Today’s photo is from the Library of Congress collection. This shows the Ferry dock that was just at the foot of Devonshire, and the park just to the west. Roughly the area is where the large white silos are found today.
I’m thinking these might be the customs offices?
A nice shot of the Ariel. The Detroit – Walkerville ferry. It was in service from 1882 – 1922. Once it was retired from the Detroit – Walkerville run, it was sold to the State of Michigan, who used it after that on the Straights of Mackinac ferry service.
Have a good weekend everyone. I’m taking Monday off on account of a birthday. See you back here Wednesday.
As to the second picture, was there possibly commuter rail of some sort between Walkerville and downtown Windsor? That sure looks like a rail platform.
Out here in the Pacific Northleft (Seattle/Tacoma actually) there was a well documented “Mosquito Fleet” of boats that operated as ferries back and forth across Puget Sound, the Virginia V being one of the last survivors
http://www.virginiav.org
Is there any source of information about the history of commuting by boat across the Detroit River?
Doug, that set of tracking is cargo rail. The passenger lines ran a bit more to the south I believe, but I’ll let the rail experts chime it.
My primary source of information is a book called: “The Ferry Steamers” by William Oxford, published in 1992. That is my Ferry Boat bible.
My dad worked for Canada Customs in the Walkerville Post Office. When the ferry service was shut down he somehow “acquired” a Walkerville Ferry to Detroit arrow sign pointing to the left. I have it in my kitchen mounted on a coat rack.
Wouldn’t it be nice to rebuild that beautiful park setting and buildings exactly as it was, and start a new tourist ferry service there. The old factory across the road could somehow be a part of it. The land is there, accept the Walker silos would have to go.Just dynamite them into the river. I don’t think they are being used any more.If the Flat Iron building was still there it would make a great little historic destination. Gateway to old Walkerville. Maybe a few outdoor concerts too. Nice job on the new water mark. Much better.
Second shot is a fine profile picture of the man and seems to capture a moment in time and very early 20th century style. The individual wears a bowler hat and tall collar. And seems to be enjoying the view with crossed legs and hands easily folded into his lap.
I love the details of these older pictures. Simply amazing.
What a great photo! I was thinking the same thing as David – a great moment in time captured. Such a peaceful looking scene from a time gone by. The gentleman seems to have all the time in the world to just sit and enjoy the day.
those 2 buildings in the photo look like they could be waiting rooms for ferry passengers crossing the river i can’t get over how beautiful the park was back then when you compare it to what is in that area today the building right on the water could possibly be the customs office these days the city wastes too much time and $$$ building monuments to past politicians that half the popultion don’t know or care about
Nice idea lets desstroy an industry that provides jobs and tax money.The factory you mention is Hiram Walkers on the riverfront, the silos are still in use for truck and railcars.
If you want to start a ferry service contact the Detroit Harbour Comm.,they mrntionrd this idea when they opened their new facility in downtown Detroit. The only place for a ferry service would be in Deieppe Park, downtown.
The last serious attemp ran into problems about who, and how much Customs Officers would be paid for the operater or goverment.
The idea is good but should be downtown, not a resedential area.
I love your cropped zoom ins. You don’t see things at first look in the main pics
There’s a nice little picture of the Ariel on the Macinac Bridge Authority website in car ferry service. Aparently it lasted a year, then was sold in 1926 for ferry service between Por Huron and Sarnia.
wow never knew this was there, anybody know where I could get detailed historic satellite images of Windsor and Essex County? I’ve been looking everywhere, anybody willing to send some my way?
@ Doug Shirk – Andrew is right, those tracks are cargo/grain. The passenger station was up on Devonshire.
@Mitch – the oldest aerials you’re likely to find are here: http://www.clas.wayne.edu/photos/ap_index.htm
I know there are some at collectionscanada.ca, but I think you have to buy them to get a zoomable look at them.
Great picture Andrew, and happy birthday!
so i guess the siding that runs into the silo’s is part of this original cargo track thats in the photos the park area in the photos seems pretty immence i wonder if the railroad yard and the peabody bridge existed then any ideas??
Gary, the railyard and peabody bridge were there. The earliest version was made of wood, but I would think at this time it may have been made of steel from Canada Bridge.
The rails that currently occupy this space are being removed. I wonder if anything like the above historic pictures could be re-created. Any idea if this might have anything to do with the current discussion in Windsor about a Detroit/Windsor Ferry?