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2 ~ the walkerville times • 60th Edition
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4 ~ the walkerville times • 60th Edition
Contents
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christmas 2015
on the cover: Developer Charles L. Chilver crosses Chilver Road at Wyandotte from his new commercial block toward his farmhouse; early 1900s before street was paved; same view in 2015. Read about Charles Chilver and many other fascinating local characters in our new book: “Walkerville – Whisky Town Extraordinaire,” (for purchase info see page 20).
From the Publishers
6
Letter Box
8
8 Events that Shaped Walkerville
12
The Apprenticeship of Albert Kahn
16
Kahn Builds Walkerville
18
Walkerville- Whisky Town Extraordinaire Hiram Walker’s Railroad
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Windsor’s History Trio
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Walkerville: Then & Now
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8 Events That Shaped Walkerville Albert Kahn honed his trade in Walkerville, which led to a stellar career as arguably the greatest architect of the 20th century. Albert Kahn Associates’ connection to Hiram Walker & Sons and previously unpublished renderings of his Walkerville commissions.
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The Apprenticeship of Albert Kahn Design, Sales, Production, Photography & Pretty Much Everything Else Chris Edwards Elaine Weeks 519-255-9527 walkerville.com printed in Canada
Realizing his businesses would profit from improved transportation within Essex County, Hiram Walker built his own railway. It became the major impetus for a diversified industrial base in Walkerville, including the birth of the automobile in Canada. Author David Guay’s new book: Hiram Walker’s Railroad
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6 ~ the walkerville times • 60th Edition
from the publishers
Sincere thanks to OUR ADVERTISERS for making this special edition of The Walkerville Times possible.
Please support these fine businesses. Chris & Elaine
H WalkerVILLE ART & Rock 2015 Record crowds flocked to the 2015 “Walkerville Art Walk & Rock” event. The streets were closed to traffic and the weekend was hopping with outdoor cafes, live music, and a wide variety of street performers and local vendors. Above, belly dancers shake it on Wyandotte between Chilver and Windermere. Plans are afoot for a 2016 Walkerville Buskers Festival and a Fringe Festival! Check Facebook for details.
ello. It’s us. And yes, it HAS been two years since our last issue! Hope this special 60th anniversary edition was worth the wait. For those of you just joining us, we once published The Walkerville Times on a regular basis from 1999-2006. Our focus then became book publishing, with an occasional Walkerville Times edition. The world might seem a little scarier since 2013. It seems every week a new international crisis is creating uncertainty for our future. Fortunately, on the home front, Windsor continues its legacy of humanitarianism by welcoming newcomers from around the globe, as well as refugees fleeing horrific conditions in their countries. At last count, we are now home to people from 130 different nations. We are all the richer for it. Even though Windsor’s unemployment rate is again the highest in Canada, you wouldn’t know it based on the Olde Walkerville and Ottawa Street business districts. Our entrepreneurial spirit is strong. New shops, restaurants and services of all stripes continue to pop up, empty storefronts are becoming a rarity, regular community events such as the Walkerville Night Market, Walkerville Art Rock & Walk (see left) and Uptown Ottawa St. celebrations are growing larger and increasingly more popular, while real estate in Walkerville is in high-demand and is considered the hottest in the city. This on-going renaissance bodes well for the entire city (thanks to Hiram Walker’s vision of a model town that continues to flourish over 116 years after his death). In 2015, Walkerville remains one of the finest communities in Canada and the word seems to be spreading. Here at Walkerville Publishing, we have continued our quest to chronicle this city’s fascinating history in book form. The year 2015 is the 125th anniversary of Walkerville’s incorporation as a town—the perfect time to publish the definitive book on this community: Walkerville – Whisky Town Extraordinaire. This 440-page tome includes history before Walkerville was even a glimmer in Hiram Walker’s eye. We have planned several book launches and signings, beginning Dec. 10, 7 – 9 pm, at the Royal Canadian Branch 12 Legion in Walkerville, Argyle n. of Wyandotte. An extra special night is planned Dec. 16th at St. Mary’s Church in Olde Walkerville, where railroad enthusiast David Guay will also be on hand to launch his new book, Hiram Walker’s Railroad – The Lake Erie & Detroit Railway. Mr. Guay will be exhibiting his collection of rare LE&DR artifacts, some not been seen by the public in over a millennium. We hope you can join us. Details on our new books and all our book signings begin on page 20. Who knows when we will publish another edition of The Walkerville Times? Until then, stay safe and stay warm.
M y O ld H ou s e
For a select population, historic properties have a special appeal. Its charm and architectural style, enhanced by its ambiance resulting from layers of history, is a major attraction for home buyers. Heritage cannot be recreated, and this is the appeal and allurement that draws the home buyer. During his 25 year career in real estate, Rob Gruich has successfully negotiated the sale of numerous prominent heritage homes, and has become an astute observer of the region’s dwindling inventory of these historic properties. “These homes are my passion – when I participate in a heritage home’s sale and renovation, and the dust finally settles, these homes are like old friends”. “I have a keen understanding of what needs to be restored, and am well connected to the artisans and craftsmen who can get the job done. My years of experience can demystify the entire process for you.” If the allure of heritage home ownership sounds enticing to you, contact Rob Gruich.
