Hello All

I want to celebrate this beautiful season with you.  The Guest House has been full of life hosting guests and gatherings.  I love hearing how beautiful, peaceful and comfortable my home is to those who use it.  I am truly thankful for the privilege of having this home and will continue to enjoy it with whoever needs this space. 

Merry Christmas and blessings to all who walk this earth

Theresa Dunn

The 1920's to 1940's

The Arnprior Guest House was known for housing creative people.  This elegant home with its little part of nature is a beautiful setting that engages the senses and is perfect for releasing creative energies.  I have done my only drawings and paintings while living here and even dabbled in poetry. 

This has also shown up in my exploration of the history of the house and its families.  After Francis Wait owned the house it was sold to Mr. Grierson who sold it to Samuel Caldwell.  Samuel left the house to his daughter Winnifred (Cook).  It seems at the time it was traditional to leave homes and property to women as something like dowries, some equity to bring into their marriages.  Many of these names are still common in the area and certainly are prevalent in the local cemetery.

I actually met members of the next family who owned the house in the 1940's.  The Cooks sold the house to Martha Olsener who lived here from 1939-1944.  In 2011 I had a surprise visit from a young man and a lovely dressed elderly woman who introduced herself as one of the Olsener sisters. 

Unfortunately I've got to run, but I'll continue my story soon.

The History of a Home

The Arnprior Guest House was built around 1900.  It was first owned by John Gillan who then sold it to John T. Wait.  Mr. Wait was a well known apothecary during a time when Homeopathy was a recognized and government supported profession.  His homeopathic remedies can still be found online.  He bought the house later in his life and upon his death left it and all his wealth to his wife, Frances. There is a long history to this house that is located on the original highway that used to run from Ottawa to Pembroke. 

I have had the privilege of meeting several previous owners of this house and am glad to know that it has been a place of comfort and nurture.  I will continue with the story of its interesting residents in my next blog.