White Carnation 50th Anniversary

While the White Carnation is celebrating its 50th anniversary of hosting celebrations as an event venue and restaurant, the building itself has a much longer history, going back to 1895.

The site began as the Holmesville Cheese and Butter Factory, a co-operative with nearly 100 farm members. The factory operated continuously under various names - the MacLaren Imperial Cheese Co, the Kraft MacLaren Cheese Co Ltd and back to the Holmesville Cooperative Cheese and Butter Company, all employing hundreds of men from the local community. In its heyday, the factory processed milk from Dashwood to Kincardine.

In 1946, the cheese factory was sold to the Carnation Company Ltd and the cheesemaking was phased out. The factory became a milk collection depot for the company known for its contented cows for the next 26 years.

In 1972, the building and contents were sold to Bob Norman and Bruce Rathwell who had intended to use the building to hold auctions and for storage. They began hosting dances and decorated the hall with barnboard, brickwork and a stone fireplace. Eventually the business evolved into a private facility catering to weddings, anniversaries and special events and named the White Carnation. David and Sandra Orr purchased the business in 1977 and developed the smorgasbord or buffet-style that the White Carnation has become famous for.

Noriel Abejaron and Corinne Bos are celebrating their 5th anniversary as owners. Since 2017 they have taken the buffet to the next level, introducing an international flair to the dishes while keeping the traditional Huron County favourites.

The White Carnation offers Sunday buffets every week in the historic building, as well as being the ideal rental space for family celebrations or corporate events. www.whitecarnation.ca 79867 Parr Line, Clinton (Holmesville)