Heritage • Waterfront • Condomiums • New Home • Residential
8 ~ the walkerville times • 60th Edition
Letter Box
6 Degrees of Separation
I
grew up in Walkerville at 1721 Richmond St (1970 - 1982) in the old Bennet Glass home. I was very fortunate to receive a 2006 2nd edition copy of Best of The Times Magazine for Christmas several years ago. A marvellous and fascinating read. This past summer I visited the Grenfell Mission in St. Anthony, Nfld. and noticed a brass plaque stating “In Memory of Edith H. Benfield Walkerville, Ontario.” This of course would only mean something to someone from Walkerville or from the Benfield family, thus the point of my mail. I do not know nor could I find Edith’s connection to the mission or Walkerville, but there were only about 25 of these plaques. Dr Wilfred Grenfell was to Newfoundland and Labrador what Hiram Walker was to Walkerville, or Mother Teresa was to India: true saints. I have taken a picture of the plaque but couldn’t attach it to the mail. If there is a 3rd edition or a reprint of the second, this might be an interesting addition, if you can find out about Edith. If you are interested I’ll forward the picture. Thank you again for a wonderful publication. Doug Hart, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Editor: Thanks for getting in touch, Doug! So glad you’ve enjoyed our Best of The Times book. Believe it or not, I grew up at 1129 Devonshire, next door to Miss Benfield. She was a bit of a mystery to me; I was a young girl and she was a quiet old woman living by herself in a great big house who loved to garden. I don’t think I ever said more than hello to her and I never went inside her house. Not sure if I even went there trick or treating! We would be very interested in seeing that plaque. Doug Hart: Talk about 6 degrees of separation, not only did you find her, you were her neighbour! Wow! I know the house. It was between yours and the Laings. You are right–she did have a great garden. Unfortunately, when I was younger I was not the gardening enthusiast (I am now) so did not appreciate it. Brian and Jeff Palmer, who
1141 Devonshire Road, former Benfield home. Chris Edwards grew up around the corner from our family in the 1100 block of Chilver, just visited. We were discussing the old neighbourhood and believe it or not your family came up. I recall your father Bert was Mayor for a number of years. I was in Windsor last summer and visited the old neighbourhood; it’s still a gem! Editor: The Laings bought Miss Benfield’s house after she passed away. You might be thinking of the Grant house, one door south. Later, Miss Benfield’s garden lot was sold off and, after some neighourhood resistance, a very lovely heritage-inspired home was built about ten years ago. I checked the Grenfell Mission history on-line. Very fascinating! A walk through St. Mary’s cemetery revealed that Edith was in fact the mother of my neighbour whose name was Margaret. Edith died in 1924 and Margaret in 1968 (aged 72) and both are buried in St. Mary’s cemetery. Perhaps someone who reads this will be able to share information about Edith Hester’s contribution to the Grenfell Mission in Newfoundland. (And yes, my dad was mayor of Windsor from 1975-82, and before that city councillor for many years.)
Hiram Who?
Memorable Mystery Man My boyfriend gave me a piece of family jewelry that was a gift from William Robins (secretary for Hiram Walker’s & Sons) to his wife. I am trying to identify which man in the photo of Hiram Walker family and staff is William (see page 22 for full photo, and inset, below at right). I would like to put together a history booklet to accompany the jewelry piece. name withheld Editor: What a stunning pendant! Thanks for sharing this beautiful piece of local history. William Robins (circled) is seated beside Franklin Walker in that historic group photo.
Williams Robins stands with his first wife, Margaret Spencer Keighley Robins on the steps of his home, Pentilly Manor, which once stood on Devonshire and Tuscarora. circa 1898 (Pentilly was torn down and replaced by low rise apartment buildings.)
Dear Editor, When I arrived here in 1856, I had a vision for a model town. After years of planning, toil and sacrifice, and the investment of a small fortune, my vision became reality. In addition to building a world-class whisky distillery and a charming burg for my employees, I invested in numerous industries, as I believed business diversity was key to continued growth and prosperity. I established my own railroad ferry system, and encouraged the establishment of an electric trolley line for I understood adequate and efficient transportation was a vital element to ensuring business success and a well-connected community. It only makes good sense! My eyes gleamed when I saw one factory after another spring up in my town: Parke, Davis and Company, the Globe Furniture Company, the Walkerville Malleable Iron Company, the Ontario Basket Company, and the Milner-Walker Wagon Works, the forerunner of the Ford Motor Company of Canada. When I heard that Walkerville referred as the “Birmingham” of the Dominion of Canada, I felt my heart swell. Unfortunately, I didn’t live long enough to see the birth of the automobile industry in my company town, the papers for which, if I understand correctly, were signed in a local tavern. I do hope that people are not foolish enough to imbibe to excess and then get behind the wheel of a horseless carriage! Well, then, to get to the point of my letter. Why there has not been a proper book written about my town? I have been waiting more than 116 years. Respectfully,
Editor: Dear Mr. Walker, we are honoured and humbled by your recent letter, and are pleased to announce that you can now rest assured: your astonishing legacy has finally been given all due respect in our newest book, “Walkerville – Whisky Town Extraordinaire.” We do hope you approve.
