Schmuck owned Hotels & Businesses
I have always wanted to make a list of the occupations of our ancestors and was always amazed at how many hotels the family have been involved in, Even a number of the Schmuck women have married men who also owned hotels.
Please feel free to include your families occupations and especially pictures of their hotel, shop etc.
Ron Schmuck
..........................................................................................................................................................................................
*Bernhardt Schmuck Water pump mfg. business and farm.
The pump shop operated for over 75 years making wooden water pumps!!
Schmucks have been pump makers for a very long time. Both Bernhardt and his brother Francis Xavier brough the trade with them from Alsace where as you can see below many other relatives did pump making, including the wooden pipes that join together to bring the water up from the well to the pump, well digging and lining the well with stone or brick and of coarse "Water witching" which they were well know for both in Alsace and Canada.
The pump shop on the homestead was operated by Bernhardt (Sr) and Bernard (Jr) later. I am sure everyone in the family worked in the pump shop as well as the farm including outside laborers such as Sebastin Drexler and his sons (My Grandmothers family, Ron S) also Vincent Messmer (Maria Anna Messmer Schmuck's father (and brother) who came with them when they moved from Buffalo to Dundas to New Germany homestead near Weissenburg was a pump maker.
I have always wanted to make a list of the occupations of our ancestors and was always amazed at how many hotels the family have been involved in, Even a number of the Schmuck women have married men who also owned hotels.
Please feel free to include your families occupations and especially pictures of their hotel, shop etc.
Ron Schmuck
..........................................................................................................................................................................................
*Bernhardt Schmuck Water pump mfg. business and farm.
The pump shop operated for over 75 years making wooden water pumps!!
Schmucks have been pump makers for a very long time. Both Bernhardt and his brother Francis Xavier brough the trade with them from Alsace where as you can see below many other relatives did pump making, including the wooden pipes that join together to bring the water up from the well to the pump, well digging and lining the well with stone or brick and of coarse "Water witching" which they were well know for both in Alsace and Canada.
The pump shop on the homestead was operated by Bernhardt (Sr) and Bernard (Jr) later. I am sure everyone in the family worked in the pump shop as well as the farm including outside laborers such as Sebastin Drexler and his sons (My Grandmothers family, Ron S) also Vincent Messmer (Maria Anna Messmer Schmuck's father (and brother) who came with them when they moved from Buffalo to Dundas to New Germany homestead near Weissenburg was a pump maker.
*Butcher Shop, It appears that the Schmuck's also did custom butchering on the homestead farm.
Also we do have several butchers from Bernard Jr Family, one that I know had a shop in Toronto and because of the WWI problems changed his name to Smuck. more on him later.
Also we do have several butchers from Bernard Jr Family, one that I know had a shop in Toronto and because of the WWI problems changed his name to Smuck. more on him later.
*Weissenburg Hotel
owned by Clara Schmuck and her husband Alf Hummel.
Weissenburg is now a ghost town and was located on Hwy 85 north of Arris and the East side of the Schmuck Homestead. It had many business such as blacksmith, Turnip waxing factory and was the stage coach stop from Guelph to Elmira.
owned by Clara Schmuck and her husband Alf Hummel.
Weissenburg is now a ghost town and was located on Hwy 85 north of Arris and the East side of the Schmuck Homestead. It had many business such as blacksmith, Turnip waxing factory and was the stage coach stop from Guelph to Elmira.
Be sure to see the Picture history of
"GUELPH'S Heritage Hotels"click here
by Leanne Piper & Guelph Tribune.
Many were owned by different members of the Bernhardt Schmuck family
"GUELPH'S Heritage Hotels"click here
by Leanne Piper & Guelph Tribune.
Many were owned by different members of the Bernhardt Schmuck family
* Albion Hotel Guelph, Ont. It still looks exactly as the pictures shows today Aug 20 2018!!
ALBION HOTEL HISTORY, Re Mercury News Paper on the 155 anniversary of the Albion Hotel
*The Albion Hotel first opened to the public in 1856 as Stell’s Tavern, one of several watering holes lining Macdonell Street or what was affectionately known as Whisky Street to the locals.
