- “Officials of the small holdings development branch of the Veterans Land Act visited the Maryland or Oliver subdivision near Windsor yesterday to view the subdivision and judge it as par of the Dominion-wide competition which will name the best developed subdivision in the country. In the above picture, viewing a small holding in the Maryland subdivision, are (left to right): Mr. J.E. Bradshaw of London, supervisor of small holdings development for the Western Ontario district; Mr. A.C. Norcross, recently appointed superintendent of small holding development for Canada, and Mr. Gordon Way of Ottawa, public relations director for V.L.A. Mr. Norcross and Mr. Way have been touring the country inspecting the many small holdings subdivisions, and will act as judges in the Dominion-wide competitions.”
One of the many little named places on the map of Windsor and Essex county, Oliver always intrigued me about how it got it’s name. Records from 1948 show House of Commons debate about both Roseland and the Oliver Farm Subdivision, and creating housing under the Veterans Land Act.
It appears the area bounded by Montgomery, Talbot Road, Howard and Concession Road 6, make up the boundaries of the sub-division. A pass through with Google Streetview, reveals quite a few Victory Houses in the area.
If I recall correctly, most of the lots were 3/4 or 1 acre in size. Some of the veterens who originally built had there house placed near to one of the property lines , giving them a lot on the other side that they could sever. Many sold these in later years or possibly built another house for family . The house in the google photo appears to be centred on the 3/4 acre lot.
I use to lived in Heritage Estates (next to the edge of Oliver Farms)and had friends in the Oliver Farm area. it was very weird walking from Heritage Park path to Oliver farm, but the houses over there were spaced all different and the properties, depending on where in the area you lived were big back yards, and then some of them were small normal size backyards. Not many people had fences up in the area as well, which is 1 thing that was odd, unless you had one around the pool. The other thing was the old barn that was next to James Jenner Park (which i think has changed names now) it was falling down for years, but the town of lasalle finally ordered the property owner (original family members of the Olivers) to tear it down for the safety of the community.
I grew up in the Oliver Farms Project (since 1960) my parents built their house there on Montgomery Drive and it was one of 4 houses in the neighborhood at that time. As my Mother will tell the story..’ We were able to have large gardens, raise rabbits and pretty well do whatever we need to do on the parcel we were given’… I know as a child, growing up there without Heritage Estates directly behind out house was wonderful. Fields of sweet corn, soy beans, pig corn, endless places for us to ride our dirt bikes.. It really was the best place to grow up. Not too close to Windsor, but a short bus ride (the HOWARD) would pick us up at the driveway’s end at 20 minutes later, you were downtown. The naming of the area ‘could’ have something to do with Mr. Oliver ( S.W. corner or #3 HWY & Surrey Rd)ran a small gravel & sand place for a while in the later years. But before that took care of (and I believe owned) most of those fields boarding between the 6th CON – Montgomery Drive – Cousineau Rd to Old #3 Hwy. Which was a lot of land. James Jenner was an employee of Hiram Walker & Sons for over 25 years (same as my Dad)he was a very good carpenter. Each year (with his own expense) he would fashion 2 ice rinks in the park area, and faithfully flood those pads each night after we had all gone home. He did this until he retired and moved up northern Ontario where he passed some years back. His Daughter still lives in their house.
I live in this area right now and I believe I may be in one of the victory houses spoken about on this page. This used to be a two bedroom one floor bugalow, it had an addition added on some time around 1952. We just renovated and on some of the old dry wall from the “addition” had stamped 1952 on it.
Id like to find some more information on this area and pictures of anyone has any please let me know. I would like to find some history as we may be experiencing some paranormal activity.
I know this is pretty late in commenting but I just stumbled fortunately on this site. What a lot of memories this has conjured up! My family home used to be on Hwy 3 which has recently been demolished for the new expressway. I attended Ivor Chandler Public School and had many friends in both the Roseland and Oliver sub-divisions. I would love to see more pictures of these places and maybe hear from one of you!