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8 Events That Defined Walkerville 1856: Hiram Walker Acquires His Land
When American Hiram Walker crossed the Detroit River to purchase his first piece of property on the south shore, much of the region was agricultural or relative wilderness. Being an astute businessman, Walker recognized a tremendous opportunity. A growing U.S. temperance movement was threatening his Detroit-based whisky enterprise. If he formed an operation across the river, he could not only protect his business interests, but actually expand it by shipping his product via the new railroad into Windsor (1854) and hence the rest of the British Empire. And who knew what other opportunities might beckon?
1880-1942: Walkerville & Detroit Ferry Co.
Adequate transportation was a key issue facing Hiram Walker when he established Walkerville. For 23 years (18561880), he had journeyed from his home in Detroit, crossed the river to the Windsor-Detroit ferry dock, then rode to his business in Walkerville. This was often an arduous and time-consuming journey, as the rutted road from Windsor to Walkerville was unpaved; in the spring it was often a sea of mud. As always, when faced with a problem, Walker turned it into an opportunity. He leased the ferry Essex from Henry Jenking, a local shipbuilder in the area. By 1888, the private service had morphed into the Walkerville & Detroit Ferry Company, At its peak, the ferry transported more than 100,000 people to Detroit and Belle Isle annually; it ceased operation in 1942.
1888-1990: Lake Erie & Detroit Railroad
By 1887, Hiram Walker owned more than six thousand acres of farmland extending from the Detroit River across the county to the shores of Lake Erie. Walker needed a system to haul farm products, hay, grains and feed to his growing town and operations. Realizing that his businesses would profit from improved transportation within the county, Hiram Walker decided to build his own railway. Read the fascinating story of the LE&DR on page 24.
1886: First Electric Streetcar in Canada
Walkerville was the first Canadian town with an electric street car line, introduced in 1886. J. W. Tringham, an inventor and electrician, commissioned Detroit engineer Charles VanDePoele to design and build a prototype car and line to downtown Windsor. Public transportation led to economic development in the regions served. By the time Windsor’s streetcar system was dismantled in 1937, the system’s scale was extensive and it serviced all five of the major riverfront communities of Windsor, Ford City (East Windsor), Sandwich, Walkerville and Ojibway.
1904: Birth of the Automobile in Canada
In 1904, the horseless carriage enterprise seemed enormously risky. The MacGregor brothers: Gordon, Walter & Donald, were operating the Walkerville Wagon Works near Hiram Walker’s distillery in East Sandwich. Said Gordon: “There are men in Detroit like Henry Ford who say every farmer will soon be using an automobile. I don’t see why we can’t build autos right here (in Walkerville).” After a series of meetings, Ford agreed to partner with the McGregors and use Walkerville Wagon Works to assemble newfangled automobiles in Walkerville; the company was renamed Ford Motor of Canada Inc. Apparently, the documents to seal the deal of what is arguably one of the most significant 20th century Canadian business transactions ever were signed and sealed at The Exchange (now the Victoria Tavern, Chilver Road at Assumption).
The opening of the first electric streetcar for the Windsor Electric Railway (WERy) taken in 1886 in front of the British American Hotel.
The Founders: Wallace Campbell (far left), Gordon McGregor (beside Wallace) & Henry Ford (dark hat)
1858-1960s: Walker Farms
Hiram Walker pumped mash from his distillery on the Detroit River through a pipeline to fatten the cattle at his stock yards at Tecumseh and Walker Road. Walker’s Farm eventually grew south to include more than 6,000 acres. There were 600 head of cattle at the farm, including 300 milking cows; many of these animals were prize winners and were shipped to England to the Royal family. 2000 acres of land supported corn, alfalfa, barley, oats, wheat, tobacco etc., to feed the cattle and produce whisky, and eight hundred men and their families laboured at the farm, including many itinerant workers. There was also a bountiful orchard with some 6,000 apple trees and an apiary of 35 bee colonies.
Walker Farms tobacco workers, 1906. (Frank Anders)
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1928: Walker Airport
The unique geographical location of the Border Cities stirred the belief that Walkerville could become the airplane manufacturing and aviation centre of Canada, since it was the epicentre of a booming auto industry. Harrington Walker and Hiram H. Walker (grandsons of Hiram Walker, who died in 1899) had taken over management of the Walkerville Land and Building Company (a wholly owned company of Hiram Walker’s & Sons Distillery) and provided a tract of land located at the edge of Walkerville rent free for five years. They also gave $10,000 to build a hangar. Walker Airport officially opened on September 8th, 1928; the name was changed to Windsor Airport in 1940.
1920-1932: Prohibition & Rumrunners
On January 16th, 1920, the U.S. Eighteenth Amendment banning the sale, manufacture or transportation of “intoxicating liquor” took effect. The Liquor Control Act in Ontario (LCA) forbade public or hotel drinking but did not prohibit the manufacture and export of liquor. For Walkerville, with its massive distillery and brewery, this legal loophole set the course for a wild decade unseen before or since. American gangsters sought control of the “export business,” gang warfare broke out across the border, led by Detroit’s Purple Gang and Chicago’s Al Capone. Of hundreds of Walkerville and area rumrunners, bootleggers, blind pig owners, and whisky exporters, there were two legends: Harry Low and James Cooper. The Low–Martin House, (Devonshire Lodge) a unique Cots- Above: Packaging whisky at wold-style mansion on Devonshire and Ontario in Walker- Hiram Walker & Sons; ville, stands as a testament to the fortunes made in that era. Right: Al “Scarface” Capone.
