The Old Station, once “The Uptown Service Station” still holds some of it’s original character, including the two large pillars in the front of the building. Much of the brick is original inside and out.
Since it’s days as Bracebridges’ central service and gas station, it’s held two restaurants. Since 1985, The Old Station has resided in this historic building, with owner Mike Warr at the helm.
Over the years, there have been additions to the building, and upgrades to maintain the integrity of the building. An addition was added to the building in 2002, which now holds the restaurants bar area. The back portion of the restaurant is also an addition, which holds the washrooms and part of the kitchen. A wrap-around patio was added to the restaurant with views of the main street and shaded by large mature trees.
Now 2020, Mike Warr and son Owen Warr still own and operate The Old Station restaurant, which has become a staple and iconic stop to Bracebridge locals and tourists.
Uptown Service Station, operated by the Patterson Brothers, was located on Manitoba Street, Bracebridge, next door to the Bracebridge Public Library, part of which can be seen on the right side of the photo. The Old Station restaurant now operates on this site. Photo & caption courtesy of the Muskoka Digital Archives.
Bracebridge Public Library as it appeared in the 1970's on Manitoba Street next to the Uptown Esso station. The library has remained in this location since 1908 but the Esso station has been replaced by The Old Station restaurant. Photo and caption courtesy of the Muskoka Digital Archives.