From the Vault II illustrates chapter in Windsor history
Book draws from The Star’s archives to document 1950-80
Crafting a followup to From the Vault, a book based on accounts of Windsor history derived from reports in The Windsor Star, was no easy task. But based on the turnout of about 150 people at the Windsor Star News Cafe for the formal launch of From the Vault II: 1950-1980: A Photo-History of Windsor, Star reporter Craig Pearson believes it was worth the effort.
“It feels great to finally not have two full-time jobs anymore,” Pearson told the crowd. “It was a ninemonth marathon with a sprint at the end. Being an author is very fulfilling.”
The new volume, co-authored by Pearson and Biblioasis regional historical editor Sharon Hanna, features a period of Windsor’s history that has not often been studied.
“Some people were alive for parts of it and that makes it that much closer to home,” Pearson said.
“The post-war period was a very, very interesting period in Windsor’s history.
“It was a fun time to be here, except for the nuclear warheads at Belle Isle Park.”
Hanna, a history graduate from the University of Windsor, told the crowd how amazing it was to work on her first book.
“If you had told me a year ago that I would be standing here in front of you, I wouldn’t believe you,” said Hanna, who also thanked the book’s publisher, Biblioasis and owner Dan Wells.
“From the Vault I and II would not exist without him.”
Wells also addressed the crowd, recalling his amazement when he first gained access to The Windsor Star archives in 2013.
“When I first pitched this idea four years ago, I didn’t envision it would become what it has,” he said.
Pearson said The Windsor Star’s presence in the community for so long makes it an invaluable historical resource.
“The archives provide such an amazing record of days gone by,” said Pearson.
“We could only do it because the Windsor Star journalists have documented this place since 1890 as a daily and since 1860 as a weekly.”
Among the interesting events covered in the new volume are the protracted battle to build the E.C. Row Expressway, the drive to extend Highway 401 to the city amid protests by First Nations communities, and the changing nature of the city’s skyline.
The foreword is written by former Windsor Star photo editor Bill Bishop, who recalls his time at the paper and the changing nature of photojournalism.
The 479-page book contains about 1,300 archive photos and sells for $42.95.