1934-35: Walkerville Betrayed
In a December 1934 plebiscite, Walkervilleites voted 2,535 to 641 against amalgamating with the City of Windsor while East Sandwich (Ford City), with a larger population, voted overwhelmingly in support. Walkerville and its 10,000 residents were forced to amalgamate the following year. A large sign was painted on the side of a barn 5 km outside of Walkerville in protest. More than 115 years after his death, the site where Hiram Walker built his mill and distillery in 1858 remains the home of Canadian Club. It continues to be a leading premium whisky sold in over 150 countries – all based on Walker’s simple premise: “Put quality first.” And to this day, the community is prospering; and business owners and residents still proudly boast: I love Walkerville!
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16 ~ the walkerville times • 60th Edition
The Apprenticeship of
Albert Kahn
A
lbert Kahn has been hailed as the greatest architect of the modern industrial era. His portfolio is phenomenal: Kahn’s firm was responsible for at least 9,000 structures! He built more than 1,000 buildings for Ford Motor, including the enormous River Rouge complex and the Model T factory in Hamtramck, Michigan, the Ford facilities in Windsor, and hundreds of plants for General Motors. In fact, the entire automotive industry employed his services; he designed every building for the Packard Motor Company. Kahn also designed numerous office spaces, including Detroit’s dazzling Fisher Building, and the General Motors Building in Detroit’s New Centre district. A massive 1,320,000 square foot structure, the GM building was the second largest office complex in the world at the time. He also designed aviation industry plants, hospitals, banks, commercial buildings, public buildings, temples, libraries, clubs, and over one hundred spectacular mansions. What is lesser known about Albert Kahn is the role he played in the design and construction of many of Walkerville’s finest buildings. It was in Walkerville that a young Kahn learned his trade, which directly led to a stellar career as arguably the greatest architect of the 20th century. Much of Walkerville’s urban design flowed out of Hiram Walker’s desire to emulate Britain’s Garden Cities. The “Garden City Plan,” as it was called, separated industry from residential areas by streetscape design. At the tender age of 15, Kahn abandoned his formal education to apprentice with Mason & Rice Architects where he learned to draft and sketch. The talented novice soon won a scholarship to study in Europe. Kahn’s experiences in Europe paid dividends to Mason & Rice when the young draftsman was assigned to help design the interior of the new Hiram Walker & Sons Main Office Building – a masterpiece that still stands on Riverside Drive in Walkerville. Kahn’s touch is evident throughout the interior, particularly in the lavish fireplaces and paneling in the offices.
As a young man, Kahn learned his trade In Walkerville, which directly led to a shining career as arguably the greatest architect of the 20th century.
The dark, cozy Sample Room – the inner sanctum in the building – was inspired by his sketches from his time in Nuremberg, Germany. Upon completion of the new headquarters, the young architect’s career was meteoric. In 1896, he joined forces with George Nettleton and Alexander Trowbridge. The company’s first major commission was to design The Children’s Hospital of Detroit, financed by charitable donations from Hiram Walker. In 1899, Kahn founded his own firm, Kahn & Associates, with his brother Julius. Another early commission from Hiram Walker was to design the Queen Victoria Jubilee Fountain, paid for by Walker to honour the monarch’s 60-year reign as Queen of England and the Dominion of Canada. The monument was erected next to Walker’s LE&DR station on Devonshire, but later moved to Willistead Park. After Walker’s death in 1899, Walker’s heirs continued their patriarch’s hands-on business practices and Kahn played a pivotal role in their residential development strategy. The Garden City movement was being propagated by Sir Ebenezer Howard in the United Kingdom. He envisioned cities as planned, self-contained communities surrounded by “greenbelts” and proportionate areas of residences, industry, and agriculture. Walkerville seemed well-suited to the concept and Edward Chandler and his wife Mary set out to develop the town of Walkerville south of Wyandotte incorporating Howard’s ideas to build a neighbourhood as fine as any in North America. To fund development of lands between Wyandotte and Richmond Streets, the Hiram Walker’s Lake Erie and Detroit River Railway was sold to Pere Marquette Railways for $2,870,000 ($82million in 2015 dollars). Incorporating an interrupted street pattern design reduced traffic thus creating a park-like setting south of Wyandotte along Devonshire to an “island”, which would become St-Mary’s Church. Building lots near the proposed Church were laid out to support homes greater
than 3,500 square feet, thus assuring the character of the neighbourhood. Under the direction of the Walkers, Kahn’s commissions in Walkerville flourished. Kahn’s firm was responsible for many of the finer structures in Walkerville, includ-
ing the Strathcona Block, King Edward School (sadly, demolished and rebuilt — only the ornate entranceway saved from the wrecker’s ball), and many of the grander private residences. Albert Kahn also consulted on the construction of St. Mary’s Church that has graced the “island” since 1904. His partner Ernest Whilby was the lead contractor for the church. Kahn also designed numerous factories along Walker Road and in Ford City. Willistead Manor, built for Edward and Mary Walker, showcases Kahn’s architectural genius. Completed in 1906, Willistead Manor was the epitome of Edwardian elegance, combining imposing stone walls and half-timbered wall areas under a grouping of picturesque medieval roofs and chimneys. In Walkerville and Detroit’s Indian Village (across the river in Detroit’s near east side), Kahn embraced the Arts and Crafts Movement, a philosophy of design founded around 1850 emphasizing handmade architecture in an era when factory mass-production was taking hold. Kahn believed historic period styles were best suited to homes and public institutions, while factories should largely be utilitarian, brightly illuminated, and devoid of ornament.
