• Sheila Wisdom
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• December 02, 2019
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• Community Services and Parks Standing Committee
• Corporation of the City of Windsor
• City Hall Windsor, ON
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• RE: Committee Agenda, December 04, 2019. Item 8.3. Report S2I4/2019
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• I am writing as a resident of Windsor in support of the use of the !Duff-B aby Mansion at 221 Mill St. for public municipal use of part of this historic building.
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• ljhe Administrative Report acknowledges that the Duff-Baby Mansion lis "one of the most significant late eighteenth century landmarks in Upper Canada." According to some historians, it is considered to be the oldest building in Ontario. The Duff Baby Mansion provides an entry point to the history of our region, the French settlements, the War of 1812, the early fur trade and the area's pivotal role in the Underground Railroad. What better way is there to tell these stories and broaden public appreciation of our history than to open the doors of the Duff Baby Mansion to the public on a regular basis?
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• Historic buildings can teach us more than the history that happened before we were born. They can cultivate pride of our past and our heritage. Through interpretive programs, they can promote respect and understanding for those who lived in different times and different societies. The role of Les Amis !Duff-B aby is an important factor as the Committee and City Council consider this report. The group is offering, on a volunteer basis, to work with Museum Windsor to help animate the Mansion and bring its history and the history of the region to life, to help deepen the public's appreciation and understanding of the history that has shaped our region.
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• The Report offers the Committee and City Council two options. I heartily support Option I, for the lease of the first floor of the Duff-Baby Mansion with the change proposed by Les Amis Duff-Baby which would allow for public access twenty (20) days per year.
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• The City of Windsor has demonstrated its commitment to the historical importance of Sandwich over many years through several initiatives including the operation of Mackenzie Hall and the installation of the Tecumseh/Brock monument. It has also shown its commitment to the Sandwich area as a neighbourhood that needs to be supported and encouraged. Option I, with increased access of twenty days per year, is consistent with the City's commitment to Sandwich, both as a neighbourhood and an area of historic significance.
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• Thank you for your consideration.
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• Sheila Wisdom