Source: Sarnia Journal
A few weekends ago I was home visiting my family and while in town I headed out to visit the historic grounds of where the famous dance hall “Kenwick on the Lake” once stood in the picturistic town of Brights Grove. This is for the Blog Series I started a while back from a book I’m reading called “Let’s Dance: A Celebration of Ontario’s Dance Halls and Summer Dance Pavilions” by Peter Young.
1940’s Kenwick on the Lake
The History & Vintage Photos
Kenwick on the Lake-Bright’s Grove, Ontario.
Kenwick on the lake is in a fantastic location, directly across from Lake Huron and its beautiful beaches. The venue was the brain child of talented musician, band leader and promoter from Sarnia, Ontario – Jack Kennedy and his wife/business partner Genevieve. BUT it was not the first popular dance hall that the Sarnia area had in the early 1940s from the very busy Jack and Gen; Kenwick Terrace was to come first (seen below).
The opening night at Kenwick Terrace in January 1943 featured Louis Armstrong. I will say it again…LOUIS ARMSTRONG!!! Gosh I would have done anything to have seen that show in my little home town.
Kenwick Terrace went on to hold regular dancers with Jack Kennedy’s Orchestra and other Big Bands and singers. The wooden dance floor was known for being nice and flexible..perfect for dancers to never get tired feet. It stayed open till 1978.
After the success of Kenwick, Jack and Gen decided to open a dance hall on the shores of Lake Huron in 1946. They purchased the current pavilion that was standing there and extensively rebuilt it over the next few months. It opened as Kenwick on the Lake in June 1946 (source).
The name Kenwick comes from the first part of Jack Kennedy’s last name and the last part of his wife Genevieve’s maiden name Warwick.
Here is a great post from Billboard magazine about the opening of the “New Spot”.
The new venue attracted really big name bands such as Tommy Dorsey, Guy Lombardo, and Glen Miller to play to crowds of up to 3,000 on weekends. Many of the shows were also broadcast by radio across Canada. The Governor-General of Canada visited Kenwick on the Lake on the opening night in June 1946 (Source).
Dancing at Kenwick would then become a summer tradition that lasted into the 1950s.
One of the cool details about Kenwick on the lake was that made it popular with dancers was that it had an outdoor Terrazzo dance floor as well as an indoor hardwood floor. And if you have ever danced outside to the sounds of your favorite band, you know why this was a draw. There is nothing better than fresh air, good music and the stars over head…sigh….so romantic.
Due to its close proximity to the water, the venue became a “summer resort” with 2 dining halls, hairdressing salon, outdoor bowling alley (seen below), bathhouse and a stand to rent swimsuits and even small rides for the kids. The venue even served as a Saturday night destination for passengers of the SS Noronic that stopped at Sarnia on its trip around the Great Lakes (source).
Kenwick was not just beloved by the attendees but also by the performers who played there. The famous American baritone and bandleader Vaughn Monroe said it “was one of the most beautiful places he had ever played” and band leader “Norm Harris” played for one summer with his band and loved it so much that he came back the next year by himself to sing with the band (source).
Lastly, while doing my research on Kenwick on the Lake I stumbled upon this fantastic story about a particular night at the venue in July of 1946.
July 29, 1946 was a Monday. It was the height of the summer along the shores of Lake Huron. Kenwick-on-the-Lake had opened just one month earlier and was already popular with the dance crowds. This evening would feature music as always, but with a difference. Backed by the Jack Kennedy Orchestra, the show would celebrate the first radio broadcast by Sarnia’s own radio station with the call sign of CHOK.
Promptly at 7:00 P.M., a fanfare resounded throughout the county as the prelude to a program that lasted for 6 hours. Canada’s newest radio station was on the air.
“The show headliners that night were Dorothy Deane and Russ Titus, stars of the Cashmere Bouquet House Party of the 1940’s, who appeared in person during the inaugural show for CHOK. There were also special greetings for Canada’s newest radio station from entertainment greats Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Vaughan Monroe and Guy Lombardo.
“CHOK, then owned by H.M. Hueston, A.D. Mackenzie and Claude R. Irvine, was officially welcomed by W.C. Nelson, Mayor of the City of Sarnia and Bryan Cathcart, M.P.P.” (Source).
All good things must come to an end
When the popularity of the big bands declined in the late 1950’s, Jack and Gen of Kenwick on the Lake tried Sunday night concerts (such as Alice Cooper), wrestling, square dancing and summer theatre. But the combination of damage caused by the 1953 tornado, a later fire led to its closing in the 1970s.
All that remains today is the terrazzo pavilion floor which now serves as a basketball court in Kenwick Park in Bright’s Grove (Historical notes from the author Bob McCarthy).
