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Grand Bend, Ontario

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Grand Bend - Our Stories, Our Voice
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ELLA & ERIC MCILROY

Ella Eccleston was the daughter of a London grocer whose family spent their summers in Grand Bend. In 1917 her parents, George and Ida Eccleston, gave up their grocery store in London and purchased 45 acres in Grand Bend. That summer George Eccleston opened a dance hall on the beach. Two years later the Lakeview Casino was built. Ella Eccleston spent her summers in Grand Bend, and her winters in Toronto.

Eric McIlroy was born in Belfast, Ireland in 1909. He grew up there and apprenticed in the textile industry. In 1928 he moved to Toronto and became a buyer for the Timothy Eaton Company.

It was in Toronto that he met Ella Eccleston, and the two were married in 1932, a year after the death of her father, George Eccleston. The two men hardly knew each other. "It's too bad, they would have gotten along so well," Mrs. McIlroy said about her father and her husband.

In 1937, when operating the casino became too much for Ida Eccleston, she sold it to Eric and Ella. Right from the start, Eric showed interest and generosity in the village he had adopted. "My dad had great visions, and Eric was able to carry some of them out," Ella McIlroy said.

The McIlroys operated the casino from 1937 until they sold it in 1966. This was the hey-day of the big band era, and dances were held at the casino every night. Operating the casino meant long days and hard work. On a typical day the McIlroys were at the casino early in the morning to open up so that the band could rehearse. Usually bands were hired for the entire summer and the McIlroys had to supply accommodation for them.

As well as the casino, the McIlroys operated a number of different shops and services over the years. The Surf Shop, Sun Shop, Snack Shop, Village Shop and others were all connected with the busy casino corner. Eric and Ella McIlroy were always at the casino as long as the shops were open and the dances were on, so there was little spare time during the summer months. Many times the casino would be donated for fundraising activities and during the war years, benefit dances were held.

Eric McIlroy was an active member and organizer of many community organizations. He helped to establish the Grand Bend Lions Club. He let the Lions use the Lakeview Casino for their annual ball.They brought in a star every year to provide entertainment.

In 1951, Mr. McIlroy was elected to the first village council in Grand Bend. During the 1950's, he became concerned about promoting Grand Bend as a tourist spot. Together with John Aselstyne and Fred Walker, the Grand Bend Promotion Committee was formed. This committee later evolved into the Chamber of Commerce and Mr. McIlroy became the first president.

Eric McIlroy worked with Len Evens of CHLO radio to bring a mobile radio unit to Grand Bend. He was a charter member of the South Huron Hospital Board in Exeter and was on the board when the Grand Bend Medical Centre was built in 1971.

In 1951, Eric McIlroy became a noble of Mocha Temple Shrine in London. He was a charter member of the Bluewater Shriners in 1959 and when the Fire Brigade of the Bluewater Shriners was established in 1959, Mr. McIlroy was a charter member. In the 1960's, he was made a life member for his service to the Shriners.

From 1947, he was involved with the Masons, being a member of the Blue Lodge Doric 233 in Parkhill and the Royal Arch Mason, Minnewawa 78 in Parkhill.

In 1964, when the Ontario Harness Association was formed, Eric McIlroy was a charter member. He was director of the Harness Horsemen from 1964 to 1968.

In 1965, Eric McIlroy received a special citation from the London Musicians Union Local 279 that read: "For thirty years of outstanding good faith and co-operation with respect to the presentation of live music to the public."

Eric and Ella McIlroy brought joy and music to thousands who came and enjoyed the music and dancing at the Lakeview Casino.

 

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