A brief 30 minute drive south from London, Ontario on the South Shore of Lake Erie lies a as soon as necessary 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 on the mouth of Kettle Creek by his pal, Colonel Thomas Talbot. He settled within the space within the early 1820s and ran an necessary warehouse and mill. Bostwick might be known as the founding father of Port Stanley however there have been many different early settlers; like Zavitz, Minor, Smith, Stephens, Value, Begg and Mason. Port Stanley was a central as a portal of entry to Canada in the course of the 1800s. 1822 a street had been opened linking the port to St. Thomas and London, and in 1856 the London and Port Stanley railway began operation, connecting Port Stanley to the huge rail community which was spreading throughout North America.
In 1844, a document variety of boats – 148, arrived into the busy little harbour. Together with the droves of individuals, giant service provider ships additionally arrived carrying bulk cargo; akin to, lumber, grain, ore, and coal. The grandest of those service provider crusing ships had been often called Windjammers. That they had between three and 5 giant masts with sq. sails. Legend has it, these ships had been referred to as “windjammers” due to the sound forged from the big sails. They had been designed for lengthy voyages and had the potential to circumnavigate the globe.
A outstanding businessman, Samuel Shepard, was a Windjammer engineer, designer, builder, and commander-“Captain” to among the best ships to grace Port Stanley harbour. Annually he would award “Shepard Prime Hat” to the primary boat into the harbour every spring – a practice that continues right this moment.
Shepard constructed an attractive landmark dwelling in 1854 on a nook lot within the SW a part of Port Stanley practically a half kilometre from Lake Erie. At present it stays an attractive depiction of life within the Victorian Period and a real expression of early settler influences. The inspiration of his home mirrored his wealth. It featured classical particulars identified in that period, together with a steep roof, and a central chimney. Apparently, the submit at base of stairs in addition to the fireside mantle within the eating room got here out of considered one of Shepard’s Ships. The family-friendly plans supported 4 – 5 bedrooms, together with a servants quarters which was upstairs over kitchen (there was a staircase).
At present, there are three bedrooms and a carriage home. Very a lot part of our Canadian historical past, this heritage location, is now a Mattress & Breakfast with a up to date eating room that rivals that of advantageous eating in giant suburban areas.
For Availably contact the Windjammer Mattress and Breakfast in Port Stanley Ontario
