Spooky Jane's Walk: Sandwich's First Residents and First Residence

1 Hour Historical Cemetery and Architectural Walking Tour

Windsor-Essex Jane's Walk Fundraiser

This heritage tour starts at the corner of Brock and Sandwich streets in front of St. John’s Church, the mother church of the Anglican diocese. The parish was established in 1802, but services preceded that. From there, we go to the adjacent cemetery and learn about several of Sandwich’s earliest residents including William Hands, Alexander Grant, and Reverand Richard Pollard. Participants will also find out about Dr. Hume’s untimely and gory demise, victims of the 1946 tornado and other well-known citizens including J.L. Forster and Dr. William Beasley and his family.

From there, our approximately 10-minute walk will continue down Brock Street towards the river, then right on Russell to the Duff-Bâby Mansion (corner of Russell and Mill). Although the building is closed for restoration, the talk will focus on the exterior architecture and the more than 227 years of its history. We will concentrate on the September 1813 strategic military dinner at which Tecumseh was a guest. Plans are well in the works to re-imagine the historical interpretation of the first floor of the Mansion. Participants will hear about the exciting ideas that Les Amis Duff-Bâby have developed and what people can look forward to once restoration is complete.

Starting location:

Corner of Brock and Sandwich Streets, outside the front door of St John's Church, 3305 Sandwich St., Windsor, ON N9C 1B2

About the host:

The tour will be hosted by David Garlick and Don Wilson from Les Amis Duff-Bâby, a community based volunteer group which supports and promotes the Duff-Bâby Mansion.

About the Fundraiser, Spooky Jane's Walk:

Spooky Jane’s Walk returns October 17–25 with candlelit tours, historic cemeteries, true crime tales, and eerie neighbourhood walks in Leamington, Windsor, and Amherstburg.

Spooky Jane’s Walk is our annual fundraiser for the Jane’s Walk Windsor-Essex Festival, which brings more than 50 free community walks to the region each spring.

Accessibility notes:

• Walk takes place on paved and unpaved paths.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

3305 Sandwich St., 3305 Sandwich Street, Windsor, Canada