see a new building built for seniors. He went on to say that they desire to see “affordable housing apartments for residents in the Hanmer area. The waiting list already far exceeds the number of apartments that are slated to go up.”

Hopefully, with the help of the Caisse Populaire in Hanmer, and quite possibly with the Métis Nations of Ontario, they will be able to get through all the red tape to see the 50 units ready for those who eagerly await the new building.

Not all will be lost of the Hanmer Tavern. The foundation will remain and for that we must say thank you to those who are re-building on it. Whatever the tavern meant to each resident every brick, every piece of lumber, two-by-fours and steel beams will be hauled away, taking with them the laughter and good times many patrons have had over the last one hundred years. Truly, the Hanmer Tavern was a landmark that we will remember for years to come.

Dorothy Krusky is a Hanmer resident and history buff.