Olde Sandwich Towne, Windsor, Ontario

Olde Sandwich Towne  is where Aboriginal nations including the Chippewas, Ottawas, Potowatomis and Wyandots had originally settled in the area.  In 1797, the land was purchased from the Huron Indians and then, in 1858, was given the status of being a "town".  Located along the Detroit River in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, it is one of the oldest and historically significant settlements in Ontario, with many of historical events in Ontario history.  There are many historical buildings that still exist today in Sandwich Towne.  It then amalgamated in 1935 with East Windsor, Windsor and Walkerville and became the City of Windsor.

Some of the more historical points of interest in the area include, The Duff-Baby Mansion.  It is the oldest building in Windsor and, is one of the best preserved Georgian-style houses in Ontario.  It was built between 1792 and 1798 by one of the founding residents of Sandwich Towne.  It was then purchased in 1807 by military officer, James Baby.

The Duff-Baby Mansion

The McGregor-Cowan house, was built in 1805 and is one of the only residential homes in the area.  It was spared from the events of the war of 1812.  During the rebellion of 1837-1838, it was used as an officers quarters.

The McGregor-Cowan house

The Francois Baby House, which was being built in 1812, was commandeered by American Brigadier, General William Hull.  This happened during his invasion of Upper Canada.  The house was abandoned and became a museum in 1958.  As a National Historic Site, today it houses the Windsor Community Museum.

The Francois Baby House

Our Lady of Assumption Church is the oldest, continuous, Catholic Parish in Canada.  It dates back to the Huron Mission of 1728. The church has been built up by dedicated pastors and parishioners and is one of the first buildings you see when you cross the border from Detroit.

Our Lady of Assumption Church

MacKenzie Hall, built in 1855-1856 by Alexander MacKenzie.  He became the second Prime Minister of Canada in 1873.  It served as the County Court House until 1963.  Many memorable trials had been held there.

MacKenzie Hall

The original Windsor Jail, was built in 1926 in Sandwich Towne.  Three stories high and surrounded by 20 foot walls of cement, had enough room to hold 101 inmates.  Expansions were done over the years to make it larger.  Today, it is abandoned and the fate of the building unknown.

Original Windsor Jail

Post Office

Some other notable buildings include the Sandwich Towne Post Office, which is now closed.  Also there was the Dominion House, which still stands today but, was rebuilt after it endured a large fire in 1879.  It was once an Inn for stagecoach travelers going between Windsor and Amherstburg.  It is now one of the oldest taverns still operating in Ontario.

Original Dominion House

These are some of the more prominent buildings in Olde Sandwich Towne.  There are numerous other houses that still stand and are over 150 years old.  They have be remodeled over the years but, some of the original characteristics have been restored.  There is so much more to discover about the buildings and landmarks.  There is also more to discover of the more notable people that settled there and, what events occurred in the area so many years ago, in one of Windsor's more interesting areas.

Various annual festivals take place in Olde Sandwich Towne to celebrate the historical heritage of the area.  They have parades, car shows, ghost tours and Open Doors which allows you entry into some of the buildings.  You can also take your own Historic Walking Your by picking up a guide booklet from MacKenzie Hall.

There are historical murals painted on buildings, many bars with patios and restaurants.  Everything you need can be found there.  From a Farmer's Market, to a Bakery and a small town grocer.  You could spend and entire day exploring the Towne and hanging out by the river where you can find a replica of a Windmill that stood there so long ago.

Written By:  Mike Crawford

Library

Town Hall

Observations from the armchair: Job Fair: Note to Employers

Watching the late news:  Todays Job fair had a great turnout.  Some observational notes mostly for the employers although some are common sense point that should be observed by all.

1. Employers who get interviewed while looking to hire should never say the applications are rolling in but people don't really want to work
2. Employers shouldn't disrespect prospects.  These are people looking for work, not additional humiliation from you or anyone else.
3. Job fairs are for employers looking to hire; NOT for schools to pick-up new students.  
4. People looking for work don't want to show up to an event promising work only to find     themselves hounded about signing up for training courses or commission sales.
5. Offer a decent wage.  If you expect to hire a better crop of employees, you need to pay better than minimum wage.
6. You should be respectful. As an applicant (or employer); respect for others begins with respecting yourself by dressing appropriately and behaving professionally.
7. And finally:  No one owes you anything.  Before you leave your home (regardless of who you are), put your bad attitude on a shelf and greet the world with a smile. 

That's it for my observations from the armchair.

~ Nancy

Microbreweries and Brewpubs: The latest craze has hit Windsor.

