In 1922, the Nicholson Transit Co. of Detroit began offering day trips to Kingsville on their steamer, the Frank E. Kirby. The following year, Nicholson purchased the Grovedale Hotel and it was reported that “[t]he harbor is to be dredged out and the boat will tie up at the west pier and passengers can land within two minutes walk of the hotel. It is understood from official sources that the company intends improving the property to the extent of converting it into an attractive summer resort.” William F. Deane, a partner with Capt. Nicholson, hired the Oxley Brothers to build this summer home in 1928.
Grovedale Hotel Sold
Nicholson Transit Co., the Buyers
The Nicholson Transit Co., proprietors of the Frank E. Kirby, that plied between Kingsville and Detroit last summer, have purchased from Oliver Fox, the Grovedale Hotel property on Park St. The purchase price is $35,000. We understand the Transit Co will overhaul the hotel and turn it into an eating house to accommodate the people who come here on the boat. The probability is that the Company will soon have a couple more boats carrying excursionists to this point. While quite a few bring their baskets with them, there are many who no not, and these will in future have no difficulty in getting meals at the Company’s dining hall. The work of remodelling will be commenced soon. The harbor is to be dredged out and the boat will tie up at the west pier and passengers can land within two minutes walk of the hotel. It is understood from official sources that the company intends improving the property to the extent of converting it into an attractive summer resort.
Jas. P. Black, local realtor, consummated the deal after several weeks’ negotiation.
The Kingsville Reporter, January 4, 1923 p.1
Nicholson Company Buys Mettawas
A large gang of carpenters and painters are putting in long hours these days working on the Grovedale hotel, which was purchased by the Nicholson Transit Co., of Detroit.
This company owns the Frank E. Kirby, which will make the first daily trip of the season on Saturday Daily trips will be made from then on until the first of September.
The largest real estate deal this place has witnessed for some time took place Monday, when the Nicholson Transit Company purchased the Hotel Mettawas and park on the lake front here. This property is next the Grovedale Hotel and park and will be open to all summer guests and others.
The Kingsville Reporter, June 21, 1923 p.1
Correction
Dear Sir,
We wish to correct a report in the last issue of your paper to the effect that all the Mettawas Park has been sold to the Nicholson Transit Co. As a matter of fact, Mr. Nicholson of this Company has purchased only the Mettawas Inn and Casino and that portion of the park lying in between. All the residential section of the Mettawas park west of the casino has been retained by our Company and the original plan of development into high class residential home sites is being carried out.
We would appreciate this correction being made in your paper.
Your very Truly,
Border Cities Co., Limited.
The Kingsville Reporter, June 28, 1923 p.1