The Vintage Inn Note:
This post was a pleasure to write about AND do research on due to this venue being from my home town and from having so many memories of Jack Kennedy and his family as a child. He was truly a staple in the history of Sarnia, from his music store that his son ended up running (and we bought a piano from) to Jack himself playing his organ in the mall during Christmas time. The Kennedy name and the Kenwick name will never be forgotten.
Other ‘Lets Dance’ Posts: Palace Pier, CNE Tent, Port Dover Summer Garden
Have a wonderful day!
Liz 🙂
So cool! What a fun post. I always love it when spouses/SO’s appear in blog posts. They’re such an integral part of our lives, yet often are not seen often if at all on our sites (that applies to my hubby, too. There should be an official blogger SO appreciation day, don’t you think? 🙂
Big hugs,
♥ Jessica
hehehe I agree about the SO appreciation day 🙂 Just like Tony my hubby is patient and understanding when I drag him all over for photos and stories of times gone by. He really is an integral part of my blog.
Glad you enjoyed this post, it was one of my favorite to write.
Liz 🙂
Such a cool place I love all the pictures your dress is also super cute
Thanks so much! Wish I had that time machine to see it as it originally was.
Interesting to read the history. I love that first photo, all those great outfits.
It would of been super cool to have been there. Once again I need that dang time machine! lol
Liz, I have other interesting facts about Kenwick Terrace and Kenwick-on-the-lake. contact me if you like on facebook. (Nadine Cook Wark)…
Oh cool, I would love to hear some stories. I will drop you a line. Thanks!
LIz
We lived in the flat roofed cottage opposite Kenwick-On-The-Lake from late 1948 to October 1950. I went to the local school down the road; climbed the trees in break-times; closed for a few weeks when the Teacher eloped with the Headmaster; walked home through the woods and picked wild asparagus for tea. In the Winter us kids at school with the kids off the Reservation were fumigated with DDT in the back of the local store.
We used the concrete dance floor for roller skating on Saturday afternoons while the “Big Bands” were tuning up. Played a duet with Lionel Hampton on his vibraphone one such
session. It was a destination for the SS Naronic when Sarnia’s fleet of buses brought US tourists out.
Hi Noel,
This is a fantastic story! I never really get to find these stories while doing my hunt online for information, so I am so incredibly thrilled that you reached out and shared this with me. I can just see you roller skating to some really great music with your friends and having memories that you clearly still cherish today.
Thank you so very much once again for dropping by and telling me your story 🙂
Liz
I was an announcer at Chok in the early fifties Many Friday nights during the summer I would do the broadcast of the big band appearing that week. Wonderful memories with the likes of Lionel Hampton , Vaughn Munroe, Claude Thornhill and several others. I set up the microphones and introduced tunes for half an hour…..I think it was from 10.30 to 11.
Oh that is such a fantastic story and I’m pretty envious of this experience 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing this with everyone!
It seems to be forgotten that kenwick on the lake was owned by the Nicholson brothers of Bright’s Grove during most of the fifties.
That is a fantastic bit of history, thanks so much for telling me this. I will make a note to add it to the blog post. Thanks!
i recall going to a dance at kenwick on the lake around 1950 . i lived in chatham at the time and had a girlfriend who lived in wallaceburg . i drove up in my 46 mercury we saw guy lombardo
46 Mercury..wow! What a great car AND you saw Guy Lombardo as well, so very envious on all fronts. Thanks so much for sharing your story, I love when I hear about people visiting these long gone dance halls.
What a late reply to this great story…….funny ,my dad Bud Waring was the manager for Jack Kennedy during all the glory years.We have so many signed pics from all the stars that appeared at Kenwick..our basement walls were full…I was out there but only born in 1948…Actually we ran it again in 1962 and brought in many good acts…but late 40’s and early 50’s were huge…I think my dad stayed on for a year with the Nicholson family to help out…Later he returned to Kenwick Terrace with Jack for a number of years..My name is Brian Waring and I still work in advertising with the SarniaJournal..If you ever have a question ..I might be able to answer but no guarantees…well done …enjoyed very much
Hi Brian! Thank you for stopping by and sharing such awesome information. This is exactly why I write this blog so I can hear from people who lived some of the stories I share (no matter what era they came into). Gosh it would of been so cool to have seen all those signed photos on the wall..wow!
Thanks for the offer on information, I will keep that in mind if something comes up.
Once again, thanks for stopping by!
Liz
I can’t begin to tell you how many Times I swept that floor in 1962,that you and your husband are “having a dance” on….Brian
Thanks for doing a good job Brian 🙂
My father, Russ Titus is mentioned. Has anyone a photo of him from 1946? I would love to see it. I wasn’t born til 1949. My email is
Pattiaftereight@gmail.com
Hi Patricia, I will let you know if anything appears via this blog or in my travels.
