Honors

Renowned Newfoundland artist and former owner of Winsor House, David Blackwood, with his 1974 watercolor of the house.
The picture was presented to Ruby as a gift at the opening of the Inn

2004 Southcott Award
Presented by the Newfoundland Historic Trust. The Southcott Awards program honours excellence in the preservation of the architectural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador.
2005 Orchid Award
The Orchid Award was created by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador to recognise accommodations in this province that set new standards for aesthetics at an international level.
Harry Harding, MHA: March 23, 2005 HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS Vol. XLV No. 6
I rise today to acknowledge the exceptional efforts of two individuals from the District of Bonavista North who have made tremendous contributions to the preservation of our culture and history. Ruby and Heath Ellis are the proprietors of the Winsor House Heritage Inn, located in the historic community of Wesleyville. The couple has recently received the 2005 Orchid Award, presented by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, for their achievements associated with the restoration of their historic property.
These Orchid Award recipients have demonstrated the importance of esthetics by highlighting the areas natural and cultural surroundings. In 2004, the couple received the prestigious Southcott Award, presented by the Newfoundland Historic Trust. These awards are clear indications of the level of excellence that has already been achieved as a result of their hard work and dedication.
In 1905, Captain William Winsor, one of Newfoundland’s most prominent sealing captains hired Master Shipbuilder Arthur Gillingham to construct this home in Wesleyville. Once completed, the house rivaled the very finest merchant homes in St. John’s. Through the years the Winsor house served as an important landmark for mariners approaching Wesleyville.
As years went on, struggles in the fishery were reflected in this once great building and it eventually fell into a state of disrepair, becoming merely a shadow of its former self. Ruby and Heath Ellis realized that we were at risk of losing this important part of our heritage, and decided to purchase the building. Through their tireless efforts, the Windsor Home has been restored to its former Victorian grandeur and, in the process, Ruby and Heath have created one of the Island’s finest bed and breakfast establishments. Individuals such as Ruby and Heath play a vital role in preserving our heritage and advancing the tourism potential of rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
Once again, I congratulate them on their accomplishments and thank them for their dedication to the preservation of our culture.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.