Paisley in Arran-Elderslie in Bruce County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Site of Rowe’s Tavern

Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 16, 2026

1. Site of Rowe’s Tavern Marker

Inscription. In 1852 Samuel T. Rowe, 2nd settler to Paisley, built a log tavern on this site. It became the first store and provided food and drink for weary travelers. It was also the site of the first church service and meeting place for several denominations, first council meeting for Elderslie council and was the first polling booth for municipal elections. John Murdoch, The proprietor of the Paisley Advocate from 1872 to 1876 described the building as “a three cornered log tavern with a stove-pipe spire. The log building was replaced with a fine brick structure in 1863. The the summer of 1890, the building underwent more extensive renovations. A third storey was added, as well as a three store tower to the front of the hotel.

The hotel has changed ownership many times and with that came name changes as well. Rowe’s Tavern became Anglo-American Hotel, Wilson House, Central Hotel, Grand Central Hotel, Paisley Hotel and finally the Paisley Inn.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 44° 18.367′ N, 81° 16.379′ W.

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Marker is in Arran-Elderslie, Ontario, in Bruce County. It is in Paisley. It is at the intersection of Queen Street South and Mill Drive, on the right when traveling south on Queen Street South. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 596 Queen Street S, Arran-Elderslie ON N0G 2N0, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgian Bay Country

and in Southwestern Ontario.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fisher Mill Property (a few steps from this marker); The Founding of Paisley (within shouting distance of this marker); Pump House / Hose Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Frame Building (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Simon Orchard - First Settler of Paisley (about 120

Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 16, 2026

2. Site of Rowe’s Tavern Marker

The replacement building in similar style to the old one is seen under construction

meters away); Samuel Thomas Rowe (about 120 meters away); The Elliot Block (about 150 meters away); The Foundry Chimney (approx. half a kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arran-Elderslie.

Regarding Site of Rowe’s Tavern. The Paisley Inn was demolished in 2021

Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 6, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.