*The original building was a two-storey wooden inn designed in a restrained Georgian style.Historians have been unable to determine when it was rebuilt with locally quarried limestone. But by 1867 the stone structure was in place and it was listed as the Albion under the ownership of the Murphy family.
*The name Albion is the ancient name for Britain. According to Greek mythology Albion was a giant and the son of Poseidon, the sea god. He is said to have established a kingdom of giants in the British Isles.
*Albion plays the role of the primordial man in a number works of literature most notably in the epics of British poet and artist William Blake.
*There is no evidence Blake’s work had any influence on the naming of the hotel but it was likely influenced by the large population of British immigrants that settled in Guelph during the 19th Century.
In an ad from 1913, rooms rented for “$1.50 per day, including choice of wine, liquors or cigars and first-class stable accommodation.”The bar also offered a variety of beers and spirits from the many breweries and distilleries in the city and was also well known for its own beer brewed in the basement.
“The Albion’s liquor license still permits us to brew beer,” said Nadler.
*A pair of tunnels led from the Albion’s basement to somewhere on the grounds of “Catholic Hill” and the Church of Our Lady Immaculate.
The entrances to the tunnels in the Albion’s basement remain but are boarded up. Nadler said church officials closed off the tunnels on the other end long ago and it is believed they have since collapsed.
“One tunnel was used to transport barrels of water down from a spring under the church and the other was used to transport kegs of beer up to bootleggers who, according to legend, loaded their trucks behind the church,” said Nadler.
During prohibition, several sources suggest the Albion was a popular meeting place for bootleggers smuggling Albion homebrew and Sleeman ales to the U.S.
It was during this time that a woman believed to be the jilted mistress of a famous mobster hung herself in her room on the top floor of the hotel.
“We don’t know her name,” said Nadler. “There were no guest books at the time or at least none that have survived. Many believe she was the mistress of Al Capone but we are inclined to think she was the mistress of Hamilton gangster Rocco Perri.”
The woman’s ghost is said to haunt the hotel and several employees and patrons claim to have encountered her.
Nadler said he hasn’t actually seen her but has been unnerved by strange sounds and other eerie occurrences.
The woman in white isn’t the only spirit said to haunt the historic hotel. It is believed two workers killed during a fire that destroyed the Albion stables in 1871 refuse to check out and have made their presence known in the basement.
“I have a female manager who claims to have had an encounter with the ghosts while working in the basement,” said Nadler. “She refuses to close at night by herself.”
He said the ghosts are well known to locals but out of respect they have resisted capitalizing on them to promote the bar.
He said they prefer to be known for their food and service.
In 2005, the Albion was bought by another U of G alumni, Andrew Donaldson. He too had been a regular at the bar during his studies and developed an affection for its charm and atmosphere. In 2007, he began a major renovation project but was careful to preserve the buildings historic features.
Donaldson expanded the business and improved the menu while keeping the food affordable.
“He really knows what makes the Albion what it is,” said Nadler.
It was the first bar in Guelph to have an outdoor licensed patio and each room offers its own distinct vibe decorated with the work of local artists.
The men’s and women’s sides on the main floor were a product of a time when men and women were not permitted to drink with each other.
They no longer enforce this rule, of course, but they are still referred to as the men’s and women’s sides.
The second floor has been the location for many fundraisers and eclectic performances by established and emerging local and international artists.
The Albion’s survival can be attributed in large part to its timeless appeal and adaptability and patrons of all generations are invited this weekend to celebrate the past, present and future of this historical city landmark.
“I am honoured to have an opportunity to contribute to the history of the Albion,” said Nadler. “We want it to be here in another 155 years.
*The Albion Hotel first opened to the public in 1856 as Stell’s Tavern, one of several watering holes lining Macdonell Street or what was affectionately known as Whisky Street to the locals.
