P5913

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Details

ID Number

P5913

Item Name

Image

Title

Parade at the Fountain in Wigle Park / Défilé dans le parc Wigle près de la fontaine

Title (Fre)

Défilé dans le parc Wigle près de la fontaine

Date

1909/08/03

Description

Black and white photograph of a fountain in Wigle Park in Windsor; the fountain is large and round; there are cement seats around a drinking fountain; the centre of the fountain is a tall cement structure with leaves and foliage in the middle; on the left side of the fountain there are five young men; on the right side, at the back, there are seven young men in military uniforms and helmets; on the right side at the front there is a man standing in a suit and hat; behind the fountain is a tall wooden fence; a man is visible on the left side and houses are visible behind;

History

Wigle Park was established in 1908. It was Windsor's first official park and the field house remains the oldest park structure in the city. Bounded by Erie, McDougall and Mercer Streets, the property was acquired from Mrs. F.J. Holton in 1906, via a tax sale. Construction at the site began in 1907 and official opening ceremonies were held in 1909. Named after Colonel Ernest Samuel Wigle, a two-term Windsor Mayor (1905-1909; 1936-1937) the park's development played an important symbolic role in the area. Today, the Erie Street area is a perennial favourite with tourists. Wigle, known simply as "The Colonel," was a proud descendent of United Empire Loyalist stock. He had a distinguished career in public office and was a powerful force behind the park's estblishment. In keeping with Ernest Wigle's lifelong interest in athletics, Wigle Park is today a relatively high profile sports park, featuring a soccer field and a softball diamond. A variety of playground equipment is also available at the park.

Place made

Canada - Ontario - Windsor

Collection Name

Museum Windsor

Subjects

Erie St. / Rue Erie

Fountains / Fontaines

Houses / Maisons

McDougall St. / Rue McDougall

Men / Hommes

Mercer St. / Rue Mercer

Military officers / Officiers militaires

Old Boys Club / Club Old Boys

Old Boys Reunion / Réunion Old Boys

Wigle Park / Parc Wigle

Wigle, Ernest Samuel