In 1941, the United States obtained rights to construct an air force base in the St. George’s Bay area of Newfoundland. Stephenville’s past American influence is still very evident in the town today. There are remaining underground ammunition depots, large airstrips, aircraft hangars and streets named after the American states.
The air force base was originally known as Stephenville Air Base, but on June 23, 1948, it was renamed Ernest Harmon Air Force Base in honour of Captain Ernest Emery Harmon. Harmon was a U.S. Army Corps ace who was killed in an air crash in 1933. On September 1, 1943, the Newfoundland Base Command transferred control of Harmon Field to the North Atlantic Wing, Air Transport Command. The base became a part of the Northeast Air Command in October, 1950. Then, in April of 1957, the Strategic Air Command assumed control. The mandate of the base was to maintain a tanker alert force and its capability to meet and refuel Strategic Air Command jet bombers on route to targets. The KC-97 was employed in this task. The base was also used as a refuelling stop for transatlantic military flights. In addition, Harmon supported three Air Defense Command units.
In 1957, the Canadian Department of Transportation constructed an air terminal building to accommodate Trans Canada Airlines. 1966 saw the closure of the U.S. Air Force Base in Stephenville.
Razoolies Inn was formerly the Airmen’s Open Mess Building 201 when it was originally built on the Ernest Harmon Air Force Base. Since that time, it has been renamed Eldorado, Loralie (Lounge), and Razoolies, a popular night club in the Bay St. George region. Now the Razoolies have transformed into Stephenville’s newest inn, the Razoolies Inn.
There are must-see attractions in the Bay St. George area. From local festivals and events to hidden gems, fascinating history, warm hospitality, and rich cultural tradition. The area is home to a blend of French, English, Scottish, and Mi’kmaq Indian ancestries, combining to form a unique mixture of culture and tradition.
Our inn is new and very clean. We aim to give our clients outstanding service. We have eight spacious and modern rooms that are also very quiet and private, perfect for business or pleasure. It is located within walking distance of the local YMCA, swimming pool, cinema, arts and culture, convenience store, and local pubs. We have air conditioning, free WiFi, and free parking. We also have indoor and outdoor camera surveillance for your added safety.
Razoolies Inn offers beautiful rooms and excellent service. We have a lounge located in the hotel, perfect for a relaxing cocktail. Our rooms are very clean and new, with gorgeous walk in tile showers. We offer room service from our pub restaurant, Clancy’s Pub, adjacent to the hotel, which also has live entertainment. We also have free guest laundry for your convenience. We are wheel chair accessible. We also have a fully functional conference room that is perfect for any occasion. We have a unique display of pictures of the former Harmon Air Force Base, which is a must see.
We strive to make your stay very pleasurable. With our private luxury rooms, our staff are very eager to assist you to ensure you have a great experience.
