Two Views of Walkerville: 1886-1970s
Photography Courtesy Walkerville Publishing
Born as employee housing for a burgeoning whisky distillery, the hamlet known first as Walker’s town evolved into a 19th century model community unlike any other in Canada, possibly even all of North America. Its benevolent dictator, Hiram Walker, conceived of everything to ensure the comfort and well-being of his denizens. From well-constructed and conveniently located housing to free clean running water and electric lights, paved roads, (long before neighbouring Windsor), fire and police protection, a public beach, schools, churches, ferry system, electric trolleys—and even a railroad—Walkerville had it, according to its founder’s tenets and decrees. Images from Walkerville Publishing, authors of “A River Runs Between Us- The Unique Shared History of Detroit and Windsor”.
Published in the May/June 2026 Edition.
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