In the heart of West Saint John, along Manawagonish Road, stood a place that holds a special place in our family’s story—Balmoral Court Motel. Built in the 1930s, this charming roadside stop became our home in the 1970s after living in Rockwood Court and Westmorland Heights. It was more than just a business—it was a way of life.
The motel was built during a time when automobile travel was booming, and roads like Manawagonish Road and Douglas Avenue were key parts of Route One, connecting travelers to the city and beyond. Around the same time, the New Brunswick Museum, originally located Uptown, was moved to Douglas Avenue, further establishing the area as a hub for visitors and locals alike.
Running a motel was no small task. Our parents kept their full-time jobs—one at the General Hospital, the other at MRAs—while also managing the day-to-day operations of Balmoral Court. Even as young kids, we had chores to do. Guests would begin checking out as early as 6 a.m., and new arrivals would continue coming in until midnight. It was a constant rhythm of hospitality, hard work, and community.
Next door stood the Quinton Farm House, a historic structure built by Bostonians who arrived in the region before the Loyalists. These early settlers, though few in number, were said to have had mixed feelings about the influx of exiled American refugees—mostly Loyalists from New York—who arrived in Saint John after the American Revolution. It’s a bit like the rivalry between Red Sox and Yankees fans—a clash of cultures and loyalties that shaped the early character of our city.
Some of the prominent New Englander names from that era—Simonds, Hazen, White—still echo through Saint John’s history. Their legacy, along with the Loyalists who followed, helped build the foundation of the city we know today. Looking back, Balmoral Court wasn’t just a motel—it was a reflection of a changing Saint John, a place where family, history, and hospitality came together. It reminds us of the importance of preserving local stories and celebrating the places that shaped our lives.
