Windjamming in Port Stanley

A short 30 minute drive south from London, Ontario on the South Shore of Lake Erie lies a once important portal of entry to Canada for landed immigrants; settlers who poured into Southwestern Ontario between the years 1825 and 1875 - Port Stanley. In 1804 John Bostwick was granted 100 acres of land at the mouth of Kettle Creek by his friend, Colonel Thomas Talbot. He settled in the area in the early 1820s and ran an important warehouse and mill. Bostwick can be referred to as the founder of Port Stanley but there were many other early settlers; like Zavitz, Minor, Smith, Stephens, Price, Begg and Mason. Port Stanley was a central as a portal of entry to Canada during the 1800s. 1822 a road had been opened linking the port to St. Thomas and London, and in 1856 the London and Port Stanley railway started operation, connecting Port Stanley to the vast rail network which was spreading across North America.


In 1844, a record number of boats - 148, arrived into the busy little harbour. Along with the droves of people, large merchant ships also arrived carrying bulk cargo; such as, lumber, grain, ore, and coal. The grandest of these merchant sailing ships were known as Windjammers. They had between three and five large masts with square sails. Legend has it, these ships were called "windjammers" because of the sound cast from the large sails. They were designed for long voyages and had the capability to circumnavigate the globe.

A prominent businessman, Samuel Shepard, was a Windjammer engineer, designer, builder, and commander-"Captain" to some of the finest ships to grace Port Stanley harbour. Each year he would award "Shepard Top Hat" to the first boat into the harbour each spring - a tradition that continues today.

Shepard built a beautiful landmark home in 1854 on a corner lot in the SW part of Port Stanley nearly a half kilometre from Lake Erie. Today it remains a beautiful depiction of life in the Victorian Era and a true expression of early settler influences. The inspiration of his house reflected his wealth. It featured classical details known in that era, including a steep roof, and a central chimney. Interestingly, the post at base of stairs as well as the fireplace mantle in the dining room came out of one of Shepard's Ships. The family-friendly plans supported 4 - 5 bedrooms, including a servants quarters which was upstairs over kitchen (there was a staircase).

Today, there are three bedrooms and a carriage house. Very much a part of our Canadian history, this heritage location, is now a Bed & Breakfast with a contemporary dining room that rivals that of fine dining in large suburban areas.

For Availably contact the Windjammer Bed and Breakfast in Port Stanley Ontario

http://patriciabe.wixsite.com/patriciakuhnenbeaver/blog

Post a Comment

Informations From: Taun17

Previous Post Next Post
  • Hugh Everett and His Path Breaking New Theory of Parallel Universe

    It was the American Physicist Hugh Everett III (Birth 11-11-1930 Death: 19-7-1982) who proposed the new path breaking theory of Parallel Universe. He said that the quantum effects cause the universe to constantly split and proposed many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics.Including Niels Bohr... Readmore

  • Children of Light

    Have you ever wondered why the grand battle between good & evil, and light & darkness dominates so many story lines and movie plots? Why are we drawn to these epic clashes between heroes and villains, ultimately hoping that the "good guy" wins and saves the day? I believe it is the internal ... Readmore

  • Increase Intuition and Psychic Dreams With These 25 Magic Affirmations

    You've probably heard about how affirmations can improve your life. Some people claim that you can achieve anything you want with the power of positive thoughts. Anything? Does that mean you can become an NBA superstar, even though you're 5'5", 50 years old, can't jump or run, and aren't a team play... Readmore

  • The Hybrid Mind

    Optimistic researchers are suggesting that digital technology is creating the smartest generation yet, freed from limitations of geography, weather and distance - those pesky inconveniences of the physical world. However, other people, such as philosophers and sociologists including many educators, ... Readmore

  • Personal Growth Expands Your Comfort Zone

    How do you expand your comfort zone? Let's look at some of the things in your past so that you can get clues about how to do what you already do well. Just being aware can help you in expanding your comfort zone!Expand your comfort zone by adding things in that you do and can do. And as you do, allo... Readmore

  • Addicted To The Internet: Not Just For Adolescents

    In our hyper-connected world, it can be all too easy to fall into an addiction to something that most of us consider essential to our daily lives: the magical internet. This addiction may take the form of hours spent reading blogs, or following Facebook links and paths, or even just checking email o... Readmore

  • Empower Your Eyes and Ears to Tune Into What Works Best in Your World of Daily Events

    ***Anytime you wish to do something for your betterment, keep it to yourself, that's until your concept is fully realized or you have a plan in motion. I wish that I could say that people, friends and family are always wanting the best outcome for us, as well as for themselves, but I would be remiss... Readmore

  • We Shall Not Regret The Past (Nor Wish To Shut The Door On It)

    We're engaged in an uncivil war. In this time of fake news, and with even "real" news regurgitating complete falsehoods, it's too easy to get taken off course by things that are deliberately designed to evoke an emotional reaction.It's exhausting and distracting and makes even the most enlightened o... Readmore

  • Happiness and Joy Are Neither Exclusive or As Elusive As You Might Think!

    ***Remember having the ability to find joy in anything? A simpler time- Do you recall when looking forward to sleeping late on Friday evening and Saturday morning was a real treat? Eating ice cream on Sunday, after church services and bible school, was a joyful event most coveted by you as a child? ... Readmore

  • Why Do Some People Lose The Ability To Think Clearly When They're Part Of A Movement?

    In today's world, it is not going to be hard for someone to find a movement to join, and this is down to the fact that there are so many. Now, this is not to say they didn't exist in the past; what it comes down to is that the internet has made it easier to find out about them.Two WaysIf one was to ... Readmore