Happy Canada Day to All

It has been a year of ups and down.  The house required some major repairs and we decided it was time to downsize and do more traveling.  Regrettably, we have sold the house and we do not know if the new owners will rent the space out.

On our part we would like to say how much we enjoyed sharing our home with travelers.  We enjoyed the diversity and joyfulness of the visitors, mostly families coming to share time together.  There is nothing better than feeling people love and play together.

We would thank all who came and treated our home respectfully most often leaving it as they found it.  I hope everyone found it a comforting and safe place.

We may reopen in our new home so Stay Tuned

Blessings and peace to all

Theresa Dunn and Keith Organ

Attractions and Events in the Ottawa Valley

Looking for some fun things to do while you're staying at the Guest House? There is always something to do during the summer months!


May 21   Canadian Choral Reflections, 2:00-3:00  at Grace St. Andrews United Church

A visit from the past

The Olsener family lived at 46 Elgin Street from 1938-1944. Mr. Olsener was an interior decorator who mixed his paints and finishes in a shed to the back of the house. Apparently many  churches and official buildings in the area were the product of his skills. He was also an artist who did a mural up the stairs of the house which has now been covered over but according to son-in law Robert Langen it was a beautiful piece of work.  Robert Langen was a professor at Wilfrid Laurier University and has an art gallery named after him.

Mrs. Langen (Olsener) was the older sister. She enjoyed walking through the house and recounting the various rooms and how they were the same or different to her time. She was 11 when her family moved to 46 Elgin Street East.  She loved the house and was pleased to know how well it had been preserved over the years.  One story she recounted was how they loved swimming in the river just a few feet from the house. One time her sister some 4 years old had gone into the water with a tire tube. Unfortunately, the tube was deflating.  All ended well.  Mrs. Langen married and went to live in Kitchener.  Her sister stayed in the area and built her marital home next door. 

According to a neighbour at one time the whole block were original families and their adult children who lived close by. 

If anyone knows any other historical information about this house or has photos of the house during the years I would love to start a gallery. 

The house has been known for its family centred, community minded people  except for one time when the house was dormant for a time and accused of being haunted.

If there are ghosts they are welcoming and comforting spirits.  Two adjectives people often use upon entering the space.

Hello All

I want to celebrate this beautiful season with you.  The Guest House has been full of life hosting guests and gatherings.  I love hearing how beautiful, peaceful and comfortable my home is to those who use it.  I am truly thankful for the privilege of having this home and will continue to enjoy it with whoever needs this space. 

Merry Christmas and blessings to all who walk this earth

Theresa Dunn

The 1920's to 1940's

The Arnprior Guest House was known for housing creative people.  This elegant home with its little part of nature is a beautiful setting that engages the senses and is perfect for releasing creative energies.  I have done my only drawings and paintings while living here and even dabbled in poetry. 

This has also shown up in my exploration of the history of the house and its families.  After Francis Wait owned the house it was sold to Mr. Grierson who sold it to Samuel Caldwell.  Samuel left the house to his daughter Winnifred (Cook).  It seems at the time it was traditional to leave homes and property to women as something like dowries, some equity to bring into their marriages.  Many of these names are still common in the area and certainly are prevalent in the local cemetery.

I actually met members of the next family who owned the house in the 1940's.  The Cooks sold the house to Martha Olsener who lived here from 1939-1944.  In 2011 I had a surprise visit from a young man and a lovely dressed elderly woman who introduced herself as one of the Olsener sisters. 

Unfortunately I've got to run, but I'll continue my story soon.

The History of a Home

The Arnprior Guest House was built around 1900.  It was first owned by John Gillan who then sold it to John T. Wait.  Mr. Wait was a well known apothecary during a time when Homeopathy was a recognized and government supported profession.  His homeopathic remedies can still be found online.  He bought the house later in his life and upon his death left it and all his wealth to his wife, Frances. There is a long history to this house that is located on the original highway that used to run from Ottawa to Pembroke. 

I have had the privilege of meeting several previous owners of this house and am glad to know that it has been a place of comfort and nurture.  I will continue with the story of its interesting residents in my next blog.