Bronson’s Tavern

I was going through some old photos the other days and came across one I had taken of Bronson’s Tavern

TThe photo is from 2001 and the tavern closed shortly after. It was purchased by the City, as an expansion of the Lou Romano plant across Ojibway Parkway meant that the tavern fell within the mandated 300 meter buffer zone of the pollution control plant. After the city purchased it it was used by the Windsor Fire Department for training purposes, to practice rescues inside old buildings. Ironically in September, 2003 the building caught fire and burned to the ground.

Above is a picture of the tavern when it was called the Westwood Hotel, from 1941. Like many places that were around during the prohibition era, claims of a link to Al Capone were many.The old hotel once faced the Detroit River but was moved inland by a few blocks. It was located off Ojibway Parkway across from the Lou Romano treatment plant. It was a popular place among workers from the Salt Mines and other west end businesses. It was one of Windsor’s old legendary taverns.