Prehistory – 1650: The land that is now Elmira, Ontario, was the historic territory of the Neutral Confederecy. This tribe became extinct after conflicts with the Iroquois in the early 1650s.

Mid-1700s: Settlers began migrating to the region, coming mainly from Europe and the northern United States.

1794: The land within six miles on either side of the Grand River was granted to the Mohawks.

1798: Chief Joseph Brant sold the land to William Wallace. This 86,078-acre tract would later form much of the Woolwich Township, named after Woolwich in England.

1806: William Wallace sold 45,185 acres of land within Woolwich Township to Mennonite settlers from Pennsylvania at $1 per acre (if only Ontario real estate stayed this cheap). Specifically, he sold the land to Augustus Jones and brothers John and Jacob Erb, trustees for a group known as the German Company. This area became the foundation for much of Mennonite settlement in the region. However, Wallace failed to meet contractual obligations for the remaining portions of his holdings and forfeited them later that year. Chief Joseph Brant allowed Wallace to retain 7,000 acres in the southeastern corner of Woolwich Township, but Wallace eventually forfeited this tract as well after siding with the Americans during the War of 1812.

1807: The German Company, represented by Augustus Jones, John Erb, and Jacob Erb, finalized their acquisition of 45,185 acres in Woolwich Township from William Wallace. This purchase laid the groundwork for the establishment of Mennonite communities in the area.

1807: The German Company sold a portion of their Woolwich Township holdings to Martin Wenger, who would later contribute to the development of the area.

1828: After Martin Wenger’s death, the executors of his estate sold the land to David Musselman. Musselman later founded the community of Conestogo in 1830, where he developed two sawmills on the Conestoga River.

1832: The Lord of Egremont in England initiated the Petworth Emigration Scheme, offering grants to English families willing to emigrate to Canada. Edward Bristow, his wife Hannah Streeter Bristow (seen below), their three children, and Hannah’s younger brother George Streeter emigrated from Shipley, Sussex, England, under this program. Edward Bristow took up employment at the Conestogo sawmill.

1834: Edward Bristow, along with Henry Christman, is credited with settling the village of Elmira. Bristow purchased 53 acres of land at this location for 50 cents per acre. He started the first store, tavern, and potashery in the town then known as Bristow’s Corners, laying the foundation for the community’s growth.

1846: Edward Bristow accepted 53 acres of land as back wages, becoming the owner of a large piece of forested land bordered by Arthur Street (the street just in front of Bristow’s Inn today).

1849: Bristow served as the postmaster of the West Woolwich post office and operated Troy’s Hotel, which included a tavern, a potashery, and a general store. The original log-frame building with a small stone foundation was later moved to the Woolwich Agricultural Society grounds where the current Woolwich Memorial Centre stands. The log frame was subsequently relocated to 103 Arthur St. S, across and slightly north of the current inn (where it still stands today). The stone foundation was re-located back to the property (upon which the current house is built) along with the original post box (which can be seen upon entering the inn).

1850: The hamlet officially became known as Bristow’s Corners, named after the active postmaster Edward Bristow.

1853: Local merchant Samuel Weber, inspired by Elmira, New York, successfully lobbied Woolwich Township council to rename Bristow’s Corners to Elmira.

1860: In June, Edward Bristow sold the land to Jacob W. Bowman for $2,350 and moved his family to the hamlet of Shipley in Perth County. There, he worked as a postmaster and merchant for the remainder of his life. Bowman began constructing the current house on the previous stone foundation, making him the true founder of the inn, although Bristow is often credited.

1864: The property was purchased by Samuel Weber, who had renamed the town to “Elmira” in 1853. By this time, Elmira had grown to about 400 residents and included a tannery, a lumber mill, and three churches.

1871: Christian Schluter purchased the property. His widow sold it to Jacob Yost the following year for $3,610. Yost sold it back to the estate the same day for $2,400. Nine months later, the estate transferred the title back to Jacob Yost.

1880s: The house was expanded on the east side to include what is now the parlor and master suite.

1886: Elmira was incorporated as a village and installed electric streetlights. The population was approximately 760 at the time.

1890: The oldest known photo of the house was taken (seen below).

1898: Joseph Ernst purchased the property for $4,600, sold it back to Yost the same day for $1,400, and then repurchased it in 1901. Ernst built the neighboring yellow brick Victorian house at 78 Arthur St. S, where his descendants lived until 2017 (seen below).

