96 Main Street

Did You Know?

Bay View House, Main and Robert streets, Penetanguishene.

96 Main Street was once the site of the Bay View House, one of Penetanguishene's historic hotels.

The impressive three-storey Bay View House stood at the corner of Main and Robert streets. More than simply a place for travellers to stay, the hotel was part of the social life of the growing community, with a dance and music hall on its third floor.

In 1918, the Bay View House was destroyed by fire. The site was subsequently redeveloped with a two-storey Bank of Toronto, beginning another chapter in the history of this prominent downtown corner.

Today, 96 Main Street is home to Flynn's Public House, continuing the site's long association with hospitality, food and community gathering.

The history of 96 Main Street reflects more than a century of change in downtown Penetanguishene—from hotel and gathering place to bank and, once again, a place where people come together.

Source: Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives.