Is this the beginning of normality - Brant Museum to re-open

By Staff

February 26th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

That light at the end of the tunnel may not be a train rushing towards us.

The good folks at the Joseph Brant Museum announced they are re-opening with a limited schedule (Tuesday – Friday from 10:00am – 3:00pm) beginning Tuesday, March 2.

Currently on view are the Burlington Gallery and the Costume Gallery.

Admission rates are 50% off the regular rate until April 9. You’ll also enjoy 20% off all items in the gift shop. Masks are mandatory.

The Children’s Discovery Gallery remains closed due to COVID-19. Our next special exhibition in the Showcase Gallery will open later this spring, details to be announced.

That cigarette wouldn’t be at a gathering these days.

The Brant Inn virtual event that takes place March 12th still has room for anyone interested in what looks like a great event.  The Gazette is seeing impressive interest in this event on its comments section.  One reader wrote in to tell us about his experiences as a young man.

Another reader said: “One individual I know paid his way through university back in the 1950’s by selling “mickey bottles” out of the trunk of his car–just imagine, the Brant Inn didn’t have a liquor license!

Elizabeth Hamidbasha recounts her experience writing: “I remember it well! It was a great place. The 1950 Miss Canada pageant was held there. Interviews from CHML were part of every Saturday night programming. When summer came along and you couldn’t afford a ticket, you sat on the railroad tracks and just listened.

“For lots of people it was free Saturday night entertainment and just as good as being a paying guest. One time Audrey Hepburn had lunch there without being recognized. She had just made Roman Holiday and was visiting here with her fiance’, James Hanson- now Sir James Hanson. Hanson owned Hanson Transport, based in London, England, and he had established a company in Hamilton. He was visiting Harold White, manager of the Canadian office, and had brought along his fiance. While the men were having a business meeting Elsie White- Harold’s wife- took Audrey for lunch at the Brant Inn.

“Imagine – nobody recognized her! But, it was early in her career and who would have expected Audrey Hepburn to be in Burlington, Ontario!!”