Former Sweeney House (Russell House)

This building was built in the 1870s and was first called the Russell House, and then the Sweeney House. It is one of the oldest buildings in Port Stanley and is a designated heritage building. It operated as a hotel for over 30 years, and then was converted to business space on the first floor and private residences on the second. Over the years, it has housed the Sterling Bank, public library, grocery store, butcher's shop, novelty shop, plumbing and heating shop, TV shop, beauty shop, and an insurance office. Captain John Sweeney was born in Manchester, England, and eventually ran from his home, stowing away in a sailing vessel en route to New York. He worked his way to Port Stanley, where he evenutally owned a ship. When it was wrecked in a storm, he instead purchased a ship supply company, and then the Russell House. Captain Sweeney famously swam out to save Captain J. Hawley after his ship was destroyed in a wild storm.