It all started when…

James Little came to Caledonia with the Grand River Navigation Co. circa 1820. He set up a lumber mill and built The Haldimand House in 1837 on the Old Plank Road (now Argyle St S.) 

Hosting many, the Old Tavern Inn also acted as William Lyon Mackenzie's winning 1851 election campaign headquarters; as well as the alleged 3 month residence of the notorious Black Donnellys. 

James Little knew that this direct route crossing the Grand River would lead to a booming business and made sure when he built it that the front entrance door was placed directly centre of the bridge. The Old Plank Road claimed to be the darling of travel between the lakes and Haldimand House became the main stagecoach stop from Hamilton to Port Dover. 

Eventually Little sold... enter the Richardsons in 1900s taking over the mantel and hosting, among the many, soldiers during WWI as well as WWII British pilot trainees. 

In 1927, the current nine arch stone bridge was being constructed. Richardsons saw need for a food service to feed the workers and built "Cone Cottage Refreshments". With a line and bell system from the stand to the main building, each time the bell rang to HH Kitchen, steaming and Hots were brought out to the many workers...and so it began. 

Fast forward to 1950, where Louis Leousis saw the huge traffic boom of automobiles crossing the bridge and started the Oasis Drive-In. Since then, the Leousis family has built the business into "a destination", transforming Haldimand House into a boutique shopping hub. Inside you will see the original floor boards and tin ceilings, a continual restoration ongoing to this day. Browse ladies fashions, antiques, motorcycle apparel, garden, accents, decor, and on the weekend see outside tented vendor events. 

Visit Haldimand House in store and online, enjoy the Oasis Drive-In - famous for steaming footlongs, fresh cut friends, amazing burgers and milkshakes, all prepared fresh to order. And yes, we still ring "The Bell".