Mississippi Hotel

Mississippi Hotel. . , This grand stone hotel at 7 Bridge Street was built on land originally deeded in 1824 to William Morphy, one of Carleton Place's original settlers. It was built by Napoleon Lavalee in 1872, who operated it as a hotel and a place for public and council meetings until 1883., The building was originally a four-story with mansard roof and a two story wraparound veranda. Built of rubble with a rock faced finish and large dark grey corner stones, it is an excellent example of late 19th century architecture. With its elegant central staircase, crystal chandeliers, monogrammed hotel china and silverware, it was said to be the grandest hotel between Montreal and Toronto. A disastrous fire in 1959 during renovations led to the removal of the fourth story and the extensive verandas., The hotel was purchased in 1883 by Walter McIlquham of Lanark, who doubled the number of rooms to fifty six in 1890. His son Clyde McIlquham operated the hotel from 1907 to 1959. The red brick addition on Lake Avenue was built as a "sample room" for traveling business men. It was here they would display their latest wares and local store owners could come and purchase new inventory., Canadian country music icon, Stompin' Tom Connors lived and performed at the Mississippi Hotel in 1967 while the hotel was owned by David and Lorraine Lemay. Lorraine was a great supporter of country music and was later inducted into the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame as a promoter of country music. It was while living here that Connors wrote "Big Joe Mufferaw", one of his very first hit songs., "They say Big Joe used to get real wet, , While cutting down timber and working up a sweat , And all the folks around Carleton Place, , Will tell you the Mississippi 'dripped' off of a Big Joe's face.", The Mississippi Hotel was infamous during the 1980's for its striptease shows. These attracted a rougher crowd including motorcycle gang members who would gather for beer and entertainment. The hotel's reputation quickly declined and it closed its doors in 1985. In 1990 the Mississippi Hotel was nearly demolished. Only a concerted effort on the part of dedicated local citizens ensured that this did not happen. A "public plea” was made by none. other than Stompin' Tom Connors himself. "All that can be done must be done to ensure the preservation of the 'Grand Ole Lady'". The Mississippi was spared.