*The original building was a two-storey wooden inn designed in a restrained Georgian style.Historians have been unable to determine when it was rebuilt with locally quarried limestone. But by 1867 the stone structure was in place and it was listed as the Albion under the ownership of the Murphy family.
*The name Albion is the ancient name for Britain. According to Greek mythology Albion was a giant and the son of Poseidon, the sea god. He is said to have established a kingdom of giants in the British Isles.
*Albion plays the role of the primordial man in a number works of literature most notably in the epics of British poet and artist William Blake.
*There is no evidence Blake’s work had any influence on the naming of the hotel but it was likely influenced by the large population of British immigrants that settled in Guelph during the 19th Century.
In an ad from 1913, rooms rented for “$1.50 per day, including choice of wine, liquors or cigars and first-class stable accommodation.”The bar also offered a variety of beers and spirits from the many breweries and distilleries in the city and was also well known for its own beer brewed in the basement.
“The Albion’s liquor license still permits us to brew beer,” said Nadler.
*A pair of tunnels led from the Albion’s basement to somewhere on the grounds of “Catholic Hill” and the Church of Our Lady Immaculate.
The entrances to the tunnels in the Albion’s basement remain but are boarded up. Nadler said church officials closed off the tunnels on the other end long ago and it is believed they have since collapsed.
“One tunnel was used to transport barrels of water down from a spring under the church and the other was used to transport kegs of beer up to bootleggers who, according to legend, loaded their trucks behind the church,” said Nadler.
During prohibition, several sources suggest the Albion was a popular meeting place for bootleggers smuggling Albion homebrew and Sleeman ales to the U.S.
It was during this time that a woman believed to be the jilted mistress of a famous mobster hung herself in her room on the top floor of the hotel.
“We don’t know her name,” said Nadler. “There were no guest books at the time or at least none that have survived. Many believe she was the mistress of Al Capone but we are inclined to think she was the mistress of Hamilton gangster Rocco Perri.”
The woman’s ghost is said to haunt the hotel and several employees and patrons claim to have encountered her.
Nadler said he hasn’t actually seen her but has been unnerved by strange sounds and other eerie occurrences.
The woman in white isn’t the only spirit said to haunt the historic hotel. It is believed two workers killed during a fire that destroyed the Albion stables in 1871 refuse to check out and have made their presence known in the basement.
“I have a female manager who claims to have had an encounter with the ghosts while working in the basement,” said Nadler. “She refuses to close at night by herself.”
He said the ghosts are well known to locals but out of respect they have resisted capitalizing on them to promote the bar.
He said they prefer to be known for their food and service.
In 2005, the Albion was bought by another U of G alumni, Andrew Donaldson. He too had been a regular at the bar during his studies and developed an affection for its charm and atmosphere. In 2007, he began a major renovation project but was careful to preserve the buildings historic features.
Donaldson expanded the business and improved the menu while keeping the food affordable.
“He really knows what makes the Albion what it is,” said Nadler.
It was the first bar in Guelph to have an outdoor licensed patio and each room offers its own distinct vibe decorated with the work of local artists.
The men’s and women’s sides on the main floor were a product of a time when men and women were not permitted to drink with each other.
They no longer enforce this rule, of course, but they are still referred to as the men’s and women’s sides.
The second floor has been the location for many fundraisers and eclectic performances by established and emerging local and international artists.
The Albion’s survival can be attributed in large part to its timeless appeal and adaptability and patrons of all generations are invited this weekend to celebrate the past, present and future of this historical city landmark.
“I am honoured to have an opportunity to contribute to the history of the Albion,” said Nadler. “We want it to be here in another 155 years.
* Acton Hotel, Acton Ont. was owned by Theresia (Schmuck) & husband John Albert Lehman. John also worked as a manager for the "New Brunswick Hotel" in Kitchener, which was owned by the father of Colette Zuber. John had a great sense of humor, he played the piano, wore thick glasses.
* Forwell House Hotel, Mildmay Ont. Owned by..............
*Royle Hotel, Elmira Ont. Owned by Luke & Kay Forwell
*First Giant Kitchener Grocery store;
The Highway Market was one of the very first large grocery stores to open in Ontario. It was very well known and people traveled to shop there from places such as Guelph, Preston, Galt Elmira etc.
