Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Landmark Leamington home has unique history By C. Scott Holland Leamington is fortunate to have many houses with different architectural styles and one of the most unique is that of 41 John Street. Prior to 1948, Leamington’s house numbers were not structured and often the owner just gave the post office a particular, favourite one. In its early days, what is now known as 41 was formerly 29 and 307. The exact age of construction is unknown, but is believed to be between 1890 and 1904. The two-storey home features concrete bricks supplied by local Howard Roussel and one of the area’s most in-demand architects, William Link, was the contractor and foreman. Other buildings with which he was associated either as an architect or contractor are the federal building (today’s Art Gallery), the Carnegie Library, former Dock Restaurant and warehouse; and an assorted number of local homes, including his own home on Albert St. The original house had a veranda across the front and down the east side and inside, had two staircases leading to four upstairs bedrooms. One of the staircases was the formal one near the front, while the second was a narrow one just off the kitchen. For a number of years the house was operated as an upscale boarding house, taking in visiting bank managers and executives. It was used often by the H. J. Heinz Co. executives and for a couple of decades was nicknamed the “Heinz House.” In 1922, one of the early
boarders there was Fred Paterson, future owner of Paterson’s Dry Goods. Many years later his son Don, became the local MP and his grandson John, would become a Leamington councillor and mayor. In 1951, about 29 years after Fred had boarded at the house, son Jack and his wife Edith purchased the property and moved in with their five children. Jack was one of the founders of Southland Insurance (1955). It was during their tenure that some renovations took place. One of those was the addition of Leamington’s first inground swimming pool. About the same time, the Maynard family on Talbot St. E. and the Otton family on Marlborough St. W. also had inground pools installed. Bill Sherk, a good friend of Alan Paterson at the time, was invited to the pool’s grand opening and has said that it took place on Friday, July 19, 1957. Then, a tennis court was erected in the backyard. By the mid-1960s, its moniker had changed from the Heinz House to that of the Paterson House. The home’s connections to Heinz did not die. In 1980, Gil Morris, a Heinz executive, bought the house and stayed for three years. After sitting vacant for a year, Mike and Connie Martin took possession of it in January 1983. Connie’s husband Mike passed away in 1991 but Connie retained the house and together with the skilled help of Dr. Stephen McDowell, the place has been transformed back to the splendor it possessed in its heyday.
The home at 41 John St. has been known as the Heinz House and the Paterson House over the years. At right, the Carnegie Library. Both structures were creations of architect William Link. Photos from Scot Holland collection
Community Foundation grants funds to struggling charities WINDSOR-ESSEX — The Windsor-Essex Community Foundation is granting $45,000 in phase two of grants from the WECF Emergency Response Fund. A survey conducted in early April found that the most vulnerable in our community are not receiving the services they need when they need it the most. The WECF conducted the survey of 48 local charities to assess the needs of charitable organizations in Windsor Essex County. The results were concerning and required immediate action. The Windsor-Essex Community Foundation (WECF) established the WECF Emergency Response Fund. “In challenging times like these, it is more important than ever for the community to work together, and support one another,” said Lisa Kolody, Executive Director at WECF. Front line organizations receiving emergency grants in this phase of granting are Matthew House Refugee Centre of Windsor, Windsor-Essex Transgender and Allied Support, Harmony In Action, Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex, Windsor Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre and the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Southpoint Sun - 9
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