History of “The Castle on the River”
The Undertaking
In 1926 the Canadian Pacific Railway built a grand railway hotel in Regina an event which fueled the resolve of local Saskatoon businessmen to prove their community worthy of similar consideration.The Saskatoon Board of Trade tirelessly petitioned the Canadian National Railway to undertake a project of equal consequence in Saskatoon. Their efforts were rewarded when on December 31, 1928 Sir Henry Thorton, President of the CNR, announced in his New Year's greeting to Saskatoon Mayor G.W. Norman that a “...hotel consistent in size and character with an enterprising and progressive city” would begin construction “at once”.In February, 1930, the excavation of the site began utilizing a steam thawer and gasoline excavator. Work progressed steadily and provided much needed employment during the hard times of the depression. Virtually all materials used in the construction were of Canadian origin including Tyndall stone from Manitoba, brick from Claybank, Sask., and tiles from Estevan, Sask.On May 30, 1931 Walter Pratt, General Manager of Hotels, Sleeping and Dining Cars of the CNR announced that Sir Vere Brabazon Ponsonby, The Ninth Earl of Bessborough and Governor General of Canada had given consent for the hotel to be formally named “The Bessborough”.Construction was completed in 1932 but due to difficult financial times the hotel failed to open until Horace N. Stovin became the first official registered guest on December 10, 1935 and the city celebrated the opening of it's beloved castle. A luncheon was held that day with approximately 300 business people in attendance, that evening 1000 dined at the newly opened hotel.
The Lobby
The original hotel lobby was actually located on the floor directly above it's present location. The space, which has been the lobby for more than the last 25 years, was originally graced with a cafeteria style restaurant, a large laundry facility and showcases featuring exquisite merchandise of the day. Today this space features the Stovin's Lobby Lounge, The Samurai Japanese Restaurant, and the front desk. Behind the front desk hangs the original hotel clock which was recently returned to the hotel after a thirty year absence.
The Mezzanine
This level was once the original hotel lobby with the front desk being situated where the hair salon is now located. The opening to below was not added until 1971 when the front desk was relocated to the level below. What is now known as the William Pascoe room was the original formal dining room of the hotel. Where the Delta Club Lounge now exists once was the elegant writing room which was furnished in English Jacobean style with solid oak furniture covered in fine rich tapestries.
The Convention Floor
This level has remained virtually unchanged since the hotel's inception. The elegant Adam Ballroom has been restored to it's original elegance as has the foyer area. The ladies restroom adjacent to the Adam Ballroom features the “ladies retiring room” a comfortable and private sitting room adjoining the facilities and that allowed ladies access to the coatcheck out of view from the prying eyes of their male counterparts.
The Gardens
The five acre Elizabethan gardens overlooking the South Saskatchewan River have been a focal point of the hotel throughout it's history. Once the site of elegant garden parties and mildly competitive croquet games they now serve as a focal point for numerous festivals, community events and special occasions.
The Guestrooms
Upon completion the Bessborough Hotel was considered the most modern and luxurious hotel in the Dominion. Complete with telephones, baths and showers in every room. In addition “automatic” elevators, complete with instructions and operators, offered access to the guestroom floors. The bathrooms featured deep elegant bathtubs, tiled bath surrounds and intricate mosaic tile floors which have all been carefully preserved in the most recent $9 million dollar restoration. Among some of he other unique amenities were razor disposal slots in each bathroom and service call lights outside each guestroom door. Today the razor disposal slots no longer exist however the access panels to service guestroom plumbing and retrieve disposed razors are still visible in all guestroom corridors. A pneumatic tube system also existed to carry messages around the hotel. The original central vacuum system is still functional and outlets are readily apparent throughout the guestroom corridors.The 7th floor originally housed sample-bedrooms which allowed travelling salesmen to sleep adjacent to the specially designed showrooms where they displayed their wares. The 8th floor housed sample rooms without attached bedrooms and some staff dormitories. These floors were converted to commercial office space in the mid-seventies.
The Exterior
Fine examples of Grotesques, Gargoyles and Heraldic Emblems exist on the exterior of the building. Numerous designs are apparent but a definitive study of all their meanings does not exist. The special Claybank Tapestry brick and Tyndall stone used to construct the buildings façade are in incredible condition compared to other such structures in major centres, which is testament to air quality of Saskatoon.
Delta Bessborough Historical Timelines
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1930 - February, Excavation work began on the hotel site.
1931 - May 30, the name of the Hotel, “Bessborough”, was announced by Walter Pratt.
1932 - Earl of Bessborough, Sir Vere Brabazon Ponsonby, Governor General of Canada, and Countess Bessborough visited the unfinished Bessborough Hotel.
1932 - Construction was completed.
1935 - December 10, Bessborough officially opened – First guest, Horace Stovin registered.
1954 - August, Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Geoffrey Fisher visited the Bessborough.
1959 - First interior decorating alternations were completed.
1963 - A mixed beverage room accommodating 90 persons and an outdoor swimming pool were created.
1966 - All guest rooms were redecorated and air-conditioning installed.
1970 - April, the Bessborough was presented an award for outstanding courtesy, cooperation and service.
1971 - Main registration desk was moved from mezzanine level downstairs to present location.
1973 - Brothers Donald, Richard, and Marc Baltzan purchased the Bessborough.
1975 - 7th-8th floors converted to office space.
1980 - New main kitchen constructed and indoor swimming pool/recreational complex built.
1989 - November, Delta Hotels purchase the Bessborough.
1990 - Renovations valued around $7 million with an addition of a ballroom, the “William Pascoe Room”.
1998 - Legacy Hotels Real Estate Investment Trust, with majority ownership by Canadian Pacific Hotels, purchases The Delta Bessborough.
1999 - $9,000,000 restoration of the historic Delta Bessborough Hotel returning it to its renowned elegance.
2000 - State of the art fitness facility added featuring 22 pieces of strength and cardiovascular training equipment.
2000 - Canada Select awards The Delta Bessborough four and a half star rating.
2000 - Lobby Lounge renamed “Stovin's Longe” in honour of first registered guest.
2000 - Historic photo gallery dedicated during 65th anniversary celebrations featuring reproductions of 15 archival photos of hotel construction.