18 ~ the walkerville times • 60th Edition
Kahn Builds Walkerville The Walkerville Town Hall, a.k.a. the Barclay Building and Walkerville Post Office, was designed by Albert Kahn in 1904. It was saved from demolition in the 1990s by Windsor’s Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (WACAC) and moved to 350 Devonshire Road from its site immediately east of the flat iron building (demolished) on Sandwich Street (Riverside Drive). This building has extra significance as the first St. Mary’s Church, built by Hiram Walker in 1872 and named for his wife, Mary, stood on its original site. Stones from the church were incorporated into the hall’s foundation. The “Spectacular:” Hiram Walker & Sons commissioned Albert Kahn to design and build the world’s first electric sign supported by structural steel, dubbed “The Spectacular.” At 150 wide by 60 feet tall, the sign lit the night sky along the Detroit River until it replaced by an impressive but less exciting Canadian Club sign atop the Hiram Walker & Sons grainery. WILLISTEAD MANOR: Albert Kahn’s Walkerville crown jewel was completed in 1906 for Edward Chandler Walker (Hiram’s 2nd son) in the 16th Century style of an English Manor house known as Tudor–Jacobean. No expense was spared in constructing the manor named for Edward’s deceased older brother, Willis. The exterior gray limestone was quarried in Amherstburg and hand cut at the Willistead work site by Scottish stonemasons, specifically imported for the project. Willistead served as Walkerville Town Council chambers, as the Walkerville Public Library (changed to Windsor Public Library after amalgamation in 1935), and the original Art Gallery of Windsor. King Edward School (1905), 853 Chilver Road, was noteworthy as Albert Kahn designed few public schools. The cornerstone was laid on Empire Day, May 23rd, and the school was christened by Mrs. E. Chandler Walker in honour of the reigning monarch, Edward the Seventh. 88 years later (1993), this Albert Kahn gem was razed, due in part to concerns it was a fire hazard (disproven after it was demolished), students were bused across town for two school years while a new King Edward School was erected on the same site, re-opening in 1995. The centre portion of the original school’s façade was preserved and incorporated into the entrance of the new school. Harrington E. Walker Manor: Two prime lots opposite St. Mary’s Church were reserved for Hiram Walker’s grandsons, Harrington E. Walker and Hiram H. Walker. These privileged young men commissioned Albert Kahn to design their residences; the contractor was Victor Williamson (Hiram H.’s house was demolished except for the carriage house). Harrington opted for a rather plain house in Flemish bond (alternating bricks with short and long sides facing outwards). A detached garage with chauffeur’s apartment stands on Kildare Rd. The house appears to have been patterned on Kahn’s design for the larger Henry B. Joy mansion in Detroit.
The Canadian Bank of Commerce, a collaboration between Albert Kahn and his business partner Ernest Wilby, opened in 1907 on Devonshire Road at Assumption Street. The Classical Revival style pillars reflected stability and permanence often found in public buildings of that era. With a booming economy, Hiram Walker’s son Edward Chandler (Mr. Ed to locals) petitioned bankers for more banking facilities to support developing business interests. This building continues to operate as a branch of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce; the branch celebrated its 100th anniversary in Walkerville in July, 2105. Strathcona Building: Built for the Walkerville Land & Building Co. in 1907 at the northwest corner of Wyandotte & Devonshire, the Strathcona was known as “the new Walker block.” The second floor was devoted to the Walkerville Public Library until 1922, when it relocated to Willistead Manor. The two-story brick building is notable for its low profile, and street entrances with cut stone surrounds. The original entrance can be gleaned by the observant passerby. It is the only building of its type in Walkerville. Sometime in the 1980s or 90s, it was painted an unfortunate shade of pale pink and remains that color to this day. Victoria Fountain: The Walkerville town council voted to erect a fountain next to the train station as the focal point of the town’s celebration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The Walker family assumed financial burden of the memorial fountain as a gift to the people of Walkerville. Designed by Detroit architect Albert Kahn, the fountain was dedicated on June 22, 1897. Mrs. Edward Chandler Walker symbolically laid the cornerstone in a model of the fountain (far right). The construction of the fountain was completed in July, 1897. The fountain was relocated to Willistead Park in 1958 when the train station was torn down. Somehow over the years, the copper acorn crown atop the fountain disappeared. The Canadian Bridge Company Headquarters (1908), 1219 Walker Road at Ontario Street, facing company Plants #1 and #2. A division of the Dominion Steel & Coal Corporation, the company designed and erected framework made of structural steel, including bridges, (the Lethbridge Alberta Railway Viaduct is the largest bridge of its kind in the world), buildings, radio masts, transmission towers, boats – and the Detroit-Windsor tunnel tubes. Sadly, this unique office headquarters was demolished. More Albert Kahn IN WALKERVILLE & ENVIRONS Griggs House, Niagara & Kildare Road Foxley, 811 Devonshire Road Andrew Ridout House, 871 Kildare Road Garden Court Apartments, Jefferson E., Detroit, built for Harrington Walker Numerous buildings for Ford Motor Company of Canada in Ford City
Albert Kahn renderings courtesy Albert Kahn Associates; photos from the archives of Walkerville Publishing Inc.
