Windjamming in Port Stanley

Windjamming in Port Stanley

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 within the area within the early 1820s and ran a crucial warehouse and mill. Bostwick is often mentioned because the founding father of Port Stanley but there have been many other early settlers; like Zavitz, Minor, Smith, Stephens, Price, Begg, and Mason. Port Stanley was a center 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 harbor. alongside the droves of individuals, large merchant ships also arrived carrying bulk cargo; like lumber, grain, ore, and coal. The grandest of those merchant sailing ships were referred to as Windjammers. that they had between three and five large masts with square sails. Legend has it, these ships were called "windjammers" due to the sound cast from the massive sails. They were designed for long voyages and had the potential to circumnavigate the world.

A prominent businessman, Samuel Shepard, was a Windjammer engineer, designer, builder, and commander-"Captain" to a number of the best ships to grace Port Stanley harbor. annually he would award "Shepard Top Hat" to the primary boat into the harbor each spring - a practice that continues today.

Shepard built a gorgeous landmark range in 1854 on a corner lot within the SW a part of Port Stanley nearly a half kilometer from Lake Erie. Today it remains a gorgeous depiction of life within the Victorian Era and a real expression of early settler influences. The inspiration for his house reflected his wealth. It featured classical details known therein era, including a steep roof, and a central chimney. Interestingly, the post at the base of stairs also because the fireplace mantle within the dining room came out of 1 of Shepard's Ships. The family-friendly plans supported 4 - 5 bedrooms, including a servant's quarters which was upstairs over the kitchen (there was a staircase).

Today, there are three bedrooms and a coach house. considerably a neighborhood of our Canadian history, this heritage location, is now a Bed & Breakfast with an up to date dining room that rivals that of fine dining in large suburban areas.

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