Special Ceremony on Tap, Spitfire Pub Reopens
March 12, 2016 – Windsor NS, There was a special ceremony on tap in Windsor NS this weekend. The staff and patrons of the Spitfire Arms Alehouse paraded from its temporary downtown home on Gerrish Street around the corner to the pub’s original home on Water St.
The pub has been undergoing extensive renovations since it was significantly damaged by smoke and water due to a fire which occurred on July 14, 2015. With the renovations now completed today’s ceremonial event was scheduled. Town Crier Lloyd Smith provided the onlooking staff and customers with some interesting points about the building’s history from which we provide the following:
‘The building was constructed in the late 1800’s and subsequently destroyed by the great Windsor fire on Oct 17, 1898. The building was reconstructed the following year.
Over the next century this building was host to various businesses including: a meat market, a hardware store clothing store, a pool hall, a pizza shop, and an electronics store.
In 2002 the building was purchased with the mission of the owner to convert it into the Spitfire Arms Alehouse as a replica model British pub and a center of commemoration (including historical artifacts) in tribute those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our freedom and way of life.
On Aug 1, 2011 the business was purchased by Debbie and Rick Dunham to continue its respected tradition of commemoration and tribute.
On Jul 14 2015 – this landmark building was significantly damaged by smoke, and fire requiring extensive renovations.
Today upon its reopening the proclamation officially declared and provided ‘most sincere appreciation’ to; the Windsor Firefighters for minimizing the resulting damage which allowed for artifact recovery;
– to the staff who to a person remained at their post at the temporary, alternate location;
– to the local musicians for fund raising efforts in support of the staff during the transition,
– to local suppliers including: Swinamers Home Building Center, Central Building Supply, Windsor Home Furniture, Quinn Flooring and Interiors all of which supplied the materials for the rebuilding and,
– to the loyal patrons for their dedication to the business in allowing for this day of jubilation to take place.’
With the ceremonies completed by the ribbon cutting, the doors were opened and the customers returned to their place of commemoration at the Spitfire Arms and Alehouse. Let the new memories begin.
*Historical points derived from the recorded proclamation delivered by Windsor Town Crier Lloyd Smith