An air of nostalgia and celebration swept across downtown Kitchener this past Sunday. The city was abuzz, honouring a true symbol of its historic lineage – the iconic Walper Hotel. This grand dame of Ontario hospitality marked a significant milestone, its majestic 130th anniversary.
Long before the town adorned the name Kitchener, the Walper swung open its welcoming doors in the year 1893. To mark this auspicious commemoration, the hotel had set up an open house, which was a delightful melange of food, live music, entertainment, and an opportunity for individuals to participate in self-guided tours.
Heartwarming recollections filled the air, as people across all age groups gathered to share their cherished memories of the venerable establishment, each tale echoing the rich tapestry of the hotel’s vibrant past, its present, and what lay ahead.
“Witnessing our 130th anniversary, we must say, we’ve aged rather gracefully,” remarked Laura Meikle, the hotel’s general manager. “The hotel has been an integral part of the community fabric since its inception in 1893. It’s been a silent spectator to countless tales that have unfolded here over the decades, many of which have helped shape the hotel’s unique character.”
Kitchener’s architectural crown jewel, the Walper, is more than just an accommodation facility. Serving as an emblem of luxury, elegance, and community spirit, it holds a special place in the hearts of many. “Each time I step into this hotel, I feel a part of something extraordinarily special. Our future is indeed as bright as our past,” Meikle added enthusiastically.
Several Kitchener locals, and even those visiting, expressed their joy and fascination with this historic milestone. Residents like Mary Haennel has cherished memories, drawn from moments of attending weddings or dancing elegantly at a university function held many moons ago. Others like sisters Cathy Inch and Nadine Parsons, remember their father serving celebrities, while standing out in his distinctive red jacket and bowtie.
One couple, Rick and Kate Peister, share a personal connection with the hotel that goes back over three decades. Their love story began at the Walper, and they fittingly renewed their marriage vows at the hotel. The couple had held their wedding reception at the hotel on Halloween night in 1987.
Over the centuries, the hotel has seen a cascade of unforgettable events, including the staging of grand weddings and the hosting of distinguished guests. The likes of Eleanor Roosevelt, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington have graced its halls.
In 2016, the hotel underwent a major refurbishment, fusing its historic charm with a contemporary sense of style. Laura Meikle says, “We strived to retain pieces of the past even amidst the new renovations. Therefore, in many places, to the discerning eye, elements of tradition still shine through.”
Many Kitchener locals believe that the Walper Hotel stand as a testament to the city’s resilience, its fierce dedication to heritage preservation and promotion. As it celebrates this significant anniversary, the hotel renews its promise not only to make more history but also to welcome, embrace, and entertain guests for many more years to come.
