The origin of the name given to the house – presumably by the Colliers - is unknown. Mrs. Julia Collier was listed as being of Scottish origin in the 1881 census and this may be the simplest explanation, as Duneden/Dunedin is an old name for Edinburgh, Scotland (note the "edin" in both). However, it may be possible that the name was given by townspeople pinpointing some trait that the Colliers may have had. Alternatively, it may have been wordplay on the concept of an Eden on the dunes, reflecting the opinion of the first European visitor to Port Dover, François Dollier: "I leave you to imagine whether we suffered in the midst of this abundance in the earthly Paradise of Canada; I call it so…"

In the 1850s beds were quite different from today. They were generally much smaller, and mattresses were often layered, stuffed with feathers, wool, hair, or sea moss. With the development of cotton and inner-spring mattresses in the 1900s, beds became more comfortable and sanitary. Bedding was relatively unchanged from today, consisting of a bed skirt, pillows, sheets, and blankets.

Breakfasts in the early boarding house days of Duneden were likely part of a complete meal plan. Light breakfasts were probably like ours today, being based on bread. Cold breakfast cereals like Grape Nuts were available after the 1890s and more convenience foods crowded store shelves every decade. Breakfast in the 1920s was very similar to a hearty breakfast today, including protein (eggs, bacon or ham), starch (Cream of Wheat, quick rolled oats), fruit, and tea or coffee.

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The Basic Necessities:
From Chamber Pots to Ensuites

How were the basic needs of Duneden’s many guests accommodated? From the 1850s until the arrival of public sewers in Port Dover, chamber pots or commodes (a chair with a hole in it under which a receiving container was placed) were probably the existing toilets. An outdoor privy was undoubtedly available, into which the contents of the chamber pots would have been dumped. The flush toilet known to us today was in use by the time sewers and water were installed in Port Dover and it is likely that at least one would have been added after 1914.

One hundred fifty or one hundred years ago, people were not as hygienic as we are today. They bathed infrequently by immersion in portable tubs – and to cool off in Lake Erie! They were satisfied with washing faces, necks and hands at washstands equipped with basins and jugs of water. Before the common use of electric washing machines (by 1935, nine out ten household used one) clothes weren’t washed as frequently as we wash them today. Hygiene products to control perspiration weren’t on the market until the 1950s, although talc was often used to absorb moisture. Today, a private, clean, fully equipped bathroom is the tourist industry standard.

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Does Duneden Have Ghosts?

No ghosts have ever been observed or recorded by any guests or owners but probably not for lack of trying! At least two occupants are thought to have died in the house: new mother Catharine Powell and young Lily Collier. Perhaps when you’re least expecting it you will catch a glimpse of them having a tea party…

Keep looking and let us know if you encounter a ghost!