Patricia Lavoie

Fifty years for any enterprise is a milestone of success and survival. The Knowlton Pub has hit that mark running. The venerable Knowlton establishment was opened by David Dawes in 1974, after purchasing the former Bolton Pass Inn in the 1960s.

Originally built in the 1870s as a home for Nathaniel Pettes, member of Parliament for Brome County from 1874 to 1878, and his wife Narcissa, the building became the Bolton Pass Inn in the 1940s.

Gerry Wood succeeded David Dawes as owner in 1975. The Pub was definitely a family affair as Wood’s wife Marg and their four child- ren worked there. Both Dawes and Wood were decidedly community minded, a legacy that has continued to this day under current owners John and Mae Cooke, and manager Paula Santerre.

The Knowlton Pub’s history is entwined with Theatre Lac-Brome. Wood’s vision was instrumental in the building of the theatre behind the Pub during the 1980s. Along with Emma Stevens’ initiative and the support of Brian Timmins and Derek Severs, the theatre eventually became a reality in 1986. Wood initially supplied tables, coat racks, props, rehearsal space and, most importantly, the land.

Danny McAuley, a member of the Knowlton Players and owner of Brome Lake Books, remembers Wood singing ‘Another Opening, Another Show’ as the company worked on new productions. Laura Teasdale, who created her own series of dinner theatres at the Pub beginning in 2008 and helped Ralph Steiner with karaoke and open-mic nights, says there has always been a deep relationship between the Pub and theatre in Brome Lake. The Knowlton Players still hold their annual general meeting at the Pub.

Special events have long been a priority for the Pub. Monday nights’ free spaghetti suppers (choice of sauce!) in the late 1980s, Sumo Night, Gladiator Night or the Sunday evening roast beef special have evolved to an average of twelve annual events. John and Mae Cooke, and manager Paula Santerre, are proud of the festivities, including celebrations of Valentine’s Day, Saint Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo, not to mention weekly line-dancing and summer live music on the terrace.

Another tradition is the October car rally. This year 130 participants from Brome Lakeand beyond costumed up just prior to Halloween to drive across the county and answer skill-testing ques- tions. The Pub has also participated in La Ride de Filles, in which women motorcyclists raise funds to battle cancer. A pink helium arch was raised over Knowlton Road to hail the riders’ arrival and staff donated all their tips to the cause, matched by the Cookes.

A particular favorite is the happiness generated by the Pub during the Christmas season. It begins with Midnight Madness (this year on December 14) and a free turkey supper. This involves 10 days of roasting 20 turkeys (two at a time) and preparing homemade dressing under the supervision of Diane Matthew.

The Cookes personally cover all costs, so that all monies raised from the event go directly to the local food bank. A week later a seniors’ Christmas lunch is offered to residents of Manoir Lac- Brome. John Cooke suits up in his best red suit and everyone receives a goodie bag from a rather generous Santa while carols are sung by the staff.

The Pub has endured challenging times as well. The closing of Mont Glen ski centre in 2004 and the recent pandemic proved difficult, but the Pub managed to survive. Deliveries of beer, obviously a Pub staple, were unreliable during COVID, not to mention having to close down completely for a five-to-six-month period on two occasions.

Clearly any building is truly more than its structure. John Cooke has kept a vow he made after growing up under difficult financial circumstances. His charitable influence and contribution to the community of Knowlton and elsewhere in the Townships have created a place where there is a palpable sense of pride. The staff form what manager Santerre describes as “a community within a community.”

The Pub celebrated its 50th anniversary on November 9th and was a huge success. Three live bands and games contributed to the celebration. And what’s a party without free hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, chips and a grand prize: an outdoor fire pit?

From David Dawes through Gerry Wood to John and Mae Cooke, community has always been at the heart of the Knowlton Pub, just as the Pub has been at the heart of the community. “Venerable” is not usually a word that is used to describe a pub, but in this case it fits perfectly. Happy 50th Birthday, Knowlton Pub! 

Here’s to many more. Cheers!