Lost Landmark: The Remarkable Story of the Mansion House in Uxbridge

Photo Courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days by: by J. Peter Hvidsten (Martin’s Hotel, IGA)

A Proud Beginning: Joseph Gould’s Vision in 1871

In the heart of Uxbridge, at the prominent corner of Brock Street and Toronto Street, stood a symbol of civic pride and Victorian charm—the Mansion House Hotel. Built in 1871 by Joseph Gould, one of Uxbridge’s most respected and influential figures, this red-brick, three-storey building quickly became a focal point of community life.

The Mansion House Hotel was designed by Architect John T. Stokes of Sharon, a skilled designer who had earlier crafted Joseph Gould’s own home on Toronto Street. Stokes’ architectural influence extended beyond private homes—he was likely also responsible for designing the local Uxbridge library, showcasing his deep involvement in shaping the town’s architectural landscape.

Joseph Gould wasn’t just any local. He was a visionary landowner and public servant who saw Uxbridge as a growing hub of commerce and connection. With that in mind, he commissioned the Mansion House to serve both as a place of lodging and a center for social gatherings.

The above photo courtesy of Uxbridge – The First 100 Years 1800-1900 by: J. Peter Hvidsten shows the Mansion House circa 1914.

Architectural Highlights of the Mansion House

Though modest in style, the Mansion House had several notable architectural features that made it stand out:

Three-storey red brick construction, typical of 19th-century Ontario towns.
Main entrance on Brock Street, welcoming travelers and locals alike.
Second-floor balconies on both the east and north sides, offering views of bustling town life.
A distinctive third-floor portico on the north side, adding a touch of grandeur.
To the west of the entrance, a discreet alleyway led to the back of the hotel where stables and storage sheds awaited guests traveling by horse.

This clever layout accommodated not only visitors staying overnight but also those arriving for banquets, political events, or a quick stop in town.

Growth and Expansion in the Late 1800s

As Uxbridge grew, so did the Mansion House. In the late 1800s, the hotel underwent renovations and expansions, growing to offer 70 guest rooms. These updates didn’t just make it larger—they made it more central to town life.

Even though Joseph Gould retained ownership, the building was frequently leased to various operators, reflecting its role as a practical and profitable enterprise.

A Hub for Gatherings and Politics

From the late 1800s into the early 20th century, the Mansion House was more than just a hotel. It served as a lively social hub where Uxbridge’s residents came together for:

Banquets and formal dinners
Family celebrations and dances
Political meetings and community planning sessions

At a time when newspapers and face-to-face meetings were the main forms of communication, spaces like the Mansion House played a vital role in shaping community identity and local governance.

Martin’s Hotel Era: 1930 Onward

In 1930, a new chapter began when Jim and Jean Martin purchased the building. They continued to run it as a hotel, and under their stewardship, it became affectionately known as Martin’s Hotel. The name change reflected both a new era and a continuation of its tradition as a place of welcome and warmth.

The End of an Era: Demolition in 1963

As time moved on, so did the needs of the community. In 1963, the Mansion House was demolished to make room for a modern, one-storey commercial building.

While its loss was felt by many, the new building soon found new life. In 1964, it became home to an IGA grocery store, operated by John and Evelyn Hockley. This marked another generational shift, from communal gatherings to daily commerce—a symbol of how towns evolve.

Here in this photo courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days by: by J. Peter Hvidsten taken in November 1963 you can see the hotel being torn down.

Uxbridge IGA Store

New IGA store

The new IGA store was opened in 1964 by John and Evelyn Hockley (shown above) and featured 4000 square feet of shopping space with large merchandise aisles, refrigerated space for produce and fresh meats. Photo courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days by: by J. Peter Hvidsten

Remembering the Mansion House Today

Though the Mansion House no longer stands, its legacy lives on in the memories of older residents, family photographs, and the stories passed down through generations. It reminds us of a time when hotels were more than places to sleep—they were the heart of a town.

Whether you walked through the front doors on Brock Street, tied your horse in the alleyway, or attended a community banquet under its roof, the Mansion House was a place where life happened.