Friends of Willistead Manor, Windsor, Ontario

TO SEE OUR LIST OF EVENTS, INCLUDING TOURS, 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 PHOTO GALLERY CLICK HERE | TO VIEW OUR CALENDAR OF EVENTS CLICK HERE



		*March is hoppin' at Willistead Manor!* • Manor Lectures • Manor Tours • Kids' Easter Egg Hunt • Easter Sunday Brunch Download the March event flyer. REGISTER at any City of Windsor Community Centre,online at www.reconnectwindsor.ca, or by calling Willistead Manor at 519-253-2365 or email phenderson@city.windsor.on.ca

PAST EVENTS...
		*Valentine's Day at Willistead Manor* Thanks to all who participated. Doors Open at 6:30 p.m. - Arrive & Enjoy Willistead Manor, Dinner at 7 p.m. Entertainment - Love songs by Johnny D & Featuring Keyboardist Chris Borshuk $75 per ticket

		Lunch and Learn! in Willistead Coach House from noon-2 p.m. Topics: Jan 29 ‘QUILTS WITH A STORY’ Feb 12 ‘BRINGING IT BACK – LOW/MARTIN HOME’ Feb 26 ‘CARING FOR HOME ARCHIVES’ Mar 12 ‘IN THE BOUDOIR’ $15.00 each or all 4 in the series for $55.00 –in Willistead Coach House with hot lunch. An informative talk/fund raiser for the restoration of Willistead Manor. Tickets may be purchased from Kathie at 519 915 3310 or Julia 519 973 9955.

		Willistead Manor decked out for holidays! IN THE MANOR & COACH HOUSE - December, 2012 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 was open for holiday tours during December. Knowledgeable tour guides were on hand to give information about the Manor as well as answer questions.

		The Witches of Willistead Hallowe'en Charity Ball was a blast! October, 2012 THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE FRIENDS OF WILLISTEAD VOLUNTEERS AND MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED THE HALLOWEEN BALL! EVERYONE MADE IT A HUGE SUCCESS!!

		Annual Easter Egg Hunt Willistead Manor Coach House April, 2012 for children ages 3 - 11 Included games, prizes, box lunch, goodie bag and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Coffee and muffins were available for adults with a donation Thanks to everyone that came out to celebrate Spring! Visit our Photo Gallery for more pictures.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Brown		Pre-Christmas/Kick Off in the Manor Afternoon Tea Sunday, November 18 from noon - 3 p.m. Many friends dressed up in their Sunday best and brought their friends for tea. Items were available for purchase. Tours were available. Thanks to all who came.

Friends of Willistead