Red Harp History
Following the arrival of the railway to Acton in 1856, a demand for local lodging emerged, leading to the establishment of a hotel at 137 Mill Street East. Originally owned by William Bell, the structure was a modest limestone building housing a main-floor tavern and second-story accommodations. Known as Bell’s Tavern, it became a central hub for both travelers and locals, famously hosting the annual Irish Protestant Orange Walk every July.
In 1907, the property was acquired by Sam Lasby, who transformed the site into the Station Hotel. His extensive renovations introduced a grand lobby with a curved staircase and a distinctive front balcony—the latter of which was tragically removed in 1913 due to an accident that occurred the previous year. Beyond serving rail passengers, the hotel became a vital residence for bachelors employed at the nearby Beardmore Tannery.
The establishment’s resilience was tested during the Temperance movement and the Ontario Prohibition era (1916–1927). Despite legal restrictions, the tavern maintained its operations, often through the clandestine support of local bootleggers.
In the early morning of April 13, 1961, the hotel faced a harrowing ordeal when a fire broke out in an upstairs sitting room, causing $5,000 in damages (approximately $51,600 in today’s CAD). Flames were seen reaching 15 feet above the roof, and two men were severely burned. Building maintenance man Vince Heveran was injured while heroically attempting to rescue a tenant, Elgie Varey. Mr. Varey, a former woodworking business owner whose shop once stood where the pub’s parking lot and patio are now located, was immobile at the time due to a leg cast from a previous accident. Fortunately, local firemen rescued Mr. Varey, who spent the following month recovering at Guelph General Hospital.
Shortly after the fire, a significant chapter began in 1973 when brothers Nick and Eli Kekic emigrated from Yugoslavia and purchased the business. Though some locals skeptically predicted the newcomers would only last six months, the brothers defied expectations through decades of hard work. They successfully operated the business for 33 years, becoming the final owners to run the establishment under the Station Hotel banner until 2006.
In 2006, the landmark was rebranded as Mill Street Crossing before its most recent transformation in 2015, when it was purchased by Samantha Shein and reimagined as The Red Harp Pub.
Today, the pub is a true family endeavor, operated by Samantha alongside her husband, Jason, and their daughters, Alexis, Jessalyn, and Sierra. This success is shared by a dedicated core of staff members—many of whom have remained with the family since opening day—and the unwavering support of the Acton community. Together, they ensure that 137 Mill Street East remains as much a community cornerstone today as it was over a century ago.
Historical Information about The Red Harp was kindly curated by
Scott Brooks
Manager & Curator,
Vintage Acton
Vintageacton.com
Thank you Scott!
In 1907, the property was acquired by Sam Lasby, who transformed the site into the Station Hotel. His extensive renovations introduced a grand lobby with a curved staircase and a distinctive front balcony—the latter of which was tragically removed in 1913 due to an accident that occurred the previous year. Beyond serving rail passengers, the hotel became a vital residence for bachelors employed at the nearby Beardmore Tannery.
The establishment’s resilience was tested during the Temperance movement and the Ontario Prohibition era (1916–1927). Despite legal restrictions, the tavern maintained its operations, often through the clandestine support of local bootleggers.
In the early morning of April 13, 1961, the hotel faced a harrowing ordeal when a fire broke out in an upstairs sitting room, causing $5,000 in damages (approximately $51,600 in today’s CAD). Flames were seen reaching 15 feet above the roof, and two men were severely burned. Building maintenance man Vince Heveran was injured while heroically attempting to rescue a tenant, Elgie Varey. Mr. Varey, a former woodworking business owner whose shop once stood where the pub’s parking lot and patio are now located, was immobile at the time due to a leg cast from a previous accident. Fortunately, local firemen rescued Mr. Varey, who spent the following month recovering at Guelph General Hospital.
Shortly after the fire, a significant chapter began in 1973 when brothers Nick and Eli Kekic emigrated from Yugoslavia and purchased the business. Though some locals skeptically predicted the newcomers would only last six months, the brothers defied expectations through decades of hard work. They successfully operated the business for 33 years, becoming the final owners to run the establishment under the Station Hotel banner until 2006.
In 2006, the landmark was rebranded as Mill Street Crossing before its most recent transformation in 2015, when it was purchased by Samantha Shein and reimagined as The Red Harp Pub.
Today, the pub is a true family endeavor, operated by Samantha alongside her husband, Jason, and their daughters, Alexis, Jessalyn, and Sierra. This success is shared by a dedicated core of staff members—many of whom have remained with the family since opening day—and the unwavering support of the Acton community. Together, they ensure that 137 Mill Street East remains as much a community cornerstone today as it was over a century ago.
Historical Information about The Red Harp was kindly curated by
Scott Brooks
Manager & Curator,
Vintage Acton
Vintageacton.com
Thank you Scott!