It’s been a while since we’ve had a profile looking at some of the architects who helped to design the city we see today.
G.B. Colthurst was born in Toronto in 1882, and moved to England at a young age, where received his education. He started his architectural career in London, England as a partner in the firm of Colthurst & Gott from 1905 to 1907. In 1908 Colthurst returned to Canada, settling in Saskatoon. By 1918, Colthurst had arrived in Windsor and started a firm with John E. Trace and David W.F. Nichols in 1921. From 1924, until his death in 1946, he remain in solo practice in Windsor.
(Biography info from the Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada)
Some of the buildings that G.B. Colthurst designed that readers may know, are the Casa Del Mara apartments on Ouellette, The Granada Apartments on Gilles at Dougall, and along with a couple of other architects, he also had a hand in the Paul Martin Building (old Post Office) on Ouellette.
Colthurst was killed, November 8, 1946 at the Essex Terminal Crossing on Ojibway Parkway, when his car was hit by a train.
- This photograph was taken a few minutes after the automobile – train crash last evening which resulted in the death of Mr. Guy Buller Colthurst, well-known Windsor architect. The accident occurred at the Highway No. 18 crossing of the Essex Terminal Railway. Mr. Colthurst’s body had not been removed from the car, in which he had been crushed to death instantaneously, when the picture was taken. Provincial Police are shown at the left questioning members of the train crew.
I am not 100% certain, but I believe Mr. G.B. Colthurst also designed the apartment building on the northeast corner of Park St. and Dougall Ave. – very similar in style to the Giles Blvd. apt complex – I never knew how he died, very tragic, thanks for the post.
Scotty, although similar the Royal Windsor at Park & Dougall was designed by the firm of Trace, Diehl & O’Dell.
http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=1505
OK, thanks Andrew, I wasn’t sure, as I wrote.
Huh…..if I’m right and that white mark near the top of the photo is the reflection of the camera flash in a shut off headlight…..I think I just might be restoring his killer, ETR #101. 1946 was her first year with the company, and that really, really looks like her headlight.
Andrew, do you happen to know which part of Ojibway it would have been? Was the section that runs north west considered 18 or Sandwich in 1946? Or is this talking about the crossing as you enter LaSalle? In the 1952 areials anyways….both crossings are very clear of brush and trees, sight lines for the engine crew and motorists alike appear to be good. I’m not sure when ETR adapted its policy of 16kph in the city and 25kph in the country (quite possibly as a result of this accident), but I’m a little baffled on how a car can be hit on the drivers side by the ETR at either of those crossings. Both are quite wide, and no matter which direction the engine was headed the engine would have been occupying the crossing for a pretty substantial amount of time. The nose of the engine would have to had cleared the median in order to hit the drivers side door regardless of the direction either vehicle was headed.
I mean, it obviously happened. I just think either the train was racing across the road, or he simply was not paying attention in any way shape or form.
Anyways…sorry about that. I don’t mean to criticize the dead either, it is a tragic ending.
I’m just baffled is all.
Thanks for the post Andrew, and the info that maybe a horrible event in #101’s past occured.
Aaron, the article was too long to transcribe, but it was reserving across the road, so the headlight was facing the wrong way, and the article said that crossing was rarely used.
Hmmm…….. but seems weird as diesels, or even steam locomotives have a headlight on the tender. I would assume all of them would, but who knows!
Thanks Andrew!
He was my great grandfather. 🙂
I was two years old when my grandfather died. My Mom, Rosemary, one of six, worked for her Dad in his downtown office. He was on his way home to Amherstburg on this foggy evening. She adored him and shared many stories about my Grandpa Guy. I wish I had known him. My Grandma Bea held summer gatherings for family at her small home by the water on Laird Ave. Siblings and cousins had fun and laughter together for another ten years. This is a sad story that brought forth good memories.
He was also my grandfather. I was named after him. I was born the year after he died. Does anyone know of any of the other buildings/houses he designed?
According to the July 3, 1926 issue of the Border Cities Star, he was also responsible for designing the home of T.A. Janisse at 883 St. Mary’s Blvd, in Riverside. A beautiful home.