Holiday cheer returns to Willistead Manor

Sunday afternoon may have been dreary outside, but inside was a sparkling showcase of holiday decor at the Willistead Manor in Walkerville.

The 36-room mansion was originally built in 1906 by Detroit architect, Albert Kahn for local distillery founder, Hiram Walker’s son, Edward Walker.

“He asked him to build a house in this 15 acres of parkland here to make it look as if it was 100 years old. And he did,” said Brenda Clayton. “And they went all over the place, gleaming ideas, to make this as much of an English Mansion as they could find.”

Clayton recently retired from being the president of ‘Friends of Willistead’  after 35 years. The volunteer organization works hard to keep the traditions of the Manor alive and share its history with the public. At 92, Clayton said she still helps dozens of volunteers bring the magic of the holidays every year to the historic gem on Niagara Street.

“It has a lot of history in the community aside from the historical part. But it’s lovely to have it decorated every year, and people to come in and enjoy it.”

Clayton said the Walker family had no children of their own, so would open up their house during the holidays and welcome neighbourhood families over for any occasion.

“It was their way of enjoying the neighbours and everybody was very happy and they’d come through here,” said Clayton.

Local children Sebastian, Simone and Spencer De Verteuil are holding true to the Walker tradition and have a great appreciation for the Manor.

“It gives me such an impression of culture,” said Sebastian. “It just gives me the English feel but it’s also personalized Canadian-ness, if you know what I mean.”

Simone and Spencer had some favourite moments of their own.

“My favourite part was the Conservatory ‘cuz I love plants and like nature and that kind of stuff,” says Simone.

“My favourite part was the decorations and how beautiful they are and how decorative the trees are,” says Spencer.

The heritage building was a library and an art gallery for 50 years before being turned into a public space. It is now used for weddings, receptions, celebrations and other special events.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Windsor-Essex Food Bank Association.

Tours are available:

Sundays — Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesdays  — Dec. 4 and 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission is $6.25 for adults, $5.25 for seniors and students, $2.75 for children ages 12 and under. Advance tickets are not required