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A Brief History
There are many conflicting reports about the Quamichan Inn, and until I visit the archives in Victoria, I only have the written word to follow.
According to the publication ( which has many errors) IF MORE WALLS
 COULD TALK, BY VALERIE GREEN, the property was purchased in around 1860 by Thomas Skinner, and the property at that time encompassed 279 acres. The Skinners built a home on the property and called it FARLEIGH, only the second residence along a road to be later known as MAPLE BAY ROAD. Thomas Skinner died in 1889, but widow Mary lived at Farleigh until her death in 1896, at which time Ernest Skinner took over ownership of the entire 279 acres. In June of 1911( some say 1903) Herbert Clogstoun purchased 79 acres and built what is now known as the Quamichan Inn. Six years later Ernest and Agnes Paitson purchased the property and built a large barn, where Penfold Farm now resides. For those old timers of the Valley, you may remember Margery Crane owing this property and keeping her cows across the road near the lake. The Paitson’s seem to be the longest owners of this property selling it in 1934 to the Deykins if facts are correct.
In 1938 the property again changed hands, this time to Ernest Adams, whose wife died in the home, and continues to live here in spirit to this day. Just ask your server about Mrs. Adams, our ghost!
The house then changed hands a few more times, most notably to Dr Walkey a local dentist, and his family. I remember myself, the Davis family, who had a daughter my age, and we used to play together after school( things do travel full circle!).
In 1969 Sheila and Archie Owen purchased 15 acres and the house, and changed the name to the Quamichan Inn, and created a legacy. Again I remember dining here as a child with my parents, and Paul my husband ,used to come up from Victoria to shear sheep for the Owens. Many of you will remember Archie’s famous ouzo drinks and Sheila’s warm hospitality.
The Owen’s sold the Inn to Pam and Clive Cunningham in 1981, after subdividing the property, at the advice of their realtor. Pam was the quintessential hostess and Clive was the quiet man behind the scenes. Together they built the business into what it is today. The banquet room was added on in 1990, to enable the Inn to host special events, with the addition of the beautiful ceiling lights in 1992, for Pam and Clive’s daughter’s wedding.
My husband Paul and I purchased the Inn in September 2006 and we are very proud to be carrying on the tradition of the Quamichan Inn.
Robin
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Phone : (250) 746-7028
Thursday & Friday
Wednesday through Sunday
Saturday Evenings
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