File:The Tourist Hotel - Northbrook, Postcard (16396160702).jpg

This is a postcard with unknown date of the Tourist Hotel Northbrook, aka Northbrook Hotel.

History and photos contributed by John and Elaine Bolton:

The Northbrook Hotel was built around 1915 by Lulu & Casper Thompson who also had built and operated a general store on the lot to the south. They sold it to Hugh Saul and he operated as a 'Tourist Hotel' until 1934 when George Both purchased it and obtained the first beer license.

The business changed hands five times before 1951 when Joseph and Madeline Bolton purchased it from Ted and Vern Courneya. According to LCBO rules at the time, there were separate beverage rooms, 'Men Only' and 'Ladies & Escorts'. That same year the Boltons enlarged the premises providing more seating area and six more rental rooms.

In 1965 John and Elaine Bolton took over the business from his parents. In 1969 with times changing, the LCBO allowed removal of the wall between the two beverage rooms but men and ladies sections had to be separated by a 36" high railing. It wasn't until 1972 when after extensive upgrading of the building, the LCBO granted a tavern license adding liquor and wine and 'The Trapper's Lounge" began operation.

Boltons operated the business until selling it in January of 1994. There have been three different owners since that time and the business is currently closed.