20 ~ the walkerville times • 60th Edition
Walkerville Whisky Town Extraordinaire Walkerville Publishing’s Latest Local History Book Bound to Please!
B
orn as employee housing for a burgeoning whisky distillery, the hamlet called Walker’s town evolved into a 19th century model community unlike any other in Canada, possibly even in all of North America. Its benevolent dictator conceived of everything required to ensure the comfort and well being of his denizens. From well-constructed and conveniently located housing to free, clean running water and electric lights, paved roads, (long before neighbouring Windsor), fire and police protection, a public beach, schools, churches, ferry system, electric trolleys, and even a railroad—Walkerville had it, according to its founder’s tenets and decrees. When Elaine Weeks and Chris Edwards conceived a book about Walkerville, they thought it would be a relatively straightforward task. Having published hundreds of stories, letters and photos about this special community in five previous local history books, as well as 60 editions of The Walkerville Times and other publications, and possessing an expansive collection of digitally-archived images, it would simply be a matter of sorting and organizing it all to compile an interesting compendium to their ongoing series on local history. Or so they thought. Things were barely underway when Elaine realized there had never been a definitive book about Walkerville. She believed it was important to travel all the way back in time to the days of the French explorers, Scottish fur traders and First Nations to fit the puzzle together regarding how Hiram Walker could simply cross the Detroit River,
The definitive book about Walkerville is ready for your coffee table buy land, build a distillery, and then a town. They both agreed a book with greater depth was not only a must, it should also reveal how the community of Walkerville was able to sustain much of its built heritage while Windsor proceeded to grind most of its past into dust. It was a fascinating process. Elaine would lie awake at night imagining the scene 250 years ago when a village of Ottawa First Nation peoples thrived less than a mile from their home office on Windermere. Or, she would wonder how early settlers had reacted to the sight of 18th century slave-owning, French settler Antoine Labadie trotting about in his horse-drawn carriage, replete with his family coat of arms emblazoned on its coach box. And then there was the day early on in the campaign, when she connected the dots regarding Angus Mackintosh, 6th Chief of Clan Chattab and 25th Chief of Clan Mackintosh. He was lord and master of Moy Hall on the bank of the Detroit River, right on the western border of what became Walkerville. This grand estate and fur-trading post cum general store, also had the area’s first known distillery. If Mackintosh hadn’t returned to Scotland in the early 1830s to take over as Chief of his clan, it’s very likely there wouldn’t have been a Walkerville. Perhaps this book would instead be about a town called Moyville.
“When we moved back to Walkerville in 1998 after an eight-year hiatus, we realized it was a community unlike any other we’d ever visited or lived in. We began documenting Walkerville’s extraordinary past in The Walkerville Times, and featured its rich history in our books. For our sixth book title, we knew it was time to produce a quintessential tribute to the spirit of Walkerville: “Walkerville - Whisky Town Extraordinaire.” Elaine Weeks & Chris Edwards
Book Launch 10 DECEMBER 2015 SEVEN IN THE EVENING Royal Canadian Legion Branch #12 (90th anniversary) 2090 Brant Street at Assumption | Walkerville Left to right: Angus Mackintosh’s trading schooner Nancy (built in Detroit) as painted by marine artist Peter Rindlisbacher, sails past Mackintosh’s estate, Moy Hall (Windsor). Young ambitious whisky distiller Hiram Walker founded his company town, Walkerville, in 1858. Sketch is a bird’s eye view of Walkerville, approx. 1885, from above the Detroit River (the strait). Walker Road is at left, employee housing is behind the waterfront distillery, Windsor is in the distance at right.
How apropos that a book about Walkerville has been produced by Walkerville Publishing!
16 DECEMBER 2015 SEVEN IN THE EVENING St-Mary’s Church, 1983 St. Mary’s Gate | Walkerville (author David Guay will be on hand with rare LE&DR memorabilia) Please bring a non-perishable food item for St. Mary’s Food cupboard (FREE CHURCH TOURS!)
Book Signings 19 DECEMBER 2015 2 – 4 pm Storytellers Books 1473 Ottawa Street | Walkerville
Collector’s Hard Cover Edition: $60 Soft Cover Edition: $40 440 pages • 560 images ! Available online and at various retail locations: Visit walkerville.com or phone 519.255.9527
My name is Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, founder of Detroit and I endorse these books!
24 DECEMBER 2015 noon – 4 pm Juniper Books 1990 Ottawa Street | Walkerville
22 ~ the walkerville times • 60th Edition
Scenes from a whisky town
Before the auto! Looking east down Sandwich St. (Riverside Dr.) near Devonshire Road: Distillery and the first St. Mary’s Church (built 1872); empty lot at right will support the “Flat Iron Building,” razed in the 1990s. (Windsor Community Museum p5849)
Group portrait of Hiram Walker’s sons, their wives and business associates. At centre is Edward Chandler Walker (with dark bow tie), seated to his right is brother Harrington, and brother Franklin is at left. “Walkerville, because of its generous encouragement of industrial settlement and civic adornment, is not only for its size and age the busiest, but probably the most attractive and orderly town in the whole Dominion.” (from “Walkerville, 1913,” published by The Evening Record; Hiram Walker & Sons archives)
scenes from a whisky town: clockwise, from top left: Tough times - Free lunch at the Walkerville Brewery during the Great Depression, 1930s; home-delivered dairy products in 1920s, fresh from Walker Farms; itinerant workers, Walker Farms in 1890s; west view along Walker’s railroad and Detroit River looking toward Walkerville, 1899.
