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A Chronological Glimpse
The Ursulines
The Growth of Glengarda
Photo Album 1919-1997
April 17, 1896 (registered June 18)
John Curry, banker (whose wife was Frances Arabella Curry), acquires the eastern part of Farm Lot 111, Concession 1, from Olivier Janisse, farmer (wife, Sophie Janisse), paying $8,500.
Extending from the Detroit River to Tecumseh Road, the strip of land had been bequeathed to Janisse by his father, Henry Janisse. (Will registered February 1, 1888).
Fourteen years earlier, Curry (1854-1912) had subdivided one of his properties on Windsor's near west side, naming the street Curry Avenue. (See Plan 245: registered Nov. 25, 1882)
July 3, 1905 (registered August 4)
The Township of Sandwich East passes By-law 517, extending Ottawa Street (now Wyandotte Street) from Strabane to Lauzon. Curry subsequently donates .7 of an acre for its right of way.
July 15, 1909
Tracy William McGregor, a Detroit lawyer (wife, Katherine W. McGregor), purchases Curry's 71.17 acres of Farm Lot 111. The following day the Evening Record newspaper announces:
"John Curry sells summer home...The property...comprises in all about 72 acres. It is a beautiful spot. The consideration is in the neighborhood of $20,000. Mr. McGregor will immediately commence the erection of a new stone house."
December 22, 1913 (registered January 27, 1915)
Joseph L. Reaume, Barnaby and Denis Janisse, Percy Gardner, and Tracy W. McGregor subdivide parts of Farm Lots 110 and 111. (See Plan 776)
Named "Reaume Gardens", it extends south from Wyandotte Street to the railway tracks, and east from Pillette. New streets include Lawrence, Dawson, and Raymo.
Reaume would subsequently donate a small section of his farm, adjacent to the river, with the stipulation that it be named "Reaume Park".
August 28, 1919 (registered November 28, 1921)
McGregor agrees to sell his farm--which now contains 69.10 acres--to Josephine Gaukler (a widow), of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, for $125,000 American dollars. She, in turn, presents it as a gift to her daughter, Mother Clare (born Mary Gaukler), superior-general of the Ursulines of the Diocese of London to be used as a convent.
Included in the sale is McGregor's handsome stone and stucco home, garage, and gate-keepers house, along with his livestock and farm machinery.
"Tracy McGregor built the magnificent home more like a European castle than the residence of an American businessman," proclaims the Evening Record (See July 14, 1923).
Mother Clare immediately names the property "Glengarda" after Italy's picturesque Lake Garda, birthplace of St. Angela Merici, founder of the Ursuline Order in 1535.
- McGregor permitted the Sisters to occupy the farm, with restrictions, until the final payment was made by Josephine Gaukler in 1921.
- The width of the farm was approximately 380 feet along the riverfront and nearly 288 feet on Tecumseh Road.
- Though known to many simply as Glengarda, the official name given by Mother Clare to the buildings and property was "Glengarda Ursuline Academy of Our Lady of Prompt Succor".
- Lake Garda (Italian LAGO DI GARDA) is the largest of Italy's 1,500 lakes. It is 34 miles long and from 2 to 11 miles wide, and lies at the foot of the Alps, 65 miles east of the City of Milan.
- An ancient pear tree once stood in front of the McGregor house on Sandwich Street (now Riverside Drive), remaining an area landmark for generations.
"The tree stands so close to the sidewalk", declared the Border Cities Star of July 14, 1923, "that a passer-by can almost touch its 3-foot trunk with his hand as he passes...It is the centerpiece for the luxuriant barberry hedge, which separates the Glengarda grounds from Sandwich Street."
"There the tree stands", rhapsodized the newspaper, "squarely in the centre of the hedge, seemingly acting as a sentinel...a glorious representative of the past, giving its fruit in season and by night listening to the soft rippling of the river as it flowed past its abode."
- "Fronting the home and adorning the entrance is a wonderful collection of Italian marbles," reports that same issue of the Border Cities Star. "They include lawn seats, vases, and beautiful pedestals, tastefully arranged throughout the grove of pines, Lombardy poplars, fruit trees, and other foliage which surrounds the mansion. A terraced slope to the river's edge perfects the lovely picture."
