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PERCY ALONZO RICE
Ownership of one of the most exclusive hotels in Welland County, which is operated under his direct supervision, has not prohibited the subject of this sketch to take an active part in the administration of municipal office and in the business of the local government.
Percy Alonzo Rice was born in Dunnville, Ont., on May 22nd, 1881. He is the son of William Henry and late Abigail Elizabeth, nee Wilson, Rice. His father was a hotelman and English. His mother was Scotch.
Mr. Rice attended the Public School and the High School of Bridgeburg, Ont. While still attending high school he was employed during part of his time as a messenger boy for the old Grand Trunk Railroad at Bridgeburg.
Mr. Rice’s next position was with his father in Welland, where he participated in the management of the Welland Hotel for a period of fifteen years.
During all of this time Mr. Rice took a great interest in hotel management and studied the means of obtaining a profit through it. After this he moved to Ridgeway and purchased the McLeod House, which he still owns and operates.
When Ridgeway’s first fire department was organized years ago, Mr. Rice was made its chief, and for a period of three years he kept this post and demonstrated his ability in managing that department of the local government.
In his participation in many other community or municipal enterprises, Mr. Rice has taken an active part, and has contributed loyally of his time, his money and his executive ability toward the development of a greater Ridgeway.
The McLeod House is one of the finest and most exclusive of the more conservative hotels in the county. There is an atmosphere about the establishment of comfort, dignity and homeliness.
Mr. Rice is an active member of the Wilson Chapter R.A.M. No. 64, Welland; a pastmaster of the Cope-Stone Lodge 373, A.F. and A.M. of Welland; a member of the Hindoo Koosh Grotto, Hamilton; Scottish Rite, 32 degree, Buffalo; and the Ismailia Shrine, Buffalo. He is also a member of the Church of England.
On October 4th, 1906, Mr. Rice was married to Cora Emma Wise, of Ridgeway, the daughter of Jacob and Hannah Wise of Ridgeway. Mrs. Rice passed away on April 16th, 1928.
A.E. Coombs
History of The Niagara Peninsula and the New Welland Canal
1930
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