24 ~ the walkerville times • 60th Edition
Hiram Walker’s Railroad The Lake Erie & Detroit Railway
A
new book by railroad historian David Guay is the first to cover, in detail, the origin and lifespan of one of Canada’s great regional railways, the Lake Erie and Detroit River, funded by whisky magnate Hiram Walker (of “Canadian Club” fame) and his sons. Transportation was one of the numerous issues Hiram Walker faced from the inception of his Canadian operations in 1858. Access via the Great Western Railway by 1862 had somewhat improved shipping to other municipalities in Ontario and beyond, but facilities were still inadequate. As his enterprises multiplied in Essex County, the need for better transportation facilities became more urgent. By 1887, Walker owned more than six thousand acres of farmland extending from the Detroit River across the county to the shores of Lake Erie. Walker needed a way to haul farm products, hay, grains and feed to his growing town and operations. Trouble also arose through the transportation of hay from his marsh lands in Colchester Township to the cattle barns, as his huge steam tractors destroyed municipal bridges along the route, much to the consternation of the travelling public and to the annoyance of township officials. Realizing that his businesses would profit from improved transportation within the county, Hiram Walker decided to build his own railway. He initially planned to run a line to his hay lands at Marshfield near Harrow. This was in an era when Canada was passing through a hectic phase of railway expansion, an expansion which had been given formidable impetus by the Dominion government subsidy policy of 1882, which provided for government financial support to the tune of $3,200 per mile on intra-provincial lines. Following this step, provincial governments and municipalities also voted bonuses for the construction of railway lines. As was his habit once he had come to a final decision on any matter, Hiram Walker proceeded at once to execute
“One of Canada’s Greatest Regional Railways!” on his plans. He applied for both provincial and dominion charters incorporating the Lake Erie, Essex & Detroit Railroad (Essex was later dropped from the name), which he readily secured. The incorporators included Hiram Walker, William Scott, Dr. John Coventry, M.A. McHugh, Alison L. Hitchcock and G.J. Leggatt. Hiram Walker instructed Joseph DeGurse, a prominent Windsor civil engineer, to set out at topmost speed to survey the route of the line. Actual work on the Lake Erie, Essex and Detroit River Railway began August 1, 1887. When spring 1888 arrived, the route of the line had been completely surveyed: from Walkerville south to Har-
Lake Erie & Detroit Railway terminus at Walkerville (Devonshire Rd.) during the Chesapeake & Ohio era, 1949 - note the Peabody & Walker Power buildings behind steam locomotive. (C&O Historical Society)
row and then east to within three miles from Kingsville, a distance of 27 miles. The subsidy was approved by the Governor-in-Council at Ottawa, on April 6. The work of construction began immediately by various subcontractors under the supervision of DeGurse and the Walkers. The work was accomplished with such speed that by December 15, 1888, the company was accepting business as far as Ruthven, 34 miles distant from Walkerville. Stations were located at Walkerville, Pelton, Oldcastle, McGregor, New Canaan, Harrow, Arner, Kingsville and Ruthven. The official opening of the line took place December 26, 1888, after approval of the line by an inspecting engineer of the Dominion Department of Railways and Canals. The railway continued to expand toward Leamington, on to Ridgetown, and eventually to St. Thomas. In 1903, the railroad was sold to the Pere Marquette Railway, which purchased the capital stock of the LE&DR for $2.87 million (equivalent to $76 million in 2015). Why did Hiram Walker’s sons sell the railway in 1903? According to Guay, “the Walker sons required capital to invest in a make-over of Walkerville along the lines of the ‘City Beautiful’ or ‘Garden City Plan’ movements. This was the one Walker property that could readily provide necessary capital without leading to adverse consequences to the remainder of the Walkers’ empire or to Walkerville itself. This capital was reinvested in Walkerville, as promised, to develop the area between Wyandotte and Richmond Streets with stately homes of large size (3,500 square feet and greater).” How did the Lake Erie (Essex) and Detroit River Railway benefit southwestern Ontario? Even though it was only a regional railway of modest size, it had a profound and lasting influence within Essex County. It strengthened the distillery arm of the Walkers’ enterprises by facilitating shipment of raw materials directly to the distillery and of finished product across Ontario, Canada, and internationally. The positive presence of the distillery as an employer in Walkerville is still felt today. The railway was also the major impetus for establishment of a diversified industrial base in Walkerville. This allowed the town to prosper even in depressed economic times, as compared with
Book Signing by author David Guay
St. Mary’s Church, Olde Walkerville Wed., December 16th, 2015 7 – 9 pm plus Train Memorabilia FREE CHURCH TOURS! Hiram Walker’s Railroad: The Lake Erie & Detroit Railway by David R.P. Guay, (Walkerville Publishing Inc., 2015)
A new book by railway historian David Guay is the first to cover, in detail, the origin and lifespan of one of Canada’s great regional railways—the Lake Erie and Detroit River, built by whisky magnate Hiram Walker (of “Canadian Club” fame) and his sons. Many rare photographs adorn this book as do rosters of the locomotives, rolling stock (passenger and freight cars), and maritime vessels of the Lake Erie & Detroit River, and Erie & Huron Railways. Available online at walkerville.com
its neighbours who were dependent on a single industry (automobiles). The unfortunate loss of this diversified industrial base in recent decades has produced, in Walkerville, similar socioeconomic consequences compared with those seen in other parts of metropolitan Windsor. The long-term positive effects of the Lake Erie and Detroit River Railway continued due to a stable presence of successor roads such as the Pere Marquette (until 1947) followed by the Chesapeake and Ohio (1947- 1986) then by CSX Corporation (1986-1991). Alas, by 1996, due to staged abandonments by CSX, the remains of the original Lake Erie and Detroit River left only a Sarnia to Chatham stub. Today, even this stub’s future is in doubt as abandonment proceedings have been commenced for the Chatham to Wallaceburg section. Editor’s Note: In 1995, with a donation from Chrysler Canada, the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) purchased 42 km of line abandoned by the LE&DR and created a cycling/walking path. The trail begins near Oldcastle, continues through the towns of McGregor and Harrow, and proceeds east to Kingsville and Ruthven at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens. Hopefully, the entire abandoned rail corridor will link Ruthven to St. Thomas as an extended Chrysler Canada Greenway, linking up with trails in Delhi and Simcoe, providing a single long trail corridor from Windsor to London and Kitchener, and eventually to Hamilton and Toronto (via the Waterfront Trail).
