Great Pontack (Halifax, Nova Scotia) Facts for Kids

The Great Pontack (on the far left) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, 1759

The Great Pontack was a very important building in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a long time ago. It was also known by names like Pontack Inn or Pontack House. This large three-story building was built before 1754 by John Butler and was located at the corner of Duke and Water Streets. Today, this area is home to the Waterside Centre and the Pontac House at the Historic Properties (Halifax).

The building was named after the famous Pontack Club in London. It was a busy place where many things happened. The first professional acting group in Canada, called The American Company of Comedians, is thought to have performed here in the summer and fall of 1768. Halifax also had a lively tradition of plays put on by soldiers and local people. One of the first recorded English Canadian plays, a romantic comedy called Acadius: or, Love in a Calm, was performed in Halifax in 1774.

One of the most famous events at the Great Pontack happened on May 24, 1758. Major James Wolfe, a famous military leader, held a big party there before he left for the Siege of Louisbourg (1758). Wolfe and his men bought many drinks for the party. Just four days later, on May 29, their ships sailed away. Wolfe also returned to his headquarters in Halifax and visited the Great Pontack again before the famous Battle of the Plains of Abraham.

The Great Pontack was the main hotel in Halifax. It was a very busy place that hosted many different events. It had a large ballroom for dances, a kitchen, and several rooms for meetings and gatherings. There was also a big balcony that went all the way around the second floor of the building.

Important Events and Gatherings
- Plays and Shows
- Meetings and Clubs
The End of an Era
Guests and Patrons
See also

Important Events and Gatherings

The Great Pontack in 1760

The Great Pontack was well-known in the early days of Halifax. It often welcomed important people from the city. For example, in October 1754, the first Chief Justice of Nova Scotia, Jonathan Belcher, had a formal breakfast here. He was with Lieutenant Governor Charles Lawrence and others. After breakfast, Belcher went to the courthouse to begin his official duties. This moment was very important because it marked the opening of Canada's first superior court.

Plays and Shows

Pontac House (bottom right) on the Historic Properties (Halifax) Map

The Great Pontack had a courtyard in the middle of the building. This courtyard was used for wagons, but it was also a stage for plays! The actors were often gentlemen from the Navy, the Army, and the town. Many famous plays were performed here to raise money for good causes. These included The Guardian and The Lying Valet by David Garrick, and The Suspicious Husband and The Rake by Benjamin Hoadly.

Meetings and Clubs

Many important groups held their regular meetings and celebrated special events at the Great Pontack. The North British Society was one of these groups.

The Great Pontack also served as a meeting place for ship owners, business people, and financiers in the town. They met in a special room called the Guild of Merchants’ chamber. It was like a central hub for business news, similar to how Lloyd's of London worked for ship owners.

In the 1780s, Richard Bulkeley and about twenty other people started a chess club. They met every two weeks at the Pontac Tavern, which was another name for the Great Pontack.

The End of an Era

The Great Pontack was first run by a man named Decartaret. Later, John Willis took over the building in 1769. Sadly, the Pontack was partly destroyed by a fire in 1837. It was rebuilt and used for a short time after that. Eventually, Imperial Oil Limited bought the building in 1925.