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Showing posts with label Albert Kahn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Albert Kahn. Show all posts

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Ever wonder what Walkerville looked like over 100 years ago?

Ever wonder what things looked like over 100 years ago. I managed to find old photographs from the Windsor Library archive site, and compared them to what they look like today using Google Street View.

The first is the Kildaire House (first house on the corner), which survives today as a great and friendly pub i referenced in a post last month. These were the first homes built on First Street, now known as Kildare Street.

Kildaire House - Before
  
Kildaire House - Now










Next are the beautiful Hiram Walker offices. Albert Kahn designed the interior, the buildings have been completely restored, offer tours, and wedding services in the coutyard in the front of the building facing the Detroit River. I attended a wedding here this past summer (my first), what a beautiful place!

Hiram Walker Offices - Before

Hiram Walker Offices - Today











The image below is from Devonshire Road looking South towards St. Mary's Church (at the end). This is the main road leading into the heart of Walkerville's resident area, filled with large homes. Some of the old lamps, still exist today.
Devonshire Road - Before

Devonshite Road - Today











I saved the best for last. The historic Monmouth Rd. Which still has over 100 rowhouse units, and is where i currently live. I had a hard time finding photos for this one.

Monmouth Rd. Rowhouses - Before


Monmouth Rd. - My House :)









If anyone has any old photos to share or links to sites that showcase them, please feel free to share!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

What's a Walkerville? And how it all began...

Walkerville Ontario, Canada is where i live. Incorporated in 1890, the town was founded by Hiram Walker, owner and producer of Canadian Club Whisky.

Walker planned it as a 'model town’ (originally called 'Walker's Town') that would be the envy of both the region and the continent. He established a distillery on the Detroit River (seen at right), diversifying the business by growing grain, milling flour, and raising cattle and hogs. Later, the town supported other major industries, notably automotive manufacturing.



Walker established homes for his workers throughout the community, including Monmouth Rd, (the street i live on - pictured below).

He also built a church dedicated to his late wife, and a school. Many of the buildings were designed by Albert Kahn, notably Willistead Manor (this is where i got married), the home of Walker's second son, Edward Chandler Walker. The Manor became a heritage-protected property owned by the city, which is used as an art gallery or to hold a function today.

The neighbourhood is characterized by large houses, wide streets and abundant greenery. Other structures include former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin's home, Khan-designed houses, the distillery and the Via Rail station.

I've lived within this community since 2003, and have had many great experiences. Each week i'll report on an experience. Feel free to share yours....