Now, That’s a Snow Fort!

When this photo was snapped on February 1, 1908, Erin village was blanketed in snow, but a cold snap had ended and residents were clearly ready to get outside and enjoy the white stuff. And what better way to do that than to build a snow fort? And what better place to build a snow fort than on Main Street in front of the Globe Hotel, the imposing stone building that was a gathering place for travellers and village folk alike?

Located on the east side of Main Street, just south of Erin United Church, the Globe started life as the home of Daniel McMillan, a prosperous village founder. The home later passed out of the McMillan family’s hands and became a hotel, owned by J.P. Bush in partnership with his brother-in-law at the time of this photo. Bush went on to own and operate the nearby Busholme Inn.

In the Globe’s heyday, it was a bustling hub, serving as the focus of all manner of village events. As the eastern terminus of the Guelph-Erin stage, the hotel also offered overnight – and longer – accommodation for travellers disembarking from the train at the Erin station, now long gone. These travellers were often drummers, travelling salespeople, who used the hotel’s sample room to display their wares. For several years, the annual Drummers’ Snack, relocated to Erin from Alton in 1909, was a highlight of the village calendar.

Then, in January 1945, the hotel was destroyed by fire. The loss of this landmark sparked calls for improved fire protection, and in 1946, Erin finally – belatedly – established a volunteer fire department. Today, McMillan Park occupies the northern section of the former Globe property, a reminder of the site’s heritage.