Friends of Willistead Manor, Windsor, Ontario

TO SEE OUR LIST OF EVENTS, PAST AND PRESENT CLICK HERE

is a non-profit, volunteer organization in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. We raise funds for the preservation, restoration and acquisitions for Willistead Manor in olde Walkerville.

We've been around for about 30 years and currently have 57 volunteer members.
Membership is just $15 per year and thirty hours of volunteer time per year. Young and old, we need your help!

Willistead Manor was built by Edward Chandler Walker, second son of Hiram Walker, and his wife Mary Elizabeth Griffin Walker. Construction began in 1904 and was completed in 1906. Mr. Walker called Willistead home until his death in 1915. Mrs. Walker continued to live at the house until she moved to Washington D.C. in 1921.

The heirs and family of E.C. Walker then deeded the property to the town of Walkerville at which time it became home of the Walkerville Town Council and a library. In the 1940s it also became the home of the Art Gallery of Windsor. It served as both library and gallery until 1979 when it was deemed too small for both. At this point, the house was considered for demolition, if not for the forward-thinking group of concerned people who spearheaded the movement to save this beautiful building!

Having been completely renovated, the building was once again opened to the public and tours given throughout the year. The house can also be rented for occasions such as weddings, corporate meeting and private parties. The house is also decorated in December for the holidays and opened to the public. We conduct tours for a modest cost per person. Tours are booked through the Manor office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. To book at tour, please call the Willistead Manor office at 519-253-2365.

Come and check it out! We'd love to have you!

TO SEE OUR SEPTEMBER FASHION SHOW PHOTO GALLERY CLICK HERE



Photo courtesy of Kevin Brown		Willistead Manor is decked out for holidays! IN THE MANOR & COACH HOUSE 1899 Niagara Street (at Kildare Street, Windsor) Friends of Willistead volunteers decorated twelve rooms in the mansion with Christmas trees, ornaments, wreaths and other holiday designs. We have been decorating the mansion for over ten years. The mansion will be open for holiday tours during December. Tours run on Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., except for Christmas Day. Admission is $5.50 for adults, $4.50 for seniors, and $2 for children. Knowledgeable tour guides will be on hand to give information about the Manor as well as answer questions. Groups of 25 or more may book a private tour through the office. Call 519-253-2365.

PAST EVENTS...
		The Witches of Willistead ball was a blast! Thank you to everyone who supported us and danced the night away! We hope everyone had as much fun as we did putting this event together! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!
		"Granny Car Wash" August, 2011 at Walter D. Kelly Funeral Home 1969 Wyandotte Street East at Devonshire This event was a huge success - we plan on repeating this next year. Many thanks to the Walter D. Kelly Funeral Home THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT CAME OUT AND GOT WASHED BY GRANNY!
Photo courtesy of Kevin Brown		The Friends of Willistead Art in the Park June, 2011 Annual "Courtyard Cafe" Thanks to all who came by and had lunch with us! Convenient box lunches were served in the courtyard during Art in the Park. This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year.
Photo courtesy of Kevin Brown		Spring Bonnet Tea Sunday, May, 2011 at the Willistead Manor Entertained by the Sweet Adelines Tea followed in the North Gallery Come by next year!
		3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt Willistead Manor Coach House April, 2011 for children ages 3 - 11 Included games, prizes, box lunch, goodie bag and a visit from the Easter Bunny. The Cupcake Bake Sale was a hit. Coffee and muffins were available for adults with a donation Thanks to everyone that came out to celebrate Spring!
Photo courtesy of Kevin Brown		December Christmas at the Manor enjoyed by many! IN THE MANOR & COACH HOUSE 1899 Niagara Street (at Kildare Street, Windsor) The Manor was in all its holiday glory! The Friends of Willistead plan this event all year long. All rooms were decorated with beautiful holiday themes. Knowledgeable tour guides were on hand to give information about the Manor as well as answer questions. Groups of 25 or more may book a private tour through the office next December. See you next year!
Photos courtesy of Phyllis Chant Photography		The Friends of Willistead Harvest Sale-a-bration! October, 2010 IN THE COACH HOUSE 1899 Niagara Street (at Kildare Street, Windsor) Gently used Hallowe'en and Christmas house and garden decorations, as well as books and baked goods, were on sale with all proceeds going to the Friends of Willistead for the preservation and restoration of Willistead Manor. A great way to spend a cool, autumn afternoon!
		The Friends of Willistead The Way We Were Fashion Show & Tea September, 2010 The Vintage Fashion Show & Tea at The Manor was a huge success. There were fashions dating back to the late 1800s up to the 1980s displayed and modelled. A full high tea was served after with delicious sandwiches, scones, and desserts. Many thanks to the volunteer seamstresses and vivacious models who strutted their stuff. A special thank you to the amazing makeup artists from Shoppers Drug Mart at Huron Line, and the professional hairstylists from Marvel Beauty School. A very special thank you to our guests, who by attending, help take us closer to our goal - raising funds to help further the preservation and restoration of Willistead Manor - one of Windsor's great gems. TO SEE OUR UPDATED PHOTO GALLERY CLICK HERE

		The Friends of Willistead Open House September, 2010 1899 Niagara Street (at Kildare Street, Windsor) Great turnout for the event - a great success! Dozens of new people showed up to tour Willistead Manor and meet our membership. Interested in a tour? Call the Willistead Manor office at 519-253-2365 Learn about the history of the Manor and see where you might fit in as a volunteer! BECOME A VOLUNTEER TODAY! CONTACT US...

Friends of Willistead