The Fate of Dalvay
William Hughes had been the caretaker at Dalvay for the entire period since Alexander's death. Hughes lived in what is now the Park Administration Building just across from Dalvay house. Hughes continued to look after the house until it became clear that the MacDonalds were no longer able to afford to keep the house. He contacted Princess Laura in New York, and asked what she wished done with Dalvay. Princess Laura replied that Hughes could have the house for the sum owed in back taxes. Hughes went to Charlottetown and purchased Dalvay for the sum of $486.57! Hughes had no interest in keeping up the huge mansion, and Dalvay was sold through the years to several different owners.

Next was William O' Leary of Charlottetown, who lent the house to his brother, Bishop O'Leary from Montreal. Bishop O'Leary used Dalvay as a summer retreat. The O'Leary family unfortunately took most of the finer pieces of furniture back to Montreal and sold many pieces. Dalvay was then sold to the infamous prohibition rum-runner, Captain Edward Dicks. Dicks was looking for a 'legitimate' business to cover his illicit activities off the north shore of PEI. Dicks had the idea to turn Dalvay into a hotel for upscale clientele. Unfortunately, he spent so much money upgrading Dalvay to hotel status that there was little money left for marketing to prospective guests. Dalvay was then remanded to one of Capt. Dicks' creditors, former PEI Lieutenant Governor, George DeBlois.

In 1938, DeBlois was aware that there were plans to build a National Park on the North Shore. He then sold the house and all the land to the federal government. DeBlois made a caveat that he would retain a small piece of land in direct view of Dalvay. The large, white DeBlois-Likely family cottage still sits across Dalvay Lake, and is private land to this day.
© 2006 Dalvay by the sea. All rights reserved. Atelier Studio
Dalvay By The Sea
Heritage Inn & Dining Room
P.O. Box 8 - Dalvay, Prince Edward Island
C0A 1P0, Canada
Toll-Free 1-888-366-2955
info@dalvaybythesea.com