26 ~ the walkerville times • 60th Edition
BUY Separately ...
Walkerville Publishing’s Terrific History Trio
The Past Makes the Perfect Present
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re you a baby boomer born during or after World War II who grew up in Windsor (or are the child or parent of one)? 500 Ways You Know You’re From Windsor is about and for YOU! Think Bob-lo Island, the Elmwood Casino, Skyway Drive-In, retail icons like Kresge’s, Adelman’s, Smith’s, Woolco), eateries such as the Hi Ho & Dairy Queen, lost movie houses including the Palace, the Centre, the Park, CKLW-TV (Robin Seymour, Bill Kennedy, Romper Room), the Big 8, Detroit City – Rock and Roll Capital of the World – and that’s just for starters! Filled with more than 680 images between World War II and the 21st century, this book is the perfect gift for Windsorites wanting to connect to their past and newcomers hoping to learn more about one of the most interesting cities in Canada.
A Forgotten City, Walkerville Publishing’s fifth book on Windsor’s remarkable history, features 400 pages of rare black & white photographs, largely from 1940 to 1980, bound in a luscious collector’s edition hard cover coffee table book. This book chronicles the post-WWII era of Windsor’s unprecedented economic growth, and also the period when so many beautiful old buildings were lost to the wrecking ball. Perusing these 480 photos, anyone alive in those halcyon days may catch a glimpse of the ghosts of their youth, strolling along the busy streets, riding in mid-twentieth century Motor City sedans, or hanging out at the corner soda fountain. Others too young to remember may think they are looking at a series of wondrous movie sets and wonder, “Was this really Windsor?” The third book in this trio, Windsor Then, is a catalogue of imagery taken by long ago professional photographers who either sold them as postcards (the most popular way to communicate before the telephone) or for special edition projects by the corporate giants of the day who perhaps understood the importance of their company’s position as makers of history; others found their way into newspapers or commemorative books as “slices of time;” the remainder are a wonderful mishmash of studio portraits or personal snapshots derived from local family archives. These fascinating old photos came into our possession from a variety of sources, including the Ford Motor Company Archives, Windsor’s Community Museum, and Hiram Walker & Sons archives; others arrived via readers, including amateur local historians: Charlie Fox, Malcolm Campbell and Bernie Drouillard, who wished them placed into a “time capsule” for future generations to appreciate. To order Walkerville Publishing’s History Trio, please visit www.walkerville.com or phone 519-255-9527. NOTE: SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED!
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Nov/Dec Hrs. Sun 12 – 4 Mon-Sat: 10 – 6 1356 Ottawa Street • Windsor • 519-969-2773
2090 Brant Street Walkerville | (519) 256-3366
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Please visit us for wholesome eats, scrumptious treats, organic coffees & teas, atmosphere, community and friendly service. Licensed by LCBO Like us on Facebook!
Art Photography | Pen & Ink Fabric Arts | Jewellery | Candles Pottery | Mixed Media | Native Arts
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Walkerville
Whisky Town Extraordinaire Book ! Elaine Weeks/Chris Edwards December 24th 2015 ng Signi 11 - 4
1990 Ottawa Street 519-258-4111 www.juniperbooks.ca
Books Bought & Sold
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Thirty Artisans
30 ~ the walkerville times • 60th Edition
1908
The Walkerville electric street car rolls along tree-lined Wyandotte Street toward the corner of Devonshire Road in this very rare 1908 photo. A dog sniffs one of the new-fangled horse-less carriages being manufactured in the old Walkerville Wagon Works, recently transformed into Ford Canada. Dr. Hoare’s house is at left, across the street from the Strathcona Block, with its corner Drug and Stationery shop. The scene today decidedly different: nearly treeless, trolleys long gone, Dr. Hoare’s house is now a funeral home, but businesses continues to thrive!
2015