Having grown up at the other end of this block, I have always admired this house located at 936 Windermere.
It was built in 1916 and was designed by local architect J.C. Pennington, for Charles Porter. Porter was an early automotive executive, acting as manager of the American Auto Trimming factory which was located on the east side of Walker Road, between Edna Street and the junction with Niagara.
According to the Windsor Public Library site on auto history (linked to above):
The formation of this company was the beginning of the long association between Frank Joyce and Benjamin Gotfredson of Detroit with the City of Windsor. Gotfredson started the American Auto Trimming Co. in Detroit in 1909 and the American Auto Trimming Co. of Walkerville in 1911.
The company was set up to paint and trim touring car bodies and by the 20’s it was the largest paint and trim company in North America, with operations in Detroit, Cleveland and Los Angeles to name a few.
The American Auto Trimming Co of Walkerville was put in place to provide paint and trim for the Model Ts built by the Ford Motor Company of Canada.
Benjamin Gotfredson and Frank joyce also established the Gotfredson Truck Corp. and merged the two companies in 1925 to form the Gotfredson Corp.
A nice well kept house, and another part of Windsor’s past.
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With the smpty lot on the south side of the house, this place would be a dream for the home gardener in Walkerville - which is probably why it was snapped up so quickly when it was on the market. The previous owners were a little fanatical at Hallowe'en with their displays. They did their damndest at scaring all the neighbourhood kids. It was a must-visit house for kids and grown-ups alike.
Had a great Japanese garden beside it at one time. Inside and out it is a great example of the "Arts and Crafts" style with much woodwork such as benches and shelving built in. Over the budget when it we were looking for a house.
My uncle owned this house from the early-to-late 90's and it was he who had the Japanese garden. I don't think the side lot was fenced at that time though, so the garden was open to the street. In any event, it's a beautiful, large home with lovely woodwork throughout. Our family had some wonderful times there.