Old Newspaper StoriesPostcards

Wyandotte Hotel

This large brick building on the north west corner of Wyandotte and Parent has had a long history as a place to grab a drink. Built in 1909, and designed by local architects Jacques & Williamson, it was erected by Alex Campeau as the Wyandotte Hotel. It was built on the site of a previous hotel which this new three story brick version replaced. It appears that it remained named the Wyandotte…
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DetroitOld Newspaper StoriesWindsor

The First Fireworks - 1959

After a few years away due to COVID the annual fireworks returned to the riverfront this year in spectacular fashion. However it got me thinking about the history of the fireworks, and exactly how the first ones were handled in the media… I decided to go back through old newspapers and see how that first fireworks display was handled back in 1959. From July 4, 1959, 63 years ago…
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Notable WindsoritesOld Newspaper Stories

Chief Clarence DeFields 1877-1965

Today we take a look at the life and times of Chief Clarence DeFields, Windsor’s longtime Fire Chief. He was a fireman with the Windsor Fire Department from 1900-1916 when he became the chief. He served as Fire Chief for 30 years, from 1916 until his retirement at the…
ChurchesLost WindsorOld Newspaper Stories

Christ The King Church and The Baseball All-Star

Formerly located at Dominion & Grand Marais in South Windsor, was the now demolished church of Christ The King. The parish was established in 1928, with plans to erect a place of worship at Curry & Richardie Boulevard, near St. Mary’s Academy. I am unable to determine if that original church was ever built. In 1946 architect J. C. Pennington drew up plans for the church at…
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Notable WindsoritesOld Newspaper Stories

Fred Neal - 1855-1931

Fred Neal was a local historian, who’s early work “Township of Sandwich, Past & Present” left us an invaluable record of early days in Sandwich. If you don’t have a copy, or have never read it, a copy can be found here…