About Us
Our story began in 1958…
Husband and wife Arlie P. Locke and Laura VanAll opened a restaurant, initially selling hamburgers, hot dogs and ice cream. Eventually, their menu grew to include fish and chips, hot hamburg, hot pork, coconut cream pies, candies, and black licorice.
It became a popular spot, especially during the construction of the Seaway. It was also a popular stop for people on their way to Williamsburg to visit Dr. M. Locke. Known as the little blue building with the big Coca Cola sign, the building was a local landmark. It was demolished in 1994.
In the centennial year of 1967, the couple extended their business to include a campground.
In addition to running a successful business, Arlie and Laura raised 10 children. The restaurant and campground was truly a family affair, with the youngest three children working in the restaurant with everything from peeling potatoes to doing dishes. The youngest son took over the business and ran it under he passed away in 2014.
The campground portion of the business was known for being a peaceful, restful spot. Campers returned year after year, in large part because they enjoyed visiting with Laura. Laura loved getting to know each one of her customers, whether they were regulars, or travellers stopping along their journey. Arlor Haven attracts campers not only from the area, but also from Europe, England, Germany and Holland.
One of the biggest attractions of the campground is the big ships passing by on the river. But it’s the friendliness of the owners, Laura, and now Brenda, that kept them coming back.
The campground started with 9 seasonal campers, and has grown to well over 200 transient and seasonal campers throughout the season, which runs May–October.
The campground facilities began with outhouses, then Arlie H. & Co. built a ‘new’ bathroom building, which included flushing toilets and showers. The building was renovated and updated in 2015.
Arlie H.’s wife, Brenda Locke, continues to run the campground, with the assistance of her daughter, Rose Wickwire, and her husband Tom. Tom cares for the grounds and maintenance.