Nipigon in Thunder Bay District, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Taylor House
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 9, 2022
1. The Taylor House Marker
This property has been a resting place for travelers for more than one hundred years. The Taylor House, a large wood frame rooming house, was built on this site circa 1890. It was later known as the “Travellers and Tourists House.” Pete Prete bought the property in 1947 and oversaw the construction of the Normandie Hotel. Modernistic in design, the hotel was designed by Port Arthur architect, George Blanchard. With an oak front entrance, and brick and stucco exterior, the new hotel had an imposing presence on Nipigon's main street. Gunther Heine took over as proprietor in 1989.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 49° 0.825′ N, 88° 15.741′ W. Marker is in Nipigon, Ontario, in Thunder Bay District. It is on Front Street just south of 5th Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 Front Street, Nipigon ON P0T 2J0, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Ontario and specifically in Northwest Ontario.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Nipigon Historical Museum / The Railway (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Consumers Co-op Store (about 120 meters away); McKirdy / Vivone House (about 120 meters away); The Nipigon River Drives (about 120 meters away); Lest We Forget (about 150 meters away); The Nipigon Café (about 150 meters away); Nipigon Service Garage / Palace Theatre (about 150 meters away); In Tribute to John Salo (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nipigon.
Courtesy Nipigon Historical Museum
2. Marker detail: The Taylor House in the 1890’s
The Taylor House in the 1890’s appears to be a well-kept and prosperous establishment. Photo by J.F. Cooke
Courtesy Nipigon Historical Museum
3. Marker detail: 1940 Photo
In this 1940 photo, the Sloane Restaurant in the Tourist Home is on the far left. Next-door is Nick Salo’s grocery and butcher store. E.C. Everett’s clothing store is on one side of the large building in the middle, and the Olympia Café is on the other. The Dew Drop Inn Café and J. Atwell's poolroom is on the right. Photo by E.C. Everett.
Courtesy Nipigon Historical Museum
4. Marker detail: On March 1, 1946, Everett’s Store Burned
Construction of the Plaza Theatre took place on that property in 1948. Don and Dianne Martin bought the theatre in 1990, and kept it open until 2001. Photo by E.C. Everett.
Courtesy Nipigon Historical Museum
5. Marker detail: Neighbors of the Normandie in 1949
Lespi’s Bakery, Jeanne’s Beauty Salon, and Nick Salo’s Grocery and Butcher Shop were neighbors of the Normandie in 1949. Photo by E.C. Everett.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 9, 2022
6. The Taylor House Marker
Looking southeast along Front Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 341 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 11, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
