06/23/2026
Norwegian immigrant, Marie Jacobsen, started life in the Valley on a Grandview farm and later opened the Greenwood Hotel. ·
Alberni Valley's Early Days
by Diane Dobson., Dir. ADHS
All research courtesy of the Archives, Alberni District Historical Society.
One photo courtesy of Alberni District Museum.
Marie Jacobsen – Hotelier Entrepreneur ( #2611)
Note: Well into her 80’s, Marie wrote her memoirs in a book called ‘Be My Guest.’ I was fortunate to read a copy and pleased to be able to share excerpts of it with you. All quotes here are from Marie.
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Marie was born on a small farm near the fjords of Norway. It was 1892. She was born to Berte and Rasmus Knotten, the sixth of nine children.
The biggest influence in the young girl’s life was her paternal grandmother Pernilla Knotten. Her wisdom, dignity, advice, and strong work ethic remained with Marie throughout her lifetime---and she would need it.
In 1914 Marie married seaman Nils Jacobsen. Soon, Marie was to learn that she would have to be the family’s provider as Nils Jacobsen was not. In time, the couple had four children: Sigrid, Bjorn (“Ben”), Johan (“John”), and Lillian.
The world was changing. Every country including Norway was in financial trouble. In 1924 Marie made a plan…. she was going to Canada where many of her siblings lived. Marie had saved 3,000 kroner through hard work and determination, and so she booked passage. “It was early summer and a beautiful time to come to Canada. There was a patch of raspberries so I could start making jam for the children.”
The Jacobsen’s first home was a small farm on Grandview Road where they lived for six years. Marie had her eye on property though, two vacant lots at the corner of Alexander Street and Beaver Creek Road, with a plan in mind. She bought both lots for $75.00.
Marie had brought skills in dressmaking with her from Norway, and had been taking in sewing. She was soon known throughout town for her talent. This income helped to build a new home on the property. It included a dressmaking shop housed in the basement. Marie hired another seamstress, Jean McEachren, and the business boomed. “I rarely used a pattern and often had only a picture torn out of a Vogue magazine. I created many gorgeous bridal ensembles and evening gowns for local weddings and balls.”
The war years proved stressful. Nils Jacobsen died in an accident at the Somass Mill in 1940. Then Marie was forced to discontinue her dressmaking business due to failing eyesight. Needing to support herself and her children, Maire decided to take in boarders.
Life took another twist when, in 1948, fire destroyed her home. Undaunted, Marie began to rebuild. With a small insurance settlement, a two-story building was constructed with ten housekeeping suites. Greenwood Lodge opened in September of that year.
Always a savvy entrepreneur, Marie purchased some army camp huts that were being dismantled. She moved then to her Alexander Street property and now had accommodation for up to 60 men, each paying $2.50 a day for a room and three meals. Some of these men were here working on the construction of the Pulp Mill, while others worked for logging companies. The Valley was booming and housing was at a premium.
The Greenwood continued to capture its share of the hotel business. The Lodge now included 30 rooms with bath, two penthouse suites, and new kitchen and dining room to seat 100 guests.
Ten years later, the Tidal Wave (Tsunami) struck. Here is Marie’s take on it: "The water started to come into the homes of some of the people who lived on the banks of the Somass River. They waded to the hotel which was on slightly higher ground about a block away. Thirty-five people made it to the hotel. Children were terrified. We took them upstairs and put them to bed.”
Then cleanup began, here at the Greenwood, as well as everywhere on the flood plain. The ever-ambitious Marie had a master plan. She followed her dream and announced construction of a $300,000.00 ultra modern addition to the hotel. Marie showed faith in the future and borrowed $250,000.00 for her dream. The three-story building included forty new rooms with bath, banquet facilities, a cocktail lounge, and a lobby. The Greenwood Hotel was officially opened October 31, 1964 with twenty-five employees.
For the next seven years, guests from all over the world stayed at this fine hotel. “Dignitaries from all over the world were on the hotel registry---every country in Europe, the Orient, India, and even the Soviet Union. Movie stars, ballet troupes, dog shows and rodeo people, even strip tease artists! Every facet of society was represented.”
At 79 years of age, Marie sold the hotel and retired. “I suppose my ultimate reward was the satisfaction gained from realizing fulfillment of my life-long dreams and the memories of the many people and experiences throughout it all.”
Marie Jacobsen died May 28, 1984 at age 92…. a life well-lived.