- There was formerly a connection between the Gaukler family and the Murray Building, which occupies the northeast corner of Pitt and Ferry streets. Built as a livery stable in 1900, it was acquired by William Dominic Murray in 1912, hence the building's name. Following Murray's death in January 1943, the building was bequeathed to his niece, Mary Louise Gaukler (died June 1950), sister-in-law of Mother Clare.
May 17, 1923 (registered June 19)
The Ursulines acquire the house and property immediately west of Glengarda from Anna Janisse, representing the Estate of her husband, Denis J. Janisse. Costing $50,000, the property is nearly 200 feet wide and extends from the river to Ottawa Street (now Wyandotte Street).
According to the Evening Record of June 19, 1923: "Purchase of the property by the Ursuline Sisters is said to have been made in accordance with the plans of the order to erect a large seminary and other buildings."
- Denis J. Janisse (who died May 16, 1922 at the age of 54), had inherited the property from his father Barnaby Janisse. After the acquisition by the Ursuline Sisters, the Janisse home was converted into a music academy (a few of the Sisters providing music lessons to the general public).
- Over the years, the Sisters disposed of much of their property, including parcels for Corpus Christi High School (now F.J. Brennan), Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, and what later became the Polonia Park subdivision. They also sold 573 feet (2.96 acres) on the north side of Riverside Drive in 1971 for the extension of Reaume Park and the creation of Coventry Gardens.
- Much of what currently remains of Glengarda - measuring 7.02 acres- is from the 1923 purchase by the Ursulines.
September 17, 1929 (registered October 24)
The Sisters donate to the City of East Windsor, a small strip of land along the north side of Tecumseh Road, so that it can be widened.
- East Windsor, known as Ford City until 1929, was amalgamated with Windsor in 1935.
October 1935
Through the inspiration of Sister Kathleen Taylor (born Margaret Taylor), Glengarda, formerly a quiet convent for the Ursuline Sisters, is now a bustling boarding school for mentally retarded children.
- In the 1920s, Sister Kathleen Taylor was asked to take a course in Toronto on the mentally retarded at the suggestion of her inspector. Shortly thereafter, she taught retarded children at De LaSalle School in Windsor.
"I often thought how much more could be done for them if one had them for 24 hours a day instead of five hours," Sister Kathleen would later say. "So much was undone by the environment in which they lived, which was geared to the normal child."
With her appointment as Mother Superior of the Glengarda convent in 1933, Sister Kathleen was in a position to realize her dream. She presented her plan for a boarding school for the mentally retarded to the General Council at the mother house in Chatham. After some time the idea was approved.
- The McGregor house was given the name Villa Clare and functioned both as convent and school. It was also the residence for the girls.
Alterations were made to the interior during the summer of 1937, and the building expanded the following year, to accommodate the growing number of students.
- The large McGregor garage was remodeled and became Villa Francis to house the boys. The buildings were named for both Mother Clare and Francis O. Gaukler, her brother. Their family had donated the farm to the Ursuline Sisters.
- The first students came not from Windsor, but from Detroit, Cleveland, and the State of Wisconsin. Sister Noreen in 1995 admitted: "If it wasn't for our friends across the river, Glengarda wouldn't have lasted the first year. When it opened, parents were not ready to admit their child might be a slow learner, or mentally handicapped."
- In the early years of the school, the older boys were encouraged to do odd jobs on the farm (south of Wyandotte Street). This allowed them to work off their excess energy and get practical experience at the same time.
- After the new convent and school was finished in 1939, Glengarda continued to train the mentally retarded through the 1950s. With the creation of the Windsor Association for the Mentally Retarded and construction of new training facilities, Glengarda gradually shifted its focus to those children with learning disabilities or behavior problems.
- Sister Mary Esther was the school's first principal, remaining in that position until 1967 when replaced by Sister Mary Hogan. Sister Theresa Mahoney was named principal in 1981.
October 13, 1938
The first sod for the new Glengarda convent and school -to be built immediately west of Villa Clare- is turned by Mother Clare and Mother Genevieve. It will be built of brick and stone, and topped with a red tile roof, to harmonize with the architecture of Villa Clare, Villa Francis, and the gate-keepers house.
- Windsor architect, James C. Pennington, prepared the plans; the contractor was the Pigott Construction Company, of Hamilton.
According to Mr. Pennington at the time: "The Ursuline Sisters had been renting buildings during recent months, and the new building will make it possible to concentrate their activities on their own property."