Joseph & Sarah (Hummel) Zuber Sr
The Zuber & Hummel family trees are connected in many different branches over the years, both here in Canada and in Alsace.
*Joseph Zubers Sr. sister, Helen Zuber married Edward Schmuck in 1909
Joseph Zuber was a true hotelier and operated many different well known and very respected hotels with I believe the Walper House in Kitchenerbeing his crowning success. He also employed members of the Schmuck family over the years.
Our Louis (Ludovic) Schmuck actually passed away in the "Grand Central Hotel" (also known as the Station Hotel) apparently he was suffering from a bad flue and was put to bed there but he died Oct 25 1921 (Spanish flue ?) Louis Schmuck was a house painter and apparently did the room painting decorating etc. for Joseph Zuber.
Joseph Sr and Sarah's son Joseph R Zuber Jr. continued in his fathers foot steps also continuing to operate the business until his own death in 1971. He also created the well known "Inn of the Black Walnut" (Juseph R Zuber, JR was married to Edith Milligan who's
obituary is shown below.
The Zuber & Hummel family trees are connected in many different branches over the years, both here in Canada and in Alsace.
*Joseph Zubers Sr. sister, Helen Zuber married Edward Schmuck in 1909
Joseph Zuber was a true hotelier and operated many different well known and very respected hotels with I believe the Walper House in Kitchenerbeing his crowning success. He also employed members of the Schmuck family over the years.
Our Louis (Ludovic) Schmuck actually passed away in the "Grand Central Hotel" (also known as the Station Hotel) apparently he was suffering from a bad flue and was put to bed there but he died Oct 25 1921 (Spanish flue ?) Louis Schmuck was a house painter and apparently did the room painting decorating etc. for Joseph Zuber.
Joseph Sr and Sarah's son Joseph R Zuber Jr. continued in his fathers foot steps also continuing to operate the business until his own death in 1971. He also created the well known "Inn of the Black Walnut" (Juseph R Zuber, JR was married to Edith Milligan who's
obituary is shown below.
Walper house Hotel 20 Queen St.S Kitchener today 2018 http://www.walper.com/
Interesting historical (& other) links;
https://www.therecord.com/living-story/4117399-flash-from-the-past-postcard-view-shows-walper-hotel-in-kitchener/
https://www.google.ca/search?q=historical+pictures+of+the+walper+house&rlz=1C1CHMO_enCA566CA566&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjph7vKrZveAhUk5IMKHaH8AjoQsAR6BAgAEAE&biw=1898&bih=952
http://walperhotel.wixsite.com/walperishaunted Interesting Web site on the Walper's history of previous owners, Guests GHOSTS and the fire of 1892
https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=10659
The Great Canadian Nickelodeon Co. Ltd.
Restorers of Automated musical instruments "World wide service"
www.nickelodeonco.com
owner; Ron Schmuck
If you have information Pictures etc. you would like to include in this page or the family tree please do not hesitate to contact me through the "Contact Page" or by phone Thank you Ron Schmuck
Interesting historical (& other) links;
https://www.therecord.com/living-story/4117399-flash-from-the-past-postcard-view-shows-walper-hotel-in-kitchener/
https://www.google.ca/search?q=historical+pictures+of+the+walper+house&rlz=1C1CHMO_enCA566CA566&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjph7vKrZveAhUk5IMKHaH8AjoQsAR6BAgAEAE&biw=1898&bih=952
http://walperhotel.wixsite.com/walperishaunted Interesting Web site on the Walper's history of previous owners, Guests GHOSTS and the fire of 1892
https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=10659
The Great Canadian Nickelodeon Co. Ltd.
Restorers of Automated musical instruments "World wide service"
www.nickelodeonco.com
owner; Ron Schmuck
If you have information Pictures etc. you would like to include in this page or the family tree please do not hesitate to contact me through the "Contact Page" or by phone Thank you Ron Schmuck