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[td][/td] [td]The '''Devonshire Lodge''', also known as the '''Low{{ndash}}Martin House''', is a [[mansion]] located in the [[Walkerville, Ontario|Walkerville]] neighbourhood of [[Windsor, Ontario]], Canada. Commissioned by the rum-runner Harry Low in 1927 and designed by George Lawton, likely with input from Low, the mansion and its accompanying [[coach house]] was built in the style of a [[Cotswold architecture|Cotswold cottage]] and completed in 1928. After Low defaulted on his mortgage, the building was sold in 1938 and in 1949. In 1961, it was purchased by [[Paul Martin Sr.]], the [[Member of Parliament (Canada)|Member of Parliament]] representing [[Essex East (electoral district)|Essex East]]. The family lived there Martin's death in 1995. By 2008, the Lodge required extensive renovations, which were ultimately undertaken over a two-year period by Vern Myslichuk after he purchased it in 2012. The Devonshire Lodge was designated under the ''[[Ontario Heritage Act]]'' in 2008.[/td]
[td]The '''Devonshire Lodge''', also known as the '''Low{{ndash}}Martin House''', is a [[mansion]] located in the [[Walkerville, Ontario|Walkerville]] neighbourhood of [[Windsor, Ontario]], Canada. Commissioned by the rum-runner Harry Low in 1927 and designed by George Lawton, likely with input from Low, the mansion and its accompanying [[coach house]] was built in the style of a [[Cotswold architecture|Cotswold cottage]] and completed in 1928. After Low defaulted on his mortgage, the building was sold in 1938 and in 1949. In 1961, it was purchased by [[Paul Martin Sr.]], the [[Member of Parliament (Canada)|Member of Parliament]] representing [[Essex East (electoral district)|Essex East]]. Martin lived there until his death. By 2008, the Lodge required extensive renovations, which were ultimately undertaken over a two-year period by Vern Myslichuk after he purchased it in 2012. The Devonshire Lodge was designated under the ''[[Ontario Heritage Act]]'' in 2008.[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]==Description==[/td]
[td]==Description==[/td] [td]The Devonshire Lodge was built by Harry Low, a [[Rum-running in Windsor, Ontario|rum-runner active in the Windsor area]].{{sfn|May|2014}} Low, a [[tool and die maker]] by training, had moved to Windsor from [[Ottawa]] in 1919 to take advantage of the economic boom that followed the end of the First World War. After the passage of [[prohibition in the United States]], Low became the accredited agent for several [[Montreal]]-based breweries. He began smuggling operations and also operated a [[pool hall]] with an illegal gambling den.{{sfn|Henderson|2015}} By 1927, Low owned a large warehouse and several vessels. Seeking to build a house that reflected his new wealth,{{sfn|Henderson|2015}} he retained the architect George Lawton to design him a mansion.{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}}[/td]
[td]The Devonshire Lodge was built by Harry Low, a [[Rum-running in Windsor, Ontario|rum-runner active in the Windsor area]].{{sfn|May|2014}} Low, a [[tool and die maker]] by training, had moved to Windsor from [[Ottawa]] in 1919 to take advantage of the economic boom that followed the end of the First World War. After the passage of [[prohibition in the United States]], Low became the accredited agent for several [[Montreal]]-based breweries. He began smuggling operations and also operated a [[pool hall]] with an illegal gambling den.{{sfn|Henderson|2015}} By 1927, Low owned a large warehouse and several vessels. Seeking to build a house that reflected his new wealth,{{sfn|Henderson|2015}} he retained the architect George Lawton to design him a mansion.{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}}[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]The building was designed in the style of a Cotswold cottage,{{sfn|May|2014}} though Low likely provided input into its architectural elements;{{sfn|May|2014}} according to the writer Gary May, Low likely drew inspiration from the architecture he had taken with his wife Nellie seen during a trip to Europe several years prior.{{sfn|Henderson|2015}} Construction costs are reported to have been between CA$130,000{{sfn|May|2014}} and CA$150,000 (equivalent to between CA${{inflation|CA|130000|1927|2023|fmt=c|r=-5}} and CA${{inflation|CA|150000|1927|2023|fmt=c|r=-5}} in 2023). The Lows occupied the mansion from 1928.{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}} Through his rum-running activities, Low worked with members of the [[Detroit]]-based [[Purple Gang]] as well as the [[Chicago]]-based mobster [[Al Capone]]; both were reported to have attended the Lodge while conducting business with Low.{{sfn|May|2014}}[/td]