Microbreweries and Brew-pubs are becoming more and more popular.  People are searching for beer and ales of a different flavour and unique to the region.  Something different and often more flavourable compared to beer that is mass produced.  They prefer beer that is fresh and hasn't sat around in bottles, for who knows how long.  Even with expiry dates, it is not as fresh!

A Microbrewery or a Craft Brewery produce smaller amounts of beer.  They are independently owned and operated and very small compared to corporate breweries.  They are known for their quality, unique flavours and brewing techniques.  Each owner puts a lot of effort in their processing to make themselves stand out from the rest.

Micro-brewing began in the United Kingdom in the 1970's.  Artisan brewing had existed in European countries for centuries and eventually spread to other countries.  When the breweries began to expand production and distribution, they made deals with pubs, restaurants and other establishments that sold alcohol to showcase their local beer and ales.  The number of brewpubs, restaurants and pub houses that brew and sell there products on their own premises has been rising rapidly.

The popular Walkerville Brewery was founded by Hiram Walker in 1890.  In 2012, it became what it is today.  This brewery was one of the first to start the trend of brew-pubs.  Motor Burger was the first restaurant in Windsor to stop the sales of domestic beer and sell only their product under the name of Motor Craft Ales.  A couple of other breweries in the area are Midian Brewing and Jack's Gastropub in Kingsville.  All of which are more like small, cozy, Mom and Pop businesses with all focus on creating a quality beer for the people.

Owners believe in adding more breweries in the region to keep up the "keep it local" movement. Properties in Windsor are fairly cheap and breweries that are already in operation encourage other business people to become part of the trend.  The more there are, the larger the variety of beer and ales there is.  It's job creation, adds to the economy and gives Windsor something fresh and unique to be known for, even though, microbreweries are becoming a thing everywhere.

In 2013, the Windsor Craft Beer Festival was founded.  Something that beer lovers in Windsor-Essex can call their own and enjoy.  The festival, in it's first year, attracted many that live outside of the Windsor-Essex region.  This year, organizers are hopeful that the number of attendees will be higher.  New breweries have been developed and are operating throughout the city since last year.  More people have come to like the idea of having something a bit different to do.  Each brewery will have it's own signature beer and will be more than happy to serve it to you!  You will find some of Ontario's best craft brews and great food from some of the regions best restaurants and pubs.

This year's Windsor Craft Beer Festival will be held in Historic Olde Walkerville. For two days, October 17 (5:00pm to 10:30pm) and Saturday October 18 (3:00pm-10:30pm).  Times subject to change.

More information can be found at windsorbeerfestival.com

Written By:  Mike Crawford

Could Windsor, Ontario Become A Retirement Destination?

The Windsor-Essex Active Retirement Community Initiative, is hoping that local politicians will support turning this region into a retirement haven.  They believe this is an excellent idea and are planning to approach the city council for part of the funding to help this become a reality.

Since the launch of this initiative five years ago, 1,042 new families have come to this region.  They have come from Toronto, Ottawa, Alberta and Quebec, just to name a few places.  They didn't just up and move here.  They were brought here by the organizers of the Initiative to tour the area for a few days.  A couple of the families have purchased homes in the Walkerville area, others have bought student housing as an investment and others have come here to start businesses.  Some that toured the area are planning a second visit in the near future to do further research on the region.  Most of the families that have moved here are 50 and over with a plan to establish themselves by securing businesses and investments to live a comfortable retirement.

One of many parks found along the Detroit River

Windsor ranked 3rd in a list of retirement spots across the country.  With hot summers, various bodies of water, wineries  and easy access to the US, it's becoming more of a hot spot for tourists and families alike.  

There is plenty to do here. Downtown, there is a thriving nightlife with numerous clubs, restaurants and a big attraction, Caesar's Windsor Casino.  There are also a lot of festivals, river cruises, sculpture gardens and more that continue on all summer long.  Windsor is also becoming a popular port of call for large cruise ships that can carry 400-500 people to stop and enjoy the city.  It's with hope that more cruise ships will visit as the years go by, boosting our economy and helping the city flourish even further.

Other points of interest that can be found in the region, for example, are Point Pelee and Leamington which are popular for their beaches, picnic areas and farms that sell fresh produce at stands along the way.  Parks and nature trails can be found throughout the area for biking, hiking and exploring the different vegetation and wildlife indigenous to the area.  With the history in the area, there are also a lot of Historical points of interest to enjoy.

The Windsor-Essex Active Retirement Community Initiative has a positive outlook on the progression of this idea and the growth and popularity of the Windsor-Essex region.

Written By:  Mike Crawford

Peace Fountain located in the Detroit River.

The annual International Freedom Festival fireworks
on the Detroit River