Riverside, Ontario
Encyclopedia
Riverside is a neighbourhood on the eastern edge of Windsor, Ontario
. It is best defined by the waterfront road, Riverside Drive, which runs parallel to the Detroit River
. The western boundary is approximately Westminster Boulevard running easterly to Rendezvous Shores and the Windsor/Tecumsh townline.
Riverside was a town until annexed by Windsor on Jan. 1, 1966. It truly extends all the way to Tecumseh to the East but that 3 mile stretch along Riverside Dr. of waterfront property and farms, is what would retrospectively be called a Hamlet in the city plans.
A short distance to the east existence or growth of Riverside was French Canadian
farms or cottages for US residents. Both demographics appreciated the idyllic location of the South east coast of Lake St. Clair
. The natural draw of this area persists to this day. A linear park called the Ganatchio trail
is a heavily used greenway that found its genesis in this area. The park itself might be considered before its time. High costs have been endured since its creation. The park is so heavily used now that it is integral to life in Riverside for many residents. The cost may now seem lower as it is more closely related to the humanity because of higher use. It has been extended beyond the watercourse and spurned adjoining greenways.
Olde Riverside, as a "named" area within Riverside consists of ideally humble and larger discrete high quality aged homes and tree lined grid streets, portraying a Home Journal facade and probable lifestyle. Also a strip of commercial interests along Wyandotte which have resisted 'the mall' influence.
Riverside contains a broad economic range of residential properties. A very diverse history and a somewhat rebellious nature has somehow influenced the culture of the neighborhood as a whole.
.
Grand Taverns of Riverside
The history of the Town of Riverside (1921 to 1966) has been published and recently released by local historian Richard A. Fullerton. (www.riversideontario.weebly.com)
Windsor, Ontario
Windsor is the southernmost city in Canada and is located in Southwestern Ontario at the western end of the heavily populated Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. It is within Essex County, Ontario, although administratively separated from the county government. Separated by the Detroit River, Windsor...
. It is best defined by the waterfront road, Riverside Drive, which runs parallel to the Detroit River
Detroit River
The Detroit River is a strait in the Great Lakes system. The name comes from the French Rivière du Détroit, which translates literally as "River of the Strait". The Detroit River has served an important role in the history of Detroit and is one of the busiest waterways in the world. The river...
. The western boundary is approximately Westminster Boulevard running easterly to Rendezvous Shores and the Windsor/Tecumsh townline.
Riverside was a town until annexed by Windsor on Jan. 1, 1966. It truly extends all the way to Tecumseh to the East but that 3 mile stretch along Riverside Dr. of waterfront property and farms, is what would retrospectively be called a Hamlet in the city plans.
Overview
Riverside was fortunate to have evolved to a place of residence for the people of means enough to afford transportation costs out of the city along the Detroit River. This tradition continues as the idyllic location along the River has maintained a high standard of property value.A short distance to the east existence or growth of Riverside was French Canadian
French Canadian
French Canadian or Francophone Canadian, , generally refers to the descendents of French colonists who arrived in New France in the 17th and 18th centuries...
farms or cottages for US residents. Both demographics appreciated the idyllic location of the South east coast of Lake St. Clair
Lake Saint Clair (North America)
Lake St. Clair is a fresh-water lake named after Clare of Assisi that lies between the Province of Ontario and the State of Michigan, and its midline also forms the boundary between Canada and the United States of America. Lake St. Clair includes the Anchor Bay along the Metro Detroit coastline...
. The natural draw of this area persists to this day. A linear park called the Ganatchio trail
Parks in the city of Windsor, Ontario
Windsor's Department of Parks and Recreation maintains of green space, 180 parks, of trails, of sidewalk, 60 parking lots, vacant lands, natural areas and forest cover within the City of Windsor, as well as the Bike Trails, Bike Lanes, and Bike-Friendly Streets....
is a heavily used greenway that found its genesis in this area. The park itself might be considered before its time. High costs have been endured since its creation. The park is so heavily used now that it is integral to life in Riverside for many residents. The cost may now seem lower as it is more closely related to the humanity because of higher use. It has been extended beyond the watercourse and spurned adjoining greenways.
Olde Riverside, as a "named" area within Riverside consists of ideally humble and larger discrete high quality aged homes and tree lined grid streets, portraying a Home Journal facade and probable lifestyle. Also a strip of commercial interests along Wyandotte which have resisted 'the mall' influence.
Riverside contains a broad economic range of residential properties. A very diverse history and a somewhat rebellious nature has somehow influenced the culture of the neighborhood as a whole.
Historical
Prohibition had a sizable influence on this area. The proximity to the monied interests of the U.S. led to the flourishing of several taverns that served not only as watering holes but as ties for American interests to secure alcohol. A party atmosphere persists to this day. Summer weekends still find the eastern end of Riverside Drive heavily used as many of Windsor's residents take part in this spirit and a drive through Riverside has the same draw today as it has since the dawn of the Motor CityDetroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
.
Grand Taverns of Riverside
- Edgewater Thomas' Inn (formerly Abars)
- Island View Tavern
- Rendezvous Tavern
- Menard's Tavern
- Lauzon Stop House
- Wolf's Hotel
The history of the Town of Riverside (1921 to 1966) has been published and recently released by local historian Richard A. Fullerton. (www.riversideontario.weebly.com)