[td]The building was designed in the style of a Cotswold cottage,{{sfn|May|2014}} though Low likely provided input into its architectural elements;{{sfn|May|2014}} according to the writer Gary May, Low likely drew inspiration from the architecture he had seen during a trip to Europe several years prior.{{sfn|Henderson|2015}} Construction costs are reported to have been between CA$130,000{{sfn|May|2014}} and CA$150,000 (equivalent to between CA${{inflation|CA|130000|1927|2023|fmt=c|r=-5}} and CA${{inflation|CA|150000|1927|2023|fmt=c|r=-5}} in 2023). The Lows occupied the mansion from 1928.{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}} Through his rum-running activities, Low worked with members of the [[Detroit]]-based [[Purple Gang]] as well as the [[Chicago]]-based mobster [[Al Capone]]; both were reported to have attended the Lodge while conducting business with Low.{{sfn|May|2014}}[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]===Paul Martin===[/td]
[td]===Paul Martin===[/td] [td]In the 1930s, after being suspected of murdering a bookkeeper and committing [[tax evasion]], Low came under increased scrutiny. This, together with several failed investments, ultimately led to his bankruptcy.{{sfn|May|2014}} He and his wife vacated the Lodge in 1934, after it failed to reach its asking price at auction. In subsequent decades, the mansion changed ownership several times. In October 1938, Low's [[mortgage broker]] sold the building to Helen Wells for CA$28,000 (equivalent to CA${{inflation|CA|28000|1938|2023|fmt=c|r=-5}} in 2023); she occupied it until her death in 1949, after which the Lodge was sold to the car dealer Donald Duff for CA$25,000 (equivalent to CA${{inflation|CA|25000|1949|2023|fmt=c|r=-5}} in 2023).{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}}[/td]
[td]In the 1930s, after being suspected of murdering a bookkeeper and committing [[tax evasion]], Low came under increased scrutiny. This, together with several failed investments, ultimately led to his bankruptcy.{{sfn|May|2014}} He and his wife vacated the Lodge in 1934, after it failed to reach its asking price at auction. In subsequent decades, the mansion changed ownership several times. In October 1938, Low's [[mortgage broker]] sold the building to Helen Wells for CA$28,000 (equivalent to CA${{inflation|CA|28000|1938|2023|fmt=c|r=-5}} in 2023); she occupied it until her death in 1949, after which the Lodge was sold to the car dealer Donald Duff for CA$25,000 (equivalent to CA${{inflation|CA|25000|1949|2023|fmt=c|r=-5}} in 2023).{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}}[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]Devonshire Lodge was purchased by [[Paul Martin Sr.]] and his wife Alice in 1961.{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}} Martin was a lawyer who had first been elected to the [[Parliament of Canada]], representing [[Essex East (electoral district)|Essex East]], in the [[1935 Canadian federal election|1935 election]], and had held several [[Cabinet of Canada|Cabinet]] roles; in 1969, he was made the [[Leader of the Government in the Senate (Canada)|Leader of the Government in the Senate]].{{sfn|Parliament of Canada, Paul Martin}} Consequently, during their tenure the Lodge hosted the [[Prime Minister of Canada|prime ministers]] [[Lester Pearson]] and [[Pierre Trudeau]].{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}} Another frequent guest was the couple's son, [[Paul Martin, Jr.|Paul]], who would travel there during university holidays;{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}} he became prime minister of Canada in 2003.{{sfn|CBC|2020}} He recalled that he and his younger sister would frequently, but fruitlessly, search the basement for a tunnel to the [[Detroit River]] that Low was rumoured to have used in his rumrunning.{{sfn|May|2014}} The Martins remained occupants of the lodge until their deaths.{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}}[/td]
[td]Devonshire Lodge was purchased by [[Paul Martin Sr.]] and his wife Nelly in 1961.{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}} Martin was a lawyer who had first been elected to the [[Parliament of Canada]], representing [[Essex East (electoral district)|Essex East]], in the [[1935 Canadian federal election|1935 election]], and had held several [[Cabinet of Canada|Cabinet]] roles; in 1969, he was made the [[Leader of the Government in the Senate (Canada)|Leader of the Government in the Senate]].{{sfn|Parliament of Canada, Paul Martin}} Consequently, during their tenure the Lodge hosted the [[Prime Minister of Canada|prime ministers]] [[Lester Pearson]] and [[Pierre Trudeau]].{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}} Another frequent guest was the couple's son, [[Paul Martin, Jr.|Paul]], who would travel there during university holidays;{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}} he became prime minister of Canada in 2003.{{sfn|CBC|2020}} He recalled that he and his younger sister would frequently, but fruitlessly, search the basement for a tunnel to the [[Detroit River]] that Low was rumoured to have used in his rumrunning.{{sfn|May|2014}} The Martins remained occupants of the lodge until their deaths.{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}}[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]===Subsequent owners===[/td]
[td]===Subsequent owners===[/td]
