Franktown was quite a busy place in 1848. The Bathurst Courier for Feb. 11 of that year published the first Quarterly Return for Licenses for the Counties of Lanark and Renfrew. At the head of the list is Ann Burrow, Franktown, as well as J. Hughton, Frankton. Perth had no less than ten inns and seven shops each paying seven pounds ten shillings for licenses. R. McLaren, Perth, and P. McArthur, Beckwith each paid ten pounds for licenses to operate stills.
It was a hot and dusty ride in August of 1819 when the Duke of Richmond exhausted and fighting off advanced rabies rolled into the Franktown Inn. In the morning he would discuss his illness and his plans which he would never live to accomplish. (read The Haunted Canoe from the Jock River)
Later French Canadians in their red toques would water their horses and pause for refreshments during their journies. Through the years the hotel has been a bystander to the history passing by on Highway 15. From 1900-1915 it belonged to the Morrow McIntosh Carriage Company and then John Labatt of Labatt’s Brewery. It went through so many hands, it took a toll on the old stone home and became almost a shell until the Plunkett’s took over in the 70s.
Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 28 Apr 1975, Mon, Page 50
Apparently it was so run down there was hardly a window in place by the time the Plunkett’s bought it. Mrs. Plunkett was was a descendant of Sir High Allan of the Allan Steamship line decided to live on the second floor and open and antique shop and a tea room in the 70s. Most of the rooms in the house were long and narrow, just room for a bed and a washstand as it one of three resting spots in the village.
Now Carousel Antiques owns the treasured building.
Lee Huddleston– My grandparents Joe Huddleston and Katie Fergusson were married at the church next door in 1903. I always presumed there would have been some celebratory meal at the hotel. Turning on Hwy 10 toward Perth, and about three mile further, is Gillies Corner. The Fergusson side of the family had a Archie Gillies who ran a Stagecoach Inn at those corners named after him. Part of the building still remains. Travellers between Ottawa and Kingston used this Inn as a place of lodging and to care for the horses. Next time you head to the cottage, take a gander…on the left as you travel to Perth.
The Canada Directory for 1857-58:
John Hughton who was listed as a merchant in Franktown, Elizabeth Township, Leeds & Grenville in 1842. Robert Hughton who was credited with a photo of John Hughton on the porch of the hotel he built in Franktown in 1850
The Carleton Place Herald carried the death of Mrs. Isabella Hughton of that village on Friday last.She was a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Mansfield of this town and lived in Franktown for 35 years.The Herald says:
“She came with her husband to Franktown before the Brockville and Ottawa Railway was built when the main road between the St. Lawrence and Ottawa passed through this village.Her late husband was then engaged in the mercantile business and afterwards built and kept a first class hotel.Shortly after Mr. Hughton’s death 28 years ago the house was closed since which time the subject of our notice has lived a retired life.Mrs. Hughton had a large acquaintance and was highly esteemed by all who knew her for her many estimable characteristics.She was 70 years of age. Two sons, Andrew (who resides in Arnprior) and John and two daughters Mrs. Jas. Fleming and Miss Anabella Hughton are left.”
Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun andScreamin’ Mamas (USA)
Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place.
The Haunted Canoe from the Jock River
The Leland and Rathwell Hotels on Bridge Street
I Can Dream About You —Early Hotels of Perth
Did You Know we Once Had a Grand Hotel? The Grand Central Hotel
The Kick and Push Town of Folger
Weekend Driving- Smiths Falls Franktown and Carleton Place 1925
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