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Whitney Manor surrounded by vibrant fall leaves, showcasing its historic limestone architecture in Kingston.

HISTORY OF WHITNEY MANOR

Our Journey from Historic Beginnings to a Luxury Boutique Hotel in Kingston

The Building:
Architecture & Origins of Whitney Manor

An Architectural Marvel of the 1800s

The roots of Whitney Manor, a historic hotel in Kingston, Ontario, can be traced back to the early 1800s. The original owner, James McKenzie, a Scotsman, was sent to Upper Canada as a commanding officer in the British Army. For the tidy sum of 50 cents an acre, he purchased the land where Whitney Manor now stands, along with approximately 350 surrounding acres.

With most of the men under his command being skilled mechanics, stone masons, and carpenters, McKenzie had no difficulty finding laborers to help construct his dream home. This collaborative effort laid the foundation for what would become a landmark of historical and architectural significance.

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​Completed in 1817, the over 8,000 sq. ft. farmhouse stood out as an architectural marvel of its time. Built in the likeness of an English estate, it featured cathedral ceilings, huge rooms, and intricate craftsmanship. The beams were hand-hewn, and each room was equipped with a fireplace. A section of the roof even housed a fish pond, a unique feature for a property of this era.​

Limestone, Luxury, & Lasting Beauty

Constructed primarily of limestone, the house showcased luxury in every detail. It featured a formal ballroom on the second floor (now the Sopwell Suite), separate maid’s quarters (the Greystone Suite), and even a Chapel (yes, it's still the Chapel Suite!) No expense was spared during its construction; instead of rubble, rectangular blocks of limestone were chosen. This decision not only made the building more structurally sound but also gave the exterior a distinctive, refined appearance.

The use of such materials and meticulous craftsmanship made Whitney Manor an enduring landmark in Kingston, Ontario, setting it apart from other properties built during the early 19th century. Its timeless beauty and structural integrity continue to define its historic significance today.

Thomas King Whitney standing in uniform during World War II, with a historic building in the background.

1916-1996

THOMAS KING WHITNEY

The First Owner:
James McKenzie’s Lasting Legacy

McKenzie: Naval Career of Distinction

Born on June 3rd, 1782, in Scotland, James McKenzie was known as a true ‘born and bred’ seaman. His earliest recorded nautical experience was joining the British Merchant Navy at the age of 14. He later served in the Royal Navy during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, achieving the rank of Master. In 1813, McKenzie was assigned to the defense of the Great Lakes, where he accompanied Sir James Lucas Yeo to Upper Canada. During the war with the United States, McKenzie served in pivotal roles that shaped the region’s history. Yeo described him as 'a very worthy man and excellent officer,' a testament to his exceptional leadership.

Pioneer of Steam Navigation in Canada

By 1817, with the war behind him, McKenzie settled permanently in Upper Canada, constructing Greystone Manor, now recognized as Whitney Manor, a historic landmark in Kingston, Ontario. He also became Ontario’s premier steamboat captain, commanding The Frontenac, the first Canadian-built steamboat on the Great Lakes. Widely regarded as a pioneer in Canadian transportation, McKenzie retired in 1831 but passed away soon after during the cholera pandemic. Following his death, one admirer honored him as the 'father of steam navigation in Upper Canada,' cementing his legacy in the history of Kingston and beyond.

The Namesake:
Honoring Thomas King Whitney

Hero & Pillar of the Kingston Community

Fondly remembered for his ever-present smile and a penchant for whistling while he worked, King Whitney was a well-respected member of the Kingston community. A veteran of World War II, Whitney was deployed in Europe, where he served as a tail gunner in a Lancaster Bomber.

Spending up to nine hours at a time in cramped, freezing spaces, the tail gunner's position was one of the most dangerous in the aircraft, acting as the first line of defense against enemy planes. Despite the odds, Whitney returned home safely, raising a family and establishing a successful home furnishings business in downtown Kingston.

Ensuring the Legacy of Whitney Manor

Later in life, King Whitney became the 15th owner of the historic Whitney Manor, which he renamed Sopwell Hall. This historic property remained in his family for two generations, a testament to his dedication and connection to its legacy. Today, Whitney Manor stands as a tribute to King Whitney, honoring his contributions as a pillar of Kingston’s history and his role in preserving this iconic property in Ontario.

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