1932
2007
The Major John Richardson Library opened November 7, 1928. It was named after Major John Richardson (1796-1852), the first novelist to reside in the Windsor area.
It was designed by the local firm of Cameron & Ralston, led by David J. Cameron with partner William Ralston. Cameron & Ralston designed many local area churches, and schools.
The Georgian Columns were restored in 2003
The building was designated a historic site in 1989.
The reasons for designation were listed as follows:
I) a good example of Georgian (neo-classical) architecture, designed by David Cameron; ii) named after Major John Richardson, first novelist of significance to come from this district; iii) fanlight window over the central door, ornamental copula at the roof, the Georgian windows, ornamental carved stones and the columned entrance way.
These four ornamental plaques adorn the front facade of the building.
Unfortunately the clocks on the cupola ceased to be operational a while back.
The building still has the original Georgian style windows.
During the lean years of the Great Depression, the John Richardson Library was converted into a Children’s Library. All the Children’s books from the main branch were sent to the Richardson branch, and the adult books from the Richardson branch shipped to the main one in 1932. I’m not sure when the Richardson branch ceased to operate as a Library Branch, but the building is today used as a community centre and annex to the Adie Knox Herman Recreation Complex next door.
I think the library ceased being a library in the early 1970’s. The children’s books were distruibuted to other branches – mostly to the Tecumseh Mall Branch (now also defunct.)
Thanks Jane.
Looks the same as it did in the old days. The only changes I see is they removed the name above the entrance,changed the siding on the clock tower, added the railings at the entrance way, painted front door and the landscaping. Sure would be nice to see them old clocks working again.
Played hockey at Adie Knox for 6 or 8 years, but always entered through the back. Never once went into the front part. We always drove, and the parking lot was out back.
I remember it as AA meeting back in the 80’s…….where drunks would talk and get help…LOL!
Wondering if you have any more info on the architects Cameron & Ralston? What other buildings of note might they have done?
Dale, here is a list of the Windsor Works of David Cameron, with and without William Ralston that are still standing:
Architect – Address – Date of Construction – Name of Building, nd – means I don’t have a date for the building.
Cameron, David J. 114 Giles Blvd. W. 1920 First Church of Christ Scientist
Cameron, David J. 76 University W. 1921 Original Bartlet Bulding
Cameron, David J. 606 Devonshire Rd. 1922 Professional Building, (Royal Bank Building)
Cameron, David J. with Ralston, W. M. Dougall Ave. 1922 Dougall Ave. Presbyterian Church
Cameron, David J. 874 Giles E. 1923 W. D. Lowe Vocational School (Windsor Walkerville Technical School)
Cameron, David J. 2033 Niagara 1923 House
Cameron, David J. 1941 Richmond 1923 House
Cameron, David J. 2002 Willistead Cr. 1924 House
Cameron, David J. 858 Argyle Rd. 1925 House
Cameron, David J. 2107 Niagara 1925 House
Cameron, David J. 2011 Willistead Cr. 1926 House
Cameron, David J. 840 Esdras Pl. 1928 Riverside Presbyterian Church
Cameron, David J. with Ralston, W. M. 160 Giles Blvd. W. at Victoria 1928 Lutheran Church
Cameron, David J. 1495 Wyandotte W. 1929 John Richardson Library
Cameron, David J. 2079 Niagara 1929 House
Cameron, David J. 245 Tecumseh E. 1929 Kennedy Collegiate
Cameron, David J. 8150 Riverside Dr.E. 1938 House
Cameron, David J. 2515 Lincoln 1940 House
Cameron, David J. 5340 Riverside. Dr. E 1940 House
Cameron, David J. 6515 Riverside Dr. E. 1941 House
Cameron, David J. 2524 Lincoln 1943 House
Cameron, David J. 2521 Seminole St 1949 Windsor Utilities Commission Substation
Cameron, David J. Wyandotte & Crawford 1949 Windsor Utilities Commission Substation
Cameron, David J. with Ralston, W. M. 706 Goyeau St. 1950 Alliance Tabernacle Church
Cameron, David J. 1453 Prince Rd. 1952 Windsor Western Hospital (Bartlet Residence)
Cameron, David J. 685-817 Memorial 1954 Seniors’ Housing
Cameron, David J. 1880 Assumption nd Dominion Twist Drill
Cameron, David J. 1706 Francois/ Alice nd Bell Telephone
Cameron, David J. 1805 George nd Windsor Utilities Commission Hydro Substation
Cameron, David J. 706 Goyeau nd Alliance Tabernacle Senior Citizen Centre
Cameron, David J. 787 Ouellette and Elliot nd Windsor Utilities Office Bldg.
Cameron, David J. 2000 Riverside Dr. W. nd Rotary Pool
Cameron, David J. 2224 Walker Rd. nd Amchem Products
Cameron, David J. 1850 Walker Rd. nd Duplate (Arnold Manufacturing)
As a child growing up in the area of Wyandotte and McEwan in the ’40s, this library was to me a place of beauty, awe and wonder. In those days my world consisted largely of the school and the church on the other side of Wilson Park and the library, where I spent many hours developing a life-long love of books and joining in activities. I won a book (Rumpelstilskin) there in an art contest when I was 9 years old. I left Windsor in 1950 and journeyed far and wide but never forgot the little library. In 1995 I went back hoping to see it as it had been, but saw to my horror that the once beautiful little building had been abused and used as a community centre with the inside rather ugly. Your recent pictures of the building reveal the outside of the building in reasonably good condition (restored?). One can only hope that the interior has been restored as well to its former dignity.