W.D. Lowe – 1927
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Today’s post features another vintage photograph from the newsrooms of Detroit. No ID on the back of this one, but likely from the Detroit Times. The date stamp on the back reads “Dec. 15, 1927”, however it was clearly not taken in December. It is probably a print made from a much earlier photo. The caption on the back reads:
Windsor is proud of its Technical School
The school was built in 1923, by local the architectural firm of Cameron & Ralston. When the building opened it was known as the Windsor-Walkerville Technical School. It was later renamed W.D. Lowe in honour of the first Principal of the school.
A photo of the 1927 Hockey team, with W.D. Lowe.
The school was closed [around 2004] in 2000, and its future remains uncertain. The building has served as temporary quarters for grade schools while under reconstruction. First for students from Begley, and now currently for the students of John Campbell and the future David Suzuki school.
My favourite part of the photo at the top, is this little side scene along Parent Ave. Two cars parked with a guy looking for something in a wagon… Also note the old streetlight, street sign and the streetcar tracks along Parent.
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I went there in the late 70's.I have very fond memories of Lowe as do lots of others..hate to say it but I think it will be torn down. To build some turd, or worse left to rot
Hi Andrew,
Lowe closed in 2000. My how time flies, no? For those who are not familiar with the school's interior, it boasts a separate apartment on the roof for the custodians who kept the school going 24/7 when it was a technical training school during the war years. There's even a nice little fire place up there. The auditorium has a number of spectacular sculptures of medieval-type men each holding a representation of different aspects of technical education. Then there are the gargoyles [I can get you pictures]...The Principal's office has an exquisitely carved ceiling - intertwining vines and leaves. The room served as the board office for the Windsor-Walkerville Technical School Board. As you can see, you've hit a chord....
Linda, thanks for the information, I've updated the post. I was trying to remember the dates on the rock out front, but couldn't find a photo of it last night... For some reason 2004 sounded right, but I think it was 2003 when Begley was demolished, so that should have been my first clue! 2000, wow almost a decade since it closed.
Is it any wonder why the population is decreasing in the inner-city neighbourhods?
i noticed the old utility poles in the first photo. There is still one standing like that that i pass daily on erie and mcdougall. I have never had the opportunity to see the interior of the building. Some photos of it would be awesome, linda's description has really got me curious!
I agree Andrew. When will the school boards step up to the plate and stop closing inner city schools? Because without schools families will not move to any area.
wow, all those trees are enormous now! the ones in the foreground completly hide Prince Edward school.
another place we can find an old street light post is on ouellette and riverside drive,about half way down the hill on the right. it may even still be in use with a more modern light on it. and by windsor modern i mean 70's turd.
thanks Andrew!
Great article. Would be nice to see some of the interior pictures. Keep up the great work.
Great website Andrew...have you seen what Harry Stinson is doing noq in Hamilton? Wish they could do that here: http://www.stinsonschool.com/links.html
I attended Lowe for grade 9 back in 1968.
The painting of Mr. Lowe which used to hang in the main entrance hall was painted by my uncle (George Fanais) who attended the school himself back in the 1930's.
Aaron i think there's a few of those old utility poles on Tecumseh rd nar Hall ave on the south side of the road they still might be there maybe