I have always been interested in the odd spattering of old model homes around South Windsor, which are all related to various subdivision projects of the late 1920’s that were killed by the depression. This one at 3209 Church St., just south of Norfolk.
An ad for the subdivision ran in the Border Cities Star on November 10, 1928 that featured the house.
If the depression hadn’t happened, it would have been a much different Windsor that we would know today.
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Now that I know about them, I’m always noticing them – you see the odd one in other parts of Windsor too.
You’re right how would Windsor have looked? Those model homes must have looked pretty lonely stuck out in the middle of nowhere in the1930′ and 1940’s. It’s hard to imagine the neighbourhoods without the other homes.
Thanks for these fantastic pictures!
I think Windsor would look alot like the inner-ring burbs of Detroit….just not all burnt out. Detroit has some truly beautiful streets and homes in the inner city burbs…which would be about as far from the river as South Windsor. You can just imagine what they looked like in their prime if you ignore the blight.
Jane, here’s an example of how lonley they looked.
The Electric house!
http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=711
That first paragraph in the ad is really quite interesting. It mentions
“with the old-time character of former ‘nice’ residential sections undergoing rapid change. It is plain that it will not be long that the necessity of a new home in a thoroughly protected fine home environment will be literally forced upon you!”
Correct me if I’m wrong, but given the year.. is this perhaps a racial statement? “they are moving in, you will be forced to move out!” “former ‘nice’ residential sections”
I don’t think so Shane. At that time Windsor’s core was going thru a major boom. Home after home along Ouellette was coming down to make way for offices and retail. The tunnel demolished the block it’s on, University Ave was lined with homes east of probably Victoria.
Right before the part you quoted it syas “On the evidence of the marvelous growth and progress going on about you”
To me, this and what you quoted is saying “the city is booming, downtown is growing in leaps and bounds. Soon you will find the quiet charm of your neighbourhood wiped away by the hussle and bussle of this new modern city. Move out to the burbs to escape back to quiet you enjoy so much. There’s no chance the downtown will grow and stretch way out to south Windsor. You are garanteed not to be pushed out of the evironment you hold so dear”
………something like that. lol 🙂
i guess I’ve been reading too much on the Detroit forums!! good point
I have been told that my house and my neighbours house were the model homes for our subdivision. 1720 and 1710 Oneida respectively. My garage was apparently the sales office, it has boarded up windows and a wood burning stove. I was told the date was approx. 1920 – 1924. If anybody comes across any cards or ads would really like to get my hands on one.
This house is for sale. It sounds like it still has some original features.
http://windsor.kijiji.ca/c-real-estate-houses-for-sale-Historic-Craftsman-Home-in-South-Windsor-3209-Church-St-W0QQAdIdZ379465172