A Few Times In A Blue Moon

WREats contributor Melissa Martz gives a bit of background and some historical insight into a landmark venue in Waterloo Region. Send us word: do you love pigtails like those at The Blue Moon Food & Drink?

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At a 164 years of age, The Blue Moon Food & Drink in Petersburg looks pretty darn good.

John Ernst ran a store on the 2.3-acre property before building the long, elegant Georgian-style hotel he called “The Blue Moon.” In 1848, when the only means of transportation was the stagecoach, the Blue Moon became a popular and much-needed stop.

Part of the Blue Moon's Georgian-style architecture.

Fast track 108 years: the Blue Moon is still going strong.  John A. Schmalz bought it in October 1956 but died of a heart attack on May 21, 1957 at the age of 69.  John A’s memory is alive at “John A’s Bar and Games Lounge” and you can see his picture inside the bar. His son George took over and for a brief time worked alongside his brother Tom.  Tom eventually sold his share to George, a bachelor, while he raised a family of six children. In 1961, George’s old high school buddy Ed Harrison became a silent partner, and always remained so through the duration of the Schmalz family’s 45 year owership.

Blue Moon rolled ribs ... das schmeckt!

The Blue Moon has witnessed a lot of important changes throughout the years: it was Schmalz’s team in the early 1960’s who introduced pitcher beer in Ontario and helped lead the fight to permit beverage alcohol to be served with meals on Sundays. When Schmalz took over, the Blue Moon was licensed for only beer and wine; he fought to sell liquor and eventually won during an era when food could not be served as it was regarded an  “inducement to drink.”  As well, hotels had to close down every day from 6:30-8 p.m. so families could have time together. To keep his liquor license, Schmalz also had to keep a men’s room, a ladies and escorts’ room, a dining room and 10 hotel rooms upstairs.  The last time a room was rented was nearly a half-century ago. Sometimes it got so bad with the Ontario Hotel and Motel Association that when a government inspector came calling, Schmalz would phone the next hotel owner warning of the approaching inspector. At that time, The Blue Moon was one of 16 hotels on a party line.

A large kitchen was added to the venue in the late 1950’s and much of the cellar was excavated to add space for patrons: it was called “The Cellar Room,” appropriately enough, and today special events like wine and beer tastings are held there–the February 11 wine tasting evening is already sold out.

Smoked pork hock with barbecue sauce.

In 1988, the Blue Moon became the sixth Wilmot building to be designated heritage status.  The ceremony included the unveiling a historical designation plaque and included a New York guest Lois Jackson, a great-granddaughter of Ernst. In 2002, the Schmalzes decided to change pace and retire, and the Blue Moon was put up for sale but with a carefully selected potential buyer who would keep the traditions that have been the Blue Moon since the turn of the century.

Enter John Bennett and Bev Finnegan who bought the establishment in 2006.  They both love history, old buildings and architecture–and the Blue Moon has all of those elements. When renovating, Bennett and Finnegan have been careful to preserve the Moon’s historic feel at the same time they’ve tried to make it look fresh and new. Their patrons, they say, are happy and appreciative of what they are doing.

What once was “The Blue Boar Room” has been renamed “The Wilmot Room.” Wedding receptions in this room that are being marketed now and other rooms, except for the main “Tree Room” dining area, can be rented to groups of varying numbers. Indeed, live music and food go hand in hand and evening entertainment has filled the Moon during weeknights from Karaoke on Sundays to special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and New Year’s Eve. Performers have included Erik Erick Traplin, Fred Smith, Sandy MacDonald, Joe Forster, Lager St. and 222.

Pig tails ... yep, they're really from a pig.

Perhaps, though, nothing else but Germanic-influenced “Waterloo County Fare” characterizes the Blue Moon: cabbage rolls, rolled ribs, schnitzel, pig tails, and a unique creation called pig tail wontons. The menu also includes traditional pub grub from burgers to fish and chips, a kids’ menu and recently 14 new breakfast items. For breakfast, lunch or dinner, the Blue Moon is still doing what it does best after 164 years.

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Melissa Martz has been a freelance writer since 2007 and a nanny since 1997. Her work has appeared in more than 25 publications including Abilities, Horse Canada, Parents Canada, and local magazines such as MOST Waterloo Region and Golf Waterloo Region. She is also the Seminar Co-ordinator for The Waterloo Region Family Network.