Evelyn Mclean remembered as `first lady of heritage' in Windsor
A champion of local heritage and a leader in its preservation, Evelyn Mclean is being remembered following her death Dec. 22 as a result of COVID-19.
She was 89.
Mclean was notably the City of Windsor's first heritage planner, serving from 1989 to 1997, and a researcher and adviser to the Windsor Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee for many years.
In addition, Mclean was founding president of Friends of the Court, an organization dedicated to fighting for the restoration and preservation of the old Essex County Court House, now known as Mackenzie Hall.
Constructed in 1855, it is named for its builder-stonemason Alexander Mackenzie who became Canada's second prime minister.
The building is now a cultural centre for the city's west side.
“She was basically the first lady of heritage in Windsor,” said Don Wilson, her longtime friend. “She was very accomplished.”
Wilson, who hosted Mclean at his home for Christmas for more than 20 years, said she was unstoppable when it came to working on historic preservation.
“She tried to save so many buildings,” Wilson said. “She basically led our community to cherish and save our built heritage and was one of the first in the city, I think, to try and ensure these buildings remain part of our life and the urban fabric.”
Before becoming the city's heritage planner, Mclean was Dean of Women at the University of Windsor and a lecturer in European art history.
Mclean was a staunch, outspoken advocate of heritage preservation.
Speaking to the Windsor Star in 1993 Mclean said, “It has always struck me that we are really so ignorant of the roots of Windsor.
“We've got some really beautiful buildings here in Windsor and you wouldn't believe the number of them that have the original design changed through renovation.”
She sought to enlighten and educate Windsorites on the intricacies of historic preservation.
Mclean was a founder of Les Amis Duff- Baby ( Duff- Baby House), served as a heritage tour guide and wrote several books and papers on Windsor's oldest heritage buildings.
She was also an accomplished glass mosaic artist.
Mclean earned a bachelor of arts from (Assumption) University of Windsor in 1958 and a master of arts in European architecture from Wayne State University in 1967.
She spent her last days at the Village at St. Clair long-term care home.
Mclean leaves no relatives but many friends and colleagues.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial donations can be made to the Friends of the Court (Mackenzie Hall).
A celebration of Mclean's life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Families First, South Windsor.
She basically led our community to cherish and save our built heritage and ... ensure these buildings remain part of our life.