November 25, 1938
The laying of the cornerstone ceremonies with Most Rev. John Thomas Kidd, Bishop of the London Diocese, presiding.
August 1939
The opening of the new 3-story convent and school. Its prominent feature is the stately bell tower. The ground floor contains the kitchens, dining rooms and chapel. The upper two floors contain classrooms and the Sisters' living quarters.
November 15, 1939
The solemn blessing of the chapel and formal opening of the new school by Most Rev. John Thomas Kidd.
October 3, 1951
Cornerstone ceremonies are held for Glengarda's Villa Joseph--the new residence for boys--which was built on the grounds behind the school. Rt. Rev. Wilfrid J. Langlois presides. Sealed into the stone is a copper box containing a history of the Ursuline Sisters, prepared by Mother St. George.
- Villa Joseph was opened at the beginning of 1952. It replaced Villa Francis which was converted into a classroom.
Sunday, February 17, 1952
Most Rev. John C. Cody, Bishop of the London Diocese, presides at services marking the official opening and blessing of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
- Land for the church had been donated by the Ursuline Sisters of Glengarda (registered July 4, 1958).
- Originally intended to be a temporary structure, the first Our Lady of Guadalupe Church was built on the east side of Raymo Road, a short distance south of Wyandotte Street.
Sod-turning ceremonies were celebrated on October 3, 1951, and the first mass said in the church on December 23 of that year. Until its completion, services were held in the chapel at Glengarda.
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish was formed on July 1, 1951, having absorbed parts of the parishes of St. Rose de Lima and Our Lady of the Rosary.
Wednesday, December 8, 1953 Official opening and blessing of Corpus Christi High School (now F.J. Brennan), by Most Rev. John C. Cody, Bishop of the London Diocese.
- The site had been donated by the Ursuline Sisters of Glengarda (registered July 4, 1958).
- The school was built next to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Raymo Road. Windsor architects, Johnson-McWhinnie, prepared the plans; the contractor was Eastern Construction.
In 1954 a new wing was added to the school. Another expansion occurred in 1964-65 with the construction of a new building (designed by Trace & Glos), adjacent to the older structure. The school name was then changed to F.J. Brennan, in honor of Msgr. Brennan, of Windsor, who died in 1964.
April 29, 1957 (registered July 4, 1958)
For the nominal fee of $2, the Sisters make it official and transfer ownership of land--presently occupied by Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Corpus Christi High School--to The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of the Diocese of London.
- The parcel of land extended 724 feet south on Raymo from Wyandotte Street. The width broadened from 100 feet frontage on Wyandotte to 206 feet on the southern perimeter.
- Mother Kathleen was the superior-general of the Ursulines at the time; Mother Mary Jane, the secretary-general.
March 11, 1960 (registered March 25) The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of the Diocese of London acquires additional land to the rear of the church and school, from the Sisters.
- Paying $43,060, it extends their Wyandotte Street frontage another 256 feet, six inches to the east.
- Mother St. David was the superior-general; Mother Mary Jane, the secretary-general.
October 15, 1963 (registered June 8, 1964)
With the anticipated expansion of Corpus Christi High School, the London Diocese purchases another 11.95 acres from the Sisters, paying $20,000.
- Mother St. David was the superior-general; Mother Mary Jane the secretary-general.
- On June 7, 1965 (registered August 18), the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of the Diocese of London conveyed the bulk of its property on Raymo, excepting that of the church, to the Windsor Separate School Board for $316,945.00.
A narrow strip, measuring slightly more than 20 feet frontage on Raymo and extending back (east) about 351 feet, was registered on November 21, 1967, selling for $500.
January 15, 1968 (registered February 14)
The Sisters sell their property south of the railway tracks (38.18 acres) to the Sun Construction & Equipment Company Ltd.
- With a length of more than 5,100 feet, and a Tecumseh Road frontage of 288 feet, Sun Construction immediately transfers ownership to Bonheur Investments Ltd., who in turn sells to Marchland Holdings Ltd.; the latter registered on February 12, 1970.
- On September 29, 1978, the Polish Canadian Centre Association of Windsor acquired a large proportion of the property--extending from South National to Milloy Street--paying $1,008,330. They subsequently developed 21 of the acres into a residential subdivision known as Polonia Park.
The company also set aside an additional seven acres to the south of the subdivision--between Guy and Milloy streets--for a municipal park.
