Great Pontack (Halifax, Nova Scotia) Facts for Kids

The Great Pontack (also known as Pontack Inn or Pontack House) was a large, three-story building in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was built before 1754 by John Butler and was a very important place in early Halifax. Today, you can find the Waterside Centre and Pontac House at the Historic Properties (Halifax) where it once stood.

The Great Pontack was named after a famous club in London. It was a busy spot, hosting many events and important people. It even had a slaughterhouse, a ballroom, and stables! It was known as the main hotel in Halifax. The kitchen was on the first floor, and there were several large rooms for gatherings on the second floor. A big balcony wrapped around the entire second floor.

One of the most famous events there happened on May 24, 1758. James Wolfe, a famous British general, threw a big party at the Great Pontack before he left for the Siege of Louisbourg (1758). He and his men bought lots of Madeira wine, claret, and brandy for the celebration. Just four days later, their ships sailed away. Wolfe returned to Halifax and the Great Pontack again before his famous Battle of the Plains of Abraham.

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

Important Events at the Pontack
The End of an Era
Famous Visitors
See also

Important Events at the Pontack

The Great Pontack was a central place for many important events in Halifax's early days. It hosted auctions, plays, fancy balls, and official city events.

First Court Session

The Great Pontack in 1760

In October 1754, a very important event in Canadian legal history happened. Jonathan Belcher became Nova Scotia's first Chief Justice. He walked from the Governor's House with Lieutenant Governor Charles Lawrence and others to the Great Pontack. They had a formal breakfast there. Afterward, Belcher went to the courthouse. His first official act was to tell a jury to use "the sword of Justice" to protect innocent people and to scare those who were "guilty." This moment marked the opening of Canada's first main court.

Auctions and Sales

The Great Pontack was also a place for important sales. For example, on June 4, 1756, there was an auction for a ship. This ship had been caught selling weapons to the Acadians and Mi’kmaq people. It was captured near what is now Prince Edward Island by a British ship called HMS Success.

Theatre Performances

The building had a courtyard in the middle, which was used for wagons. This courtyard was also a stage for plays! The actors were often gentlemen from the Navy, the Army, and the town. They put on several famous plays to raise money for good causes. Some of these plays included The Guardian and The Lying Valet by David Garrick, and The Suspicious Husband by Benjamin Hoadly.

Meetings and Clubs

Many important groups held their meetings and special celebrations at the Great Pontack.

North British Society

The North British Society was one of the most important groups to meet regularly at the Great Pontack. They celebrated special occasions there.

Business Meetings

The Great Pontack also served as a meeting place for ship owners, business people, and bankers. They met in a special room called the Guild of Merchants’ chamber. It was like a central hub for business in the town.

Chess Club

In the 1780s, Richard Bulkeley and about twenty other people started a chess club. They met every two weeks at the Pontack Tavern to play chess.

The End of an Era

The Great Pontack was partly destroyed by a fire in 1837. It was rebuilt and used for a short time after that. Eventually, a company called Imperial Oil Limited bought the property in 1925.