“Johnston's Hotel”
Description
Singer describes conditions at "Johnston's Hotel," which smells like corn-flakes; one is sent there by the magistrate Langley. Policemen who scout for boarders are described; all boarders are required to clean up the park and do other odd jobs all day
Long description
Singer sarcastically describes conditions at "Johnston's Hotel," which smells like corn-flakes; one is sent there by the magistrate Langley. The furnishings and carpets are praised, while the beefsteak must be cut with a sword. Some policemen who are scouting for boarders are described; all boarders are required to clean up the park and do other odd jobs all day
Notes
"Johnston's Hotel" is actually the Peterborough County Jail on the banks of the Otonabee River, just across from the Quaker Oats plant. While the resemblance to "The Banks of the Don" is patent, it's a separate song. Edith Fowke met the self-declared author, who said he wrote it in the 1930s (although he clearly derived its tune from "The Mountjoy Hotel" and some lyrics from "The Banks of the Don"). As the author had been an inmate of the establishment at the time of composition, she thought it prudent not to reveal his identity. - PJS
Historical references
- 1920s-1950: Dalton Johnston serves as governor
- Late 1940s: Langley retires as magistrate
Cross references
- cf. "Vilikens and his Dinah (William and Dinah) [Laws M31A/B]" (tune & meter) and references there
- cf. "The Mountjoy Hotel" (subject, tune)
- cf. "The Banks of the Don" (subject, lyrics)
Recordings
- Mrs. Tom Sullivan, "Johnston's Hotel" (on Ontario1)
References
- Roud #4819
- BI, RcJohHot