Ward’s Hotel and the Thames River Regatta
Ward’s Hotel, built in 1880 by Mike Ward, was on the north bank of the Thames River, east of the Springbank Pumphouse. This iconic hotel was the centre for summer sports and recreation and the port of call for all steamboats operating on the Thames River. Sporting events held at Ward’s Hotel included live and clay pigeon shoots, cock fights, baseball games, and horse trotting races on the frozen Thames during winter. The most memorable events, however, were the London Rowing Club’s annual regattas that ran along the Thames River in front of the hotel. According to The London Advertiser, the regatta held in September 1903 saw hundreds of Londoners travel to the site that was “just above the dam” and “some miles from the city.” Spectators came by several means, including road, trolley, canoe, or rowboat, and lined both sides of the Thames. The races that afternoon included a single scull race, a four-oared race, canoe events and a tub race. Afterwards, members of the London Rowing Club and their friends enjoyed dinner and dancing at the pavilion at Springbank Park. The Tecumseh Sporting Club eventually took over the hotel. It remained operating until the City of London purchased the property in 1896. They used it for offices until 1923 when it was demolished to make way for the Thames Valley Golf Course. Photos courtesy of the Ivey Family London Room, London Public Library, www.images.ourontario.ca/london/2410374/data?n=297. Accessed 17 September 2024.
Ward’s Hotel,1880
London Rowing Club’s Regatta on September 5th, 1903 in front of the Ward’s Hotel.
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