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Nineteenth Century

The 19th century is one of expansion and consolidation for the francophone community. Immigration from Québec, which had never really stopped, increases dramatically after 1830 due to an economic crisis in Lower Canada, and again after 1854, with the construction of the Great Western Railroad, the first railroad through south-western Ontario. Throughout the 19th century, north-eastern Essex County and south-western Kent County are settled by these continuous waves from Québec; the communities of Tecumseh, Belle Rivière, St-Joachim, Pointe- aux-Roches, Trudel (Tilbury), Pain Court and Grande Pointe are founded during this period.

Following the surrender of Détroit to the Americans in 1796, a great number of Loyalists settle along the south shore. Windsor, established in 1836, remains the centre of this flourishing Francophone community. With increasing immigration, however, commercial districts begin to lose their French character. The Francophones who remain and prosper are the ones who can adapt to the new conditions.

Francophones continue to have an important influence in the cultural and social development of the city.

Francophones take part in the economic and industrial development of the area. Some continue to work in traditional crafts, while others pursue new opportunities and enterprises.

Mrs. Thomas Bondy at the Spinning Wheel, end of 19th or beginning of 20th century, "Township of Sandwich" by Frederick Neal (The Record Printing Co., 1909), P8450
additional text 		Mrs. Antoine Bondy, "Township of Sandwich" by Frederick Neal (The Record Printing Co., 1909), P8452
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Jules Robinet Store, Tecumseh, 1879, Courtesy of Lucielle Becigneul
additional text 		Workers on the New York Central Railroad, Comber, 1872, P5876
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Mrs. Antoine Bondy and Léo Pagé's store, Ojibway, end of 19th or beginning of 20th century, "Garden Gateway to Canada" by Neil Morrison (The Ryerson Press, 1954), P8451
additional text 		Bricks from the Robinet Brickyard, Sandwich, 1882, Courtesy of Lucielle Becigneul
additional text 		Calixte Renaud, 1896, Courtesy of Maurice Lacharité, P8447
additional text 		Parent Garage, 149 Wyandotte Street East, c.1910, P5373
James Lambie Store, Sandwich Street West, P5514 Noah Parent Hardware, Main Street, Belle River, 1907, P6838 Fred Bertrand, Livery Stable, Amherstburg, Courtesy of Fort Malden