This region’s rich history in the liquor trade will be explored in an upcoming exhibition, and the Windsor Museum is calling on the community to help tell the story.
The museum is seeking donations of memorabilia – photos, artifacts, clothing, accessories and other items – related to the Prohibition era and the circulation of rum, the Canadian Club Whiskey and the company’s founder, Hiram Walker, and more.
Mayor Drew Dilkens appealed to the public on Monday in City Hall’s Hiram Walker Conference Room, which features his own collection of memorabilia that he lends to the museum.
“I’m asking everyone to search your basements, search your closets, search your boxes of things that have been in the garage or in the attic for a while, and let it be old bottles like this which you’re probably never going to open… think of the city of Windsor and think of our museum and how we can use your artifacts to help tell our story,” Dilkens said.
The temporary exhibition is scheduled for summer 2024. It will be called Windsor’s Prohibition History.
The objects would be kept as part of the museum’s collection so that those who donate can be sure that the objects will be preserved for generations.
Exhibits coordinator Craig Capacchione said the museum will also be accepting items on loan.
“The important thing is to look quickly and reach out right away. That’s how we organize an exhibition like this.”
The City of Windsor is unveiling a bronze statue of Hiram Walker in Walkerville on Saturday and is hosting other events as part of its 206th anniversary celebrations.
Museum Windsor is looking for articles on the following topics:
- Windsor’s Prohibition Era (1920s to 1930s).
- Hiram Walker.
- Walker family.
- Canadian club.
- Distillery Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd. / JP Wiser Distillery.
- Local breweries and distilleries.
- Equipment used in the production of alcohol.
- Flowing rum.
- Local gangsters (eg The Purple Gang).
To make an appointment for a donation, call Museum Windsor at 519-253-1812 or email wmuseum@citywindsor.ca.
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