History of the Southampton Inn

The Southampton Inn was built by fisherman and tug operator, Captain Dan McAulay, in 1893 for his family. A traditional thrifty Scotsman, the cherry wood used in the graceful bannister was saved from the tree cut down in front of the house. The yellow brick was laid by a young bricklayer from Port Elgin, Alex Vandrick, a German immigrant. George Turner was hired to craft the home’s woodwork.

Captain McAulay was a great lakes mariner who had several large ships built for his business. At the turn of the last century, he owned four work tugs.

His father, George, was owner of the “Caledonia” and Britannia”, and drowned off Chief’s Point in 1865 when he was washed overboard off the deck of the steamer, “Bonnie Maggie”. Daniel was age 12 at the time of his father’s death.

From Scotland’s Hebrides, there were five McAulays and they all took to a sailor’s life on the Great Lakes. Two drowned at sea. Dan was born in Southampton and grew up on the north bank of the Saugeen.

Dan prospered and his home was a popular one in the village, known for its hospitality. It was the site of many patriotic Sons of Scotland dinners and parties.

In 1932, Dan died, leaving his wife Christine, who passed away in 1935. Frank, Laird and a daughter, Mrs. J.F. Morton, survived their parents. Mrs. Morton was the wife of Dr. J.F. Morton, the man for whom the Morton section of the Bruce County Museum & Archives is appropriately named as he was instrumental in establishing the museum.

Previous owners have included David and Diane Snyder, who added on to the original structure and converted the home to an inn called the Chantry House. Tony and Linda Martin changed the name of the inn to the Linton Inn during their brief possession after the Snyders. Susan Closs and Rob Lyons assumed ownership of the Inn on May 15, 2000, renaming it the Southampton Inn and Collet’s Café.

In April 2003, Rob Lyons retired and Tony Robins joined Susan as a business partner.