James Lyle's Inn or Hotel was opened in the 1830's, and provided shelter and food for persons travelling to and from Charlottetown and the ship building centres of Port Hill, Bideford and points west to Alberton. At first most of the travellers arrived on foot or on horseback, but gradually carts and gigs made their appearance.

The licensed Inns were required to keep three good feather beds and bedding for the accomodation of the travellers, with good stall stabling and necessary provender for six horses.  The common charge of that period was six pence (10c) for a bed, and one shilling (20c) for supper.

The Post Office was in the Lyle Hotel from 1838 to 1859, and in the Lyle home from 1909 to May 1913 when the mail was delivered by rural route.

In 1849, the stage coach for mail and passengers was an American closed-in wagon, which held six besides one or two who might ride with the driver outside.  With the opening of the railroad, the stage coach ceased to operate, but travellers continued to use this route for a number of years.

 

The 'hex' incised symbol (above) was found under the birch bark insulation and the shingle layers, just beside the front door. We are not certain but it is thought to signify something along the idea of "Good Luck" to all who enter here or perhaps ward off evil spirits. It has also been suggested it may be a tradesman's signature. We are unsure of this information so let us know if you have anything to add or suggest.

 Lyle Family History

James Lyle was born January 31, 1805, in Devonshire, England.  He came to Prince Edward Island in his early manhood.  On October 3, 1832 he married Elizabeth Birch.  The first few months of married life they lived in Indian River.  They bought some land in Central Lot 16 and built a log cabin home near where the school house now stands.  In the year 1836 they built a house which is still standing on the Lyle farm.  This was called Lyle Inn, and was a stagecoach stop. They kept the Post Office, a small amount of merchandise, over-night guests, as well as served meals and had a tavern.  They had a family of eleven children.  One son, William, took over the farm.  He married Susan Hutchinson.  As years went by the Hotel life gradually came to a private home life, which has been carried on since that time.

William and Susan had a family of four.  One son, Prushia, married Rachel MacLean in December, 1904.   They took over the farm in 1906.  They had three children, Hazel, who died in infancy, Violet and Wilfred.  The farming continued and Prushia was one of the pioneers in Seed Potatoes.  They boarded school teachers for many years, and had a small Silver fox ranch which was discontinued in 1946.

In 1937 Prushia and Wilfred built the present homestead.  Violet married Archibald MacGregor, Wilfred married Helen Forbes.  Wilfred and Helen had two children, Darrell and Grace, R.N. On June 24, 1957 Rachel passed away, and Prushia on December 12, 1969.  At this time Wilfred took over the farm.  Darrell, is the fifth generation; he and his father went into partnership.  Darrell married Marjorie Riley and they had one daughter, Darlene.  Second marriage to Donna MacLaren; family are Carol and Ellyn. Grace married James MacLaurin and their family are Joan, Kent, Jane and Anne.

Excerpts: Pages from the Past, p. 66, photo above captioned "Oldest Home"; "Lyle Family History", p. 21;

Banner photo of Baie de Malpèque used with permission - La Voix Acadienne