1900 (approx.): The gothic arch windows were boarded up to allow for easier replacement of rectangular panes and to reduce heat loss.

1900: Elmira boasted at least six large and well-established hotels: The Zilliax, the Union, Ontario House, O’Donnell House, Elmira House, and the Steddick Hotel. Neighboring towns such as Conestogo, Floradale, Winterbourne, and St. Jacob’s also had busy hotels. The town’s population continued to grow as it attracted artisans and tradesmen to support the surrounding farming community.

1903: The Elmira Furniture Company was founded, marking a significant step in the town’s industrial growth. Additionally, a local wool factory was converted into the Great West Felt and Footwear Factory, not only providing substantial employment opportunities but also establishing itself as a cornerstone of Elmira's industrial foundation. By the 1920s, Elmira had become an industrial hub with over a dozen major factories.

1907: Elmira’s industrial and transportation landscape transformed further with the addition of a Grand Trunk railway station and the Phonola Company of Canada, which manufactured phonographs. The Great West Felt Company, situated opposite the Grand Trunk Railway station, became a symbol of industrial progress. Its lofty chimney and numerous windows impressed visitors, while locals took pride in its success, having financially supported its establishment. The factory was expected to become one of the most significant in Waterloo County, solidifying the region’s reputation as a leading manufacturing hub in Ontario.

1909: The house was sold by Ernst to John B. Gateman for $1,700, with Ernst holding a $1,500 mortgage.

1910: Gateman sold a portion of the property to Susannah Gateman in August. Two months later, she sold it to Ferdinand Nolinsky, who also purchased additional property from Ernst in 1913. Nolinsky sold the property to Frank L. Meyer the same day.

1915: Ernst sold more property to Nolinsky.

1921: Nolinsky sold the property to Simon Moyer, who sold it a month later to Elizabeth Floto.

1920s: The original Victorian porch was replaced with a more modern design featuring large brick columns and a wider space for outdoor living. The upper balcony’s ornate trim was replaced with plain boards (seen below).

1945 – 1955: The property changed hands within the Moyer and Bender families. The Moyers, a family of 11 children, lived in the house during this time (seen below). 

1961 – 1964: Margaret Moyer sold the property to Mildred Geisel, who later transferred it to Edward J. Geisel. During their ownership, the house was converted into a four-apartment rooming house. Rumors suggest the house may have also operated informally as a brothel during this time, though this remains unsubstantiated.

1978: Province transfers another part of the property to Edward Geisel

1985: Dr. John Craig purchased the property.

1989: The Craigs began restoring the house to its Victorian exterior, guided by an 1890 photograph. They rebuilt the original trim, balcony, and north-side porch, modernized the plumbing and electrical systems, and transformed the interior into seven large rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Salvaged features included the cast iron spiral staircase connecting the side porch and balcony (originally the basement stairs) and the cobalt glass transom window above the front door (seen below).

1990: The Township of Woolwich declared the house a heritage building, citing its excellent example of Gothic picturesque styling, including its original gingerbread vergeboards and finials. See here for the official passing of the by-law declaring the house a heritage building. 

1991: The Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation awarded Bristow’s Inn its “Award of Excellence.”

1998: Clive and Lindy Watson purchased the property from the Craigs and added an “innkeepers’ quarters” at the rear of the house to match the heritage style. They also made interior modifications, including adding a guest kitchenette and altering room entrances and washrooms.

2008: The Watsons retired and sold the property to the Wang family from Kitchener (seen below). This family of nine children loved the proximity to the arena and school. Over time, as the children grew up and moved out, Bristow’s Inn remained a family home. 

2021: After all the kids grew up and moved out, Jodie Wang reopened Bristow’s Inn as a bed-and-breakfast, combining modern comfort with heritage charm. Today, it stands as one of Waterloo Region’s historic jewels, offering a unique glimpse into the area’s rich history.

Elmira Today: Elmira is the largest community in Woolwich Township, located 15 kilometers (9 miles) north of the city of Waterloo. With a population of 10,161 (2016 census), it is part of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. The region is home to Canada’s largest population of Old Order Mennonites, particularly around Elmira and St. Jacobs, where they are often seen traveling by traditional horse and buggy. Elmira is also known for its vibrant history, cultural significance, and annual events like the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, which has been held since 1965.