Kelsey Wheel Company

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• Well, I'm too young to remember much about it, but my Grandfather was the grounds keeper fr Kelsey for many many years. I'm thankful for Kelsey as they were responsible for my Grandfather's/Mother's livelihood up to the day of their passing. My grandfather often brought home the old wheels which they were disposing of, and would display them for friends and family. He may have even bought some of them! Fond memories for me as I lived with my grandparents for a good many years of my life...

• I believe that Veltri Stamping has gone by the way. The new owner is Flex-n-Gate.

• I believe Kelsey Hayes was the last operating rail serviced industry on the old Essex Terminal Railway Factory Spur. The ETR Factory Spur branched off of the main line at the Lincoln Rd. Yard and pretty much paralleled Hanna St for the most part. The tracks crossed Hall, Langlois, Parent, Elsmere, Marentette, Howard, Mercer, Mcdougall, curved North across Ellis and Shepherd, then curved back across Mcdougall again, and then curved north again crossing Giles, going to the old Hupmobile plant (later International Playing Card).

  The short branch line serviced many industries on McDougall and Howard in the area such as Champion Park Plug, Kelsey Hayes, etc. The tracks were torn up shortly after Kelsey Hayes shut down if I recall correctly.

• In the early 50's my dad, mother and uncle left their farms in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan and drove to Windsor fleeing from the "Great Depression" of that era. He'd hoped to find gainful employment in the automobile industry. Thirty years later, my dad retired from Kelsey Hayes! Dad never missed a day of work in all that time except for a bereavement leave to go back to Saskatchewan for his mother's funeral.

  I remember the first time I ever picked dad up after an afternoon shift at the factory. My mom and I were sitting in the car waiting for his shift to end, when all of a sudden this loud buzzer sound penetrated the air! Not long afterward, all the men inside including my father came running out of the building! My dad jumped in the car as I moved over and let him take over the wheel. I asked him, "Why did all the men come running out like that?" He looked over at me and laughed. He replied, "They do that every night. Some men are running to hit last call at the bars. Other men are running home to their families and wives." I remember thinking how lucky we were that dad was in the latter category! I also remember how his paychecks put food upon our table and allowed us to take vacations every single year! I also remember how his benefits paid for my his 3 year stay in a nursing home and finally, my mother's nursing home costs as well.

  Thank-you Kelsey Hayes for the fond memories over the years!

• typo...The second last line should read: I also remember how his benefits paid for HIS 3 year stay in a nursing home and finally, my mother’s nursing home costs as well.

• It's tragic that for today's Windsorites, a factory providing even a decent life (going on vacations, paying for certain extras that make life meaningful) is something that only the previous generation can recall on a first hand basis.

  I was always taught in this society that the world was supposed to get better for the generations of people that followed us, and get better for their children, and theirs, and so on. It seems we have retracted and de-evolved in a sense, where the aspiration of being a part of the middle class is as vacant a pipe dream for some as wanting to win the lottery.

• good post brendan. I agree with you 100%.Its very tough out there right now

• Damned politicians who sold out the country in the name of "globalization" and profit.

• Brendan, it has been noted (I can't remember where I read it, I think it was in Maclean's Magazine) that this (our) generation will be the first generation since records kept that a previous generation has left LESS of a future than the previous one.

  What that means is less opportunity for good jobs, good economy, environment, good gov't, low debt, social nets, infrastructure etc...Yup, it is gong to be tought but I know I will leave my family in better shape. Of course I will have to battle the city on a daily basis but I am willing. Is anyone else?

• your part of closing is correct somewhat true but the real story was that of the politicans like george said sold us out it was a great company and treated the employees very well so when it closed in 1990 i was also out of work after 22 years of service anyways that was continuing story of free trade