1970
The provincial government agrees to subsidize Glengarda.
- In 1968 Sister Mary Hogan began the frustrating task of seeking financial assistance from the various provincial ministries. But it was not until 1969 that the Ministry of Community and Social Services indicated that Glengarda could request approval under the Homes for Retarded Persons Act. Approval came in 1970.
- This meant that there would no longer be any cost to Ontario residents enrolling a child in Glengarda's day school.
- The government also agreed to cover 80 percent of the cost for Glengarda's resident students; the remaining 20 percent to be paid by the families.
For those who could not afford the tuition, families paid the Sisters only what they could. The school's shortfall would be made up through donations and fund-raising activities by the Sisters.
- Government subsidies enabled the school to hire more staff to give the children more individual attention; it also meant that Ontario students would now have priority over American.
April 26, 1971 (registered May 21)
The Sisters sell 573 feet of riverfront property (2.96 acres), to the City of Windsor for $171,900, for the expansion of Reaume Park and the creation of Coventry Gardens.
November 1972
Ground-breaking ceremonies for the new gymnasium wing. Building renovations are also being carried out to the existing structure. Total cost for the gymnasium and renovations is projected to be about $260,000.
- The gymnasium was completed in the spring of 1973.
June 1977
Trustees of the Windsor Separate School Board clear the way for the Glengarda School for Exceptional Children (as it was then called), to be brought under the board's jurisdiction.
- The school must now observe the philosophy of the Ministry of Education's guidelines. The Sisters are free however to adapt them to their own special needs.
The Sisters still retain ownership of the premises and are responsible for all maintenance and upkeep of the building and property.
August 26, 1988
A section of property, nearly 200 feet in width along the eastern boundary of Glengarda, between Riverside Drive and Wyandotte Street--occupied by the Sisters since 1919--is sold to Heimathof Retirement Home Inc., a non-profit company made up of German businessmen.
- Their plans were to build a seniors' apartment building near Wyandotte Street, using a low-interest federal-provincial loan. Plans also called for the eventual construction of two more buildings on the property extending back to Riverside Drive. (Only two of the towers would be built.)
- The Heimathof Company immediately stirred controversy with their decision to demolish Villa Clare (the old McGregor home), along with the elimination of an old majestic black oak tree, both situated near Riverside Drive.
They also demolished the gate-keepers house. It formerly stood on Wyandotte Street near the entrance of their present driveway.
City records indicate that the demolition permit for Villa Clare was issued November 3, 1988 and the work completed by February 6, 1989.
- In October 1989, Windsor's forester, Bruce McGauley, told city council that the 125-year-old black oak, which was ten stories high, was a "prize specimen" and "could live to be about 400."
On December 23, 1994, two days before Christmas, the tree was cut down, along with nine other mature trees, including a massive mulberry tree.
- For many years the gate-keepers house was occupied by the maintenance staff of Glengarda. Many may remember Casey Klomp. In more recent times the house was used by the Sisters as a residence.
1989
The Sisters demolish Villa Francis (originally the McGregor garage). Measuring 30 X 20 feet, the permit was issued by the City of Windsor on June 26, 1989.
1991
New playground equipment is installed behind the Glengarda school along with the construction of a new running track.
1997
Glengarda Child and Family Services, a provincially sponsored agency (no longer under the jurisdiction of the Ursulines), is currently using the school building to counsel and provide education to some 66 emotionally troubled children.
The building still retains its function though, as a convent for the Sisters.
August 14, 1997
An affiliated company of Mady Development Corporation acquires the remaining 7.02 acres of Glengarda owned by the Ursuline Sisters, including the school building. The Sisters subsequently relocate to the Ursuline convent in Chatham.
Thursday, June 11, 1998
In appreciation of their many years of dedicated service, statues of Ursuline Sisters are unveiled in a quiet ceremony at Reaume Park, across from Glengarda.
August/September 1998
Villa Joseph and the Glengarda school building (with the exception of the chapel) are demolished, the 7.02 acres to be replaced by condominiums.
- Mady Development was quite prepared to save at least part of the school building and incorporate it into their planned condominium project. These plans were scuttled, however, when the company encountered stiff resistance from local heritage groups, unprepared to compromise.
- Sculptures occupying the property have been saved by Mady Development and will compliment the new development.