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[td][/td] [td]The '''Devonshire Lodge''', also known as the '''Low{{ndash}}Martin House''', is a [[mansion]] located in the [[Walkerville, Ontario|Walkerville]] neighbourhood of [[Windsor, Ontario]], Canada. Commissioned by the rum-runner Harry Low in 1927 and designed by George Lawton, likely with input from Low, the mansion and its accompanying [[coach house]] was built in the style of a [[Cotswold architecture|Cotswold cottage]] and completed in 1928. After Low defaulted on his mortgage, the building was sold in 1938 and in 1949. In 1961, it was purchased by [[Paul Martin Sr.]], the [[Member of Parliament (Canada)|Member of Parliament]] representing [[Essex East (electoral district)|Essex East]]. The family lived there Martin's death in 1995. By 2008, the Lodge required extensive renovations, which were ultimately undertaken over a two-year period by Vern Myslichuk after he purchased it in 2012. The Devonshire Lodge was designated under the ''[[Ontario Heritage Act]]'' in 2008.[/td]
[td]The '''Devonshire Lodge''', also known as the '''Low{{ndash}}Martin House''', is a [[mansion]] located in the [[Walkerville, Ontario|Walkerville]] neighbourhood of [[Windsor, Ontario]], Canada. Commissioned by the rum-runner Harry Low in 1927 and designed by George Lawton, likely with input from Low, the mansion and its accompanying [[coach house]] was built in the style of a [[Cotswold architecture|Cotswold cottage]] and completed in 1928. After Low defaulted on his mortgage, the building was sold in 1938 and in 1949. In 1961, it was purchased by [[Paul Martin Sr.]], the [[Member of Parliament (Canada)|Member of Parliament]] representing [[Essex East (electoral district)|Essex East]]. Martin lived there until his death. By 2008, the Lodge required extensive renovations, which were ultimately undertaken over a two-year period by Vern Myslichuk after he purchased it in 2012. The Devonshire Lodge was designated under the ''[[Ontario Heritage Act]]'' in 2008.[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]==Description==[/td]
[td]==Description==[/td] [td]The Devonshire Lodge was built by Harry Low, a [[Rum-running in Windsor, Ontario|rum-runner active in the Windsor area]].{{sfn|May|2014}} Low, a [[tool and die maker]] by training, had moved to Windsor from [[Ottawa]] in 1919 to take advantage of the economic boom that followed the end of the First World War. After the passage of [[prohibition in the United States]], Low became the accredited agent for several [[Montreal]]-based breweries. He began smuggling operations and also operated a [[pool hall]] with an illegal gambling den.{{sfn|Henderson|2015}} By 1927, Low owned a large warehouse and several vessels. Seeking to build a house that reflected his new wealth,{{sfn|Henderson|2015}} he retained the architect George Lawton to design him a mansion.{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}}[/td]
[td]The Devonshire Lodge was built by Harry Low, a [[Rum-running in Windsor, Ontario|rum-runner active in the Windsor area]].{{sfn|May|2014}} Low, a [[tool and die maker]] by training, had moved to Windsor from [[Ottawa]] in 1919 to take advantage of the economic boom that followed the end of the First World War. After the passage of [[prohibition in the United States]], Low became the accredited agent for several [[Montreal]]-based breweries. He began smuggling operations and also operated a [[pool hall]] with an illegal gambling den.{{sfn|Henderson|2015}} By 1927, Low owned a large warehouse and several vessels. Seeking to build a house that reflected his new wealth,{{sfn|Henderson|2015}} he retained the architect George Lawton to design him a mansion.{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}}[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]The building was designed in the style of a Cotswold cottage,{{sfn|May|2014}} though Low likely provided input into its architectural elements;{{sfn|May|2014}} according to the writer Gary May, Low likely drew inspiration from the architecture he had taken with his wife Nellie seen during a trip to Europe several years prior.{{sfn|Henderson|2015}} Construction costs are reported to have been between CA$130,000{{sfn|May|2014}} and CA$150,000 (equivalent to between CA${{inflation|CA|130000|1927|2023|fmt=c|r=-5}} and CA${{inflation|CA|150000|1927|2023|fmt=c|r=-5}} in 2023). The Lows occupied the mansion from 1928.{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}} Through his rum-running activities, Low worked with members of the [[Detroit]]-based [[Purple Gang]] as well as the [[Chicago]]-based mobster [[Al Capone]]; both were reported to have attended the Lodge while conducting business with Low.{{sfn|May|2014}}[/td]
