Riverside, Ontario

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/Tecumseh town line. That town line is formally defined by a drainage ditch to the Eastern side of the Rendezvous property. Rendezvous Shores is a recent development on the lands which were a large grass field between a marine basin and the Rendezvous Tavern, the Tavern was approximately 1150feet south from the Lake St. Clair shore and the marine basin, while the adjoining properties were a maximum 800feet, thus the marine basin jutted out into the southwest corner of Lake St. Clair. Most of the structure was break wall which was later landfilled to the east, and on most marine charts is referred to as Askin's Point. 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 extent (or growth) of Riverside was French Canadian farms or cottages for US residents. Both demographics appreciated the idyllic location of the South West 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 within Essex County and maybe the "Trail" concept to adjoin counties.

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 City.

Grand Taverns of Riverside

• Edgewater Thomas Inn
• Island View Tavern (known as Abars)
• Rendezvous Tavern
• Menard's Tavern
• Lauzon Stop House
• Wolf's Hotel

References

The history of the Town of Riverside (1921 to 1966) has been published and recently released by local historian Richard A. Fullerton.