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The Munshaw's settled at Artemesia Corners (later called Flesherton after W.K. Flesher, a County Warden). It was an inspired choice for here they could cater to travellers along the Sydenham Road (north-south route) and the Durham Road (east-west route) and draw customers from all directions. Munshaw House (also called Flesherton House) was built in stages starting in 1849 and finishing in 1864 with the completion of a two-storey brick structure with two large dormitory style rooms for sleeping and, at the north end, two rooms for use as sample rooms by travelling salesmen.Munshaw House was operated as a hotel by the Munshaws and their descendents until 1964 when the family was forced to sell the hotel after the Village of Flesherton temporarily banned the sale of alcohol (The Sun Times, Feb 6, 1993).
The barn out back was burnt to the ground in 1926 but razed again the same year.
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Munshaw House Hotel1890-1910
1 Toronto Rd. S., Flesherton, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Split Rail Country: A History of Artemesia Township Vol.1
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Munshaw Housecirca 1950's
1 Toronto Rd. S., Flesherton, Ontario, Canada
Credits:South Grey Museum Collection
Flesherton Advance Newspaper
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In the 1950's the Hotel housed a small restaurant and was the local Tourist Information Center.5
Munshaw House pre-restorationapprox 1960-1980
1 Toronto Rd. S., Flesherton, Ontario, Canada
Credits:South Grey Museum Collection
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The Munshaw House housed several local businesses over the years, including Hannah Ott who ran an antique store in 1977 and had hoped to restore the building but it ws not possible at the time. By the 1980's the building had deteriorated further but was still structurally sound.7
Munshaw HouseLate 1960's to early 1970's
1 Toronto Rd. S., Flesherton, Ontario, Canada
Credits:South Grey Museum Collection
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Munshaw House Editorial Cartooncirca 1989
1 Toronto Rd. S., Flesherton, Ontario, Canada
Credits:South Grey Museum Collection
Flesherton Advance
Barb Shaw, artisit
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In 1989 a campaign began to save the Munshaw House and have it designated under the Ontario Heritage Act when it was discovered a developer had purchased the property with the intent to tear it down and put up a small strip mall and gas bar. Local architect Paul Dawson and his wife Dawn Dawson (a direct descendent of Aaron Munshaw) were instrumental in the campaign to save the building.The campaign was successful and funds were made available for the restoration of the property.
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Munshaw House 1990's Restorationcirca 1991
1 Toronto Rd. S., Flesherton, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Flesherton Advance Newspaper
Ted Shaw
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Restoration of the magnificent building began in 1991 and included exterior brick work, a new wrap-around porch with curved roof line, creation of a space for a Hasty Market and a space for a small restaurant. The second storey would include one apartment with the opportunity to develop more in the future.12
Munshaw House - brick and roof restoration1990-1992
1 Toronto Rd. S., Flesherton, Ontario, Canada
Credits:South Grey Museum - Ted Shaw / Flesherton Advance Collection
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Exterior brick work and roof restoration at the Munshaw House14
Munshaw House Restoration - front porch demolition1990-1992
1 Toronto Rd. S., Flesherton, Ontario, Canada
Credits:South Grey Museum - Ted Shaw / Flesherton Advance Collection
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