#4 Bricker B&B
521 Bricker St., Port Elgin
In 2015, we decided to start the process of selling our manufacturing business that we had operated for 30 years. We wanted to slow down but do something that we would enjoy, keep us active and live by the water. Having stayed in many Bed and Breakfasts and enjoying our stay in each one, we decided to open our own. We wanted a Victorian house with original details, near the water with a large property. It took us two years, but we found our house in the little town that I had been coming to as a child and where we had brought our children for beach vacations. Our labour of love took six years to complete with selling business, some family happenings and Covid restrictions. 521 Bricker is not only a peaceful retreat but our home.
History of 521 Bricker
Samuel E. and Catherine Bricker, along with their eight children arrived from Waterloo County in 1854 and settled in a log cabin east of the town limits.  Samuel purchased 10 lots of land and donated three acres for a cemetery, 1.4 acres to the Great Western Railway Company(now CNR) and a cricket field (site of current Maple Mall). Samuel Sr. planted many maple trees in Port Elgin, or the “Town of Maples” as it was once known as. There is a plaque commemorating him as one of the original founders of Port Elgin located in front of the Public Library. Samuel built the grand house at 521 Bricker in 1871 on lots 1, 2 and 3 and sold the house and lots to his son Samuel O. (Jr.) in 1876 for $1.00. On July 19, 1882, Samuel Jr. lost the house in a poker game to John Campbell.  The next day Samuel Jr’s wife Ada (nee Campbell) bought it back and I can only imagine the conversation that was had about that!
The house has had many owners over 150 years and we are fortunate to have the deed showing all the previous owners. We love to imagine all the stories within these old walls!
We can’t wait to welcome you!
Homeowners:Â Kim Rice & Rich Grubb
Decorator: Donna Thomas, Vi Campbell & Jo-Anne Willetts
All proceeds to Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation
Home #1 The Grenville house
Home #2 The Kupiec Home
Home #3 The Gingrich Home