Bonnie
Please tell me how to find information on the Oliver Farm Project-Reunion 2013
Hi Jane,
There is a Facebook group (Oliver Farm Project – Reunion 2013) where you can find out information about the reunion on Auust 10th. We are starting out at the park around 2:30 for a “walkabout”.
Who says ~~~ “You can’t go home Again” ?
Hello! to Jane Borg (Zwyina?)AND to anyone else who may remember my name. Was hoping to attend the O F P Gathering, along with 2 younger brothers, Marty & Christopher. However, brother Marty is presently in the Yukon re geological research, & won’t be available. Our Aunt (mom’s sister) passed away recently; & her memorial service is on Aug. 10th, in London. Marty was especially interested in attending, as he is considering a move back 2 Windsor from Ottawa, once he retires from the Feds.
Thanks 4 passing on my name to the Committee, Jane. Just hoping there’s another Reunion soon. I would even consider helping as an organizer. Have been to Kennedy CI Reunion, but missed the Massey 50th, due to family commitments. Read a quote recently that said: “If you ever have a chance to get together with old friends … TAKE IT” Just wish I could be in TWO places @ once, on the 10th.
Hope the 1st Reunion is a huge success. Looking forward to follow-up with messages & pics from the weekend.
Cheers ~~~
Mary Beth
Hi again
Just realized that I neglected to mention our ‘Maryland’ address: It was 1267 Surrey Road
~~~ The white house just on the corner of Surrey & Montgomery Drive. (I think the # has been changed now to coincide with the demolition of homes )
Thank you to Peggy Jenner for your call. SO nice of you to take the time to be in touch. Did pass your email address on to Marty; along with your humourous memory about his ‘special diet’
Take care!
Mary Beth
Hi Marybeth, just got home from Oliver farm reunion was so hoping you would be there. It was fun hearing old stories of the project as you and I and our brothers were the founders kids on the block, few people of our age but most 10 years younger so did not know too many, names were familiar, would love to do lunch with you my daughter lives in Stratford so we pass through London, and play catch up for past 60 years….did meet mrs Castanay who said she was in touch with you, I am remarried to Ken Moon for 26 years and have two daughter Annemarie and Kelly Freeman, Bob died in 1980. also 2 grandchildren Aubrey starts University of Guelf in September and Sienna is 13, am retired live in Amherstburg, on the river, life is good…. your cute picture was up on the screen, hope you will reply Glory
Hi Mary beth did you get my not Gloria Wells, Freeman, Moon
Hey Glor
Thanks 4 taking the time to dig me up (Acually still on the right side of the grass)
Looking forward to our ‘FB’ reconnection!! TTYS
mb
Hello my name is Jim Biggs aka: the paper boy for the Windsor Star and the weekend Detroit Free Press. I grew up at the corner house on Surrey and #3 Hwy (1202 Surrey Drive) along with my brother George and my parents Mary & Jesse Biggs. We were one of the first families in the Vetrens Land Act Development, both parents having served in Services of Essex Scottish and RCAF Bomber Command. I was orn in 1946 and moved to the house in about 1949-50. I had baby pictures on. Porch back then. Also any of the older ‘army brats’ that I grew up with will remember the pony photographs every summer. My aunt Whinnie and my Mothers Brother, Jack Robertson moved onto Montgomery Drive shortly after. You may remeber my cousins JoyAnn and Frddie. Growing up we worked out of the farms in the area, Oliver Brothers, Carl Walthera, the Jessops and O’Neils. Also delivered pizza for the old Castle Kitchen later changed over to the Pompi Restaurant. George’s and my paper route covered Howard Ave from Couseneau to Domininion Golf, and Hwy 3 from Highway Furniture to Castaniers House at Couseneau Rd. ……. Continued next post
Part 2 continued ….. Is this not working ??? Lost part 1
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