Windjamming in Port Stanley

A 30-minute drive south of London, Ontario, on the southern shore of Lake Erie, is a gateway to Canada that was once important to immigrants who made landfall; settlers who came to southwestern Ontario between 1825 and 1875 – Port Stanley. In 1804, John Bostwick was given 100 acres of land at the mouth of Kettle Creek by his friend, Colonel Thomas Talbot. He settled in the area in the early 1820s and ran a large warehouse and mill. Bostwick can be referred to as the founder of Port Stanley, but there were many other early settlers; like Zavitz, Minor, Smith, Stephens, Price, Begg, and Mason. Port Stanley was a central gateway to Canada during the 19th century. In 1822 a road was opened linking the port with St. Thomas and London, and in 1856 the London and Port Stanley Railroad began operating, connecting Port Stanley to the vast rail network that stretched across North America.

In 1844, a record number of ships, 148, arrived at the busy port. Along with the crowds of people, large merchant ships carrying bulk cargo also arrived; such as wood, cereals, ores and coal. The greatest of these merchant ships were known as Windjammers. They had between three and five large masts with square sails. Legend has it that these boats were called “windjammers” because of the sound emitted by the large sails. They were designed for long trips and had the ability to go around the world.

A prominent businessman, Samuel Shepard, was Windjammer’s engineer, designer, builder and commander, “Captain” of some of the finest ships that graced Port Stanley Harbor. Each year it awarded a “Shepard Top Hat” to the first ship to arrive in port each spring, a tradition that continues today.

Shepard built a beautiful iconic home in 1854 on a corner lot in the southwestern part of Port Stanley, almost a half kilometer from Lake Erie. Today it remains a beautiful depiction of life in Victorian times and a true expression of early settler influences. The inspiration for his home reflected his wealth. It featured classic details known at the time, including a steep ceiling and a central fireplace. Interestingly, the post at the base of the stairs, as well as the fireplace mantel in the dining room, came off one of Shepard’s ships. Family plans allowed for 4-5 bedrooms, including a utility room that was upstairs over the kitchen (there was a staircase).

Today, there are three bedrooms and a carport. A very important part of our Canadian history, this historic location is now a Bed & Breakfast with a contemporary dining room that rivals fine dining in great suburban areas.

For availability, contact Windjammer Bed and Breakfast in Port Stanley, Ontario.