Liz
I’m going to be fuzzy on the dates, but I think it was late 60’s when I was at Kenwick on a crowded dance floor… the singer was Bobby Curtola… other nights they had some rock bands and black light (made white clothing shine)… very vague memories… I was a young teenager… maybe 17 or 18. Don’t know who owned it then… but it was fun! Really enjoyed this post.
What fun memories bob! My dad has similar stories around the same time of seeing rock bands at the venue. Gosh I would of loved to have seen this venue in person. Thanks so very much for sharing, I just love hearing others stories.
Liz 🙂
So many memories, with Nancy. Remember Bill Haley and the Comets. Stopped at Holliday Restaurant on way home and he walked in with the band.Thanks for the memories.
Gosh you saw Bill Haley in a restaurant? I would of passed out from excitement! What a story. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Liz
Thanks for posting this I love reading about days gone by.
No Problem. I’m so happy you enjoyed the post 🙂 I have lots more on my blog.
Liz
Wonderful blog. If I remember correctly, Kenwick-on-the-Lake burned down in the early 1970’s. I remember my mother being so upset about it, as she danced there often when younger, and my parents used to go frequently.
The paragraph I realize does not read correctly. You are might be right about the 70s, I do have it saying a ‘Later fire’. This was from some research I did. I will have to revist my source and fix the line. Been a few years since I wrote this piece 🙂
Thanks for sharing about your parents going there.
Liz
All Fixed John. Thanks for the info 🙂
Liz
I am one of Gen and Jack’s grandchildren. My husband and I had some of our wedding photos taken at Kenwick-on-the-Lake, twenty years ago. So wonderful to know people are still interested. Thanks so much for the great article.
Hi Nicole! Thanks for stopping by and sharing a story about your wedding photos. I am so sure this was a very special moment for you and your family.
I love this kind of history and I especially love when people like yourself comment and share something that attaches them to this blog post.
Have a great day 🙂
Liz
Hi Liz,
My dad has asked me to let you know that Jack had a dream that he should sell Kenwick-on-the-Lake, so in 1950 he sold it to Del Nicholson.
WOW! Really? That is so cool. Thanks Nicole for sharing that cool little tidbit of history.
Liz
My first official date with my now wife, Marilyn Rose (her parents owned & operated Rose Garden) was at a western dance at Kenwick on the Lake in the summer of 1964. My sister, Irene, was singing & playing guitar with the group who entertained that eve, 55 years later I consider it to have been one of the greatest dates in my life!!! Jack Craig
Ahhh what a great story Jack! Thank you so very much for sharing this on my blog post. I absolutely LOVE hearing stories like this.
ON a side now, my parents have super memories of date nights at Rose Garden 🙂
Liz
My parents appear in the crowd photo you include in your story…the photo titled “Dance at Kenwick on the lake 1950.” I have a copy of this photo displayed at my home. My parents say that Louis Armstrong was playing that night, and it is one of three crowd photos they recall from that evening…one taken of the crowd stage left, centre, and stage right. Apparently all three were published in the Sarnia Observer shortly after that evening. Can you confirm any of those rumors for me? Thanks! I’d love to know the actual date of the photo at least.
Hi Shawn! Well that is fun that your parents appear in the picture posted. This image was taken from a display where the venue you used to stand, so I kind of know the same amount of info that you do. I would reach out to the Sarnia Historical Society or the sarnia Archives, they might be able to confirm if 1950 was indeed the correct date of that photo.
Good Luck!
Liz
My wife and I were born and raised in Port Huron. We started dating while attending Port Huron High school in 1957. We graduated in 1960. Our senior prom was held at Kenwick On The Lake in June. A while ago I was curious if it was still there but sadly learned it burned down. At the time I wasn’t aware of it’s history. So thank you for a great read.
Tom
Oh wow Tom that is a very cool memory, thank you so very much for sharing this with myself and my readers. I love hearing stories like this and I’m thrilled you enjoyed this post 🙂
Liz
I am glad I came across your stories. I grew up in Brights Grove and spent most of my time at Kenwick. Never missed a dance and loved the dance floor, the little gift shops and the snack bar they had, It was a whole different era for sure. Spent the best years of my life there,haha Brights Grove was hoppin then. All us teenagers used to hang out there. What a way to grow up. They don’t have dance places like that for the kids anymore. Too bad. Enjoyed the pictures. thank you. Many memories there!!!
Thanks for sharing your stories Lillian! Love hearing about Kenwick thru the eyes of someone who lived it. I too lived in Brights Grove in the 90s, but none of that existed at that time, but I did love living there. Wish I could of seen all of this myself. Thanks goodness for photos and lovely comments from readers like you.
Thanks!
Liz
My mother and father use to dance there regularly on weekends with my Uncle and Aunt. My aunt is turning 95 next month and has great memories of dancing beside the lake under the night time stars
Ahhh I love hearing these stories! thanks Fred for commenting about your aunt and uncle. Gosh what a magical time at those dances it must of been.
Liz