Historic Toronto Photo Gallery - Montgomery's Inn

During the 19th century, an Innkeepers Licence was needed to sell alcohol in small quantities. Properties with 3 beds for travellers and a shed for animals or vehicles who also can provide hot meals could apply for a licence.

Montgomery's Inn was built in the 1830s not only as a hotel, but a gathering place for drinks and games, somewhat like today's community centre. It was frequented by new arrivals into the country as their first stop. Today's museum was pieced together with pieces that reflect the era, as the building's contents were sold in auction after Thomas Montgomery's death in 1877.

During the 20th century, the inn had multiple uses, including a church and a nursery school. Saved by the community from demolition in the 1960s, it was restored to the 1847-50 era, its supposed heyday when the Irish Famine drove many to Canada.

In the 1851 census, 4 people were listed as servants at the inn, who may have helped Margaret Montgomery run the kitchen.

The barroom was a place to drink, eat, and socialize. Records showed beer and whisky were the most popular and sold for 2 pennies a glass.

The dining room was used for customers who wanted a catered meal and was also used by the Montgomery family. A meal would cost 1 shilling and 2 pence and include items from the family farm.

The sitting room was the fanciest room and the only one with wallpaper. What we see today are not the originals as those have not survived, but a reproduction of a mid-Victorian, mid-priced pattern.

The bar parlour in the back seemed to have been used to serve a tavern meal or drink away from the busier public rooms.

Heading upstairs, one side housed bedrooms for Thomas, Margaret, and their children.

The upper parlour was used as a private party room for gentlemen. It can be used to eat a tavern meal and patrons sang songs and drank until late into the evening.

The assembly room was a meeting place. Records showed political campaigns and council meetings took place here.

As part of the licence requirements, 3 rooms and 3 beds were required. They are found in the south apartments with a large sitting room that is shared. Prices to stay overnight here ranged from 4 to 6 pence a night. On display is a rope tension bed that looks normal but not very comfortable to sleep in!