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The Old Hotel

One of the first true landmarks in Stony Plain is the old hotel that has sat on the corner of Main Street for over one hundred years. Whether it was called the Bismarck, Royal, or Stony Plain hotel it is a cornerstone of the heritage of the Town of Stony Plain.
By 1907, Stony Plain had a population of over 1000 and boasted two hotels. The Bismarck Hotel was owned by an A J. Litzenberger and Philip and Jacob Miller owned the Royal Hotel. However, due to a tragedy this did not last long.
On January 9, 1911, a fire destroyed the Royal Hotel and the Bismarck was left the sole hotel. About two weeks later, Miller bought the Bismarck off of Litzenberger and renamed it the Royal Hotel. When Miller bought the hotel it went through one of the first major renovations: the third floor and tower were removed as well as the second-floor balcony.
Strangely enough, Miller then sold it in 1912 and moved to Edmonton. However, four years later he moved back to Stony Plain and repurchased the Royal Hotel and continued to operate it until his death in 1962.
The hotel is still standing on the same spot as it was over 100 years ago even though the hotel has gone through numerous changes and owners over the many years it has been around.