Jonathon Liedtke – ourWindsor.ca – July 11, 2012
The City of Windsor is offering tours of Willistead Manor during the months of July and August and is inviting citizens to “step back in time and tour a link to Windsor’s past”.
Built for Edward Chandler Walker, the second son of Hiram Walker, the founder of Hiram Walker and Sons Distillery which brews Canadian Club – a brand known around the world – in 1906, Willistead Manor is situated in the neighbourhood of Walkerville. Edward, to decide the name of his estate, decided to commemorate his older brother Willis, who had passed away some year’s before. Following the death of Edward, his wife, Mary Walker and the heirs of his estate deeded Willistead to the then town of Walkerville. In 1935 as a result of amalgamation, the City of Windsor took ownership of Willistead Manor.
Parks and Recreations has operated Willistead Manor for many years, and residents are offered a chance to tour the facility and to rent rooms for weddings, parties and other events.
Patricia Dolan Lewis, marketing and communications officer for the City of Windsor explained that tours are guided by volunteers from the Friends of Willistead, “Tours include the first and second floors of Willistead Manor. Each volunteer gives a different spin and may emphasize different historical points in the tours.”
The admission cost for adults is $5.50, $4.50 for seniors, and $2 for children.
“If you are interested in renting the manor,” explained Lewis, “the best approach is to call and ask for a meeting with Sarah St. John who will give you a tour and explain the pricing structure that is related to the number of rooms you rent and the food and beverages you desire.”
Tours are being offered on Monday afternoons and Wednesday evenings in July and August.
Learn about Willistead’s historical points (ourwindsor.ca)
Jonathon Liedtke is the Features & Opinion Editor for the University of Windsor Lance Campus/Community Newspaper and a reporter for ourWindsor.ca. As a founding member and current Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee, he is committed to representing, connecting, engaging with and advocating for local youth. He is also a member of Windsor’s “Punk with Horns” band The Nefidovs, and as such, is committed to enhancing and sustaining the arts community.
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