[td]The building was designed in the style of a Cotswold cottage,{{sfn|May|2014}} though Low likely provided input into its architectural elements;{{sfn|May|2014}} according to the writer Gary May, Low likely drew inspiration from the architecture he had seen during a trip to Europe several years prior.{{sfn|Henderson|2015}} Construction costs are reported to have been between CA$130,000{{sfn|May|2014}} and CA$150,000 (equivalent to between CA${{inflation|CA|130000|1927|2023|fmt=c|r=-5}} and CA${{inflation|CA|150000|1927|2023|fmt=c|r=-5}} in 2023). The Lows occupied the mansion from 1928.{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}} Through his rum-running activities, Low worked with members of the [[Detroit]]-based [[Purple Gang]] as well as the [[Chicago]]-based mobster [[Al Capone]]; both were reported to have attended the Lodge while conducting business with Low.{{sfn|May|2014}}[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]===Paul Martin===[/td]
[td]===Paul Martin===[/td] [td]In the 1930s, after being suspected of murdering a bookkeeper and committing [[tax evasion]], Low came under increased scrutiny. This, together with several failed investments, ultimately led to his bankruptcy.{{sfn|May|2014}} He and his wife vacated the Lodge in 1934, after it failed to reach its asking price at auction. In subsequent decades, the mansion changed ownership several times. In October 1938, Low's [[mortgage broker]] sold the building to Helen Wells for CA$28,000 (equivalent to CA${{inflation|CA|28000|1938|2023|fmt=c|r=-5}} in 2023); she occupied it until her death in 1949, after which the Lodge was sold to the car dealer Donald Duff for CA$25,000 (equivalent to CA${{inflation|CA|25000|1949|2023|fmt=c|r=-5}} in 2023).{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}}[/td]
[td]In the 1930s, after being suspected of murdering a bookkeeper and committing [[tax evasion]], Low came under increased scrutiny. This, together with several failed investments, ultimately led to his bankruptcy.{{sfn|May|2014}} He and his wife vacated the Lodge in 1934, after it failed to reach its asking price at auction. In subsequent decades, the mansion changed ownership several times. In October 1938, Low's [[mortgage broker]] sold the building to Helen Wells for CA$28,000 (equivalent to CA${{inflation|CA|28000|1938|2023|fmt=c|r=-5}} in 2023); she occupied it until her death in 1949, after which the Lodge was sold to the car dealer Donald Duff for CA$25,000 (equivalent to CA${{inflation|CA|25000|1949|2023|fmt=c|r=-5}} in 2023).{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}}[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]Devonshire Lodge was purchased by [[Paul Martin Sr.]] and his wife Alice in 1961.{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}} Martin was a lawyer who had first been elected to the [[Parliament of Canada]], representing [[Essex East (electoral district)|Essex East]], in the [[1935 Canadian federal election|1935 election]], and had held several [[Cabinet of Canada|Cabinet]] roles; in 1969, he was made the [[Leader of the Government in the Senate (Canada)|Leader of the Government in the Senate]].{{sfn|Parliament of Canada, Paul Martin}} Consequently, during their tenure the Lodge hosted the [[Prime Minister of Canada|prime ministers]] [[Lester Pearson]] and [[Pierre Trudeau]].{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}} Another frequent guest was the couple's son, [[Paul Martin, Jr.|Paul]], who would travel there during university holidays;{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}} he became prime minister of Canada in 2003.{{sfn|CBC|2020}} He recalled that he and his younger sister would frequently, but fruitlessly, search the basement for a tunnel to the [[Detroit River]] that Low was rumoured to have used in his rumrunning.{{sfn|May|2014}} The Martins remained occupants of the lodge until their deaths.{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}}[/td]
[td]Devonshire Lodge was purchased by [[Paul Martin Sr.]] and his wife Nelly in 1961.{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}} Martin was a lawyer who had first been elected to the [[Parliament of Canada]], representing [[Essex East (electoral district)|Essex East]], in the [[1935 Canadian federal election|1935 election]], and had held several [[Cabinet of Canada|Cabinet]] roles; in 1969, he was made the [[Leader of the Government in the Senate (Canada)|Leader of the Government in the Senate]].{{sfn|Parliament of Canada, Paul Martin}} Consequently, during their tenure the Lodge hosted the [[Prime Minister of Canada|prime ministers]] [[Lester Pearson]] and [[Pierre Trudeau]].{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}} Another frequent guest was the couple's son, [[Paul Martin, Jr.|Paul]], who would travel there during university holidays;{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}} he became prime minister of Canada in 2003.{{sfn|CBC|2020}} He recalled that he and his younger sister would frequently, but fruitlessly, search the basement for a tunnel to the [[Detroit River]] that Low was rumoured to have used in his rumrunning.{{sfn|May|2014}} The Martins remained occupants of the lodge until their deaths.{{sfn|Windsor Public Library, Devonshire Lodge}}[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]===Subsequent owners===[/td]
[td]===Subsequent owners===[/td]
Continue reading...
