Willowbank is a neo-classical Greek Revival home built by Alexander Hamilton (completely separate from Alexander Hamilton of America, sorry to disappoint) from 1834-1836 (Agnew & Calver, 2017). John Latshaw, situated in Niagara Falls, was the main architect for the building, which was meant to "enhance the village's stature" (pg. 5). Hamilton died in 1839, leaving his widow Hannah Hamilton and their 11 children in a very poor financial state that they managed to climb out of. Hannah lived in Willowbank until 1888, the year she died. Willowbank was purchased by the Bright Family in 1934, where it then passed between many hands before landing in the care of Mr. Tony Doyle (2017).
When Doyle acquired the property, an article was released in the Niagara Advance titled "Willowbank's new owner to protect building's past" (1983). Doyle is noted as being dedicated to preserving the home and showing interest in finding the perfect use for it. He wanted the new use for the building to be "'compatible and sympathetic to the historical and architectural magnificence (of the building) and would be acceptable to the community'" (1983). His original hope was to establish a small winery on the property, which would "provide another outlet for local grapes for the production of a premium wine sold only at the Willowbank location" (1983).
An article titled "Willowbank's future discussed at Queenston", published two years later on October 9th, 1985, describes the proceedings of Doyle's address to the Queenston Community Association, as well as the following discussion he had with members of the community. He once again restated his intent to establish a small winery, answering concerns and even stating that if the winery offends the property at all then he won't make it. He was praised for his willingness to work with the community. The article finished with Doyle assuring residents he would keep them in the loop (1985)
The final chapter in the Doyle chronicles is not a pleasant one...
The main property is semi-accessible, with much of the grounds being level until you reach the eastern side of the property, which dips into a large hill. The main entrance used on the western side of Willowbank is on ground-level but the other floors of the building are not mobility-impaired accessible.
Phone: (905) 262 – 1239 ext. 200
Email: willowbank@willowbank.ca
Website: http://willowbank.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willowbank/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowbank_school/?hl=en
To donate to the not-for-profit school, please visit the link below!
Agnew, C., & Calver, J. (2017). A short history of the lands and homes in the village of Queenston. The Queenston Residents' Association.
Bourque, C. (~1991, January 7). Queenston mansion put on the market, p. ~8. Found within Willowbank, Dewey Decimal: 720.971338 Wil.
LaFleche, G. (~2002, March 7). Mystery couple Willowbank benefactors, p. ~A3. Found within Willowbank, Dewey Decimal: 720. 9i71338 Wil.
Niagara Advance. Community gets involved in Willowbank proposal. (1988, November 2). p. 1-2. Found within Willowbank, Dewey Decimal: 720.971338 Wil. St. Catharines Public Library.
Niagara Advance. Willowbank's future discussed at Queenston. (1985, October 9). Found within Willowbank, Dewey Decimal: 720.971338 Wil. St. Catharines Public Library.
Niagara Advance. Willowbank's new owner to protect building's past. (~1983, September 11). Found within Willowbank, Dewey Decimal: 720.971338 Wil. St. Catharines Public Library.
Reid, K. (~2001, October 29). Conservancy appeals to public in fight to save Willowbank, p. ~A3. Found within Willowbank, Dewey Decimal: 720.971338 Wil.
Any newspaper articles referenced can be found in the Special Collections of the St. Catharines Public Library. It is highly recommended that anyone interested in the community and colonial history of Queenston (or many other locations in Niagara) go to the library to have a look! More information on their website: https://www.myscpl.ca/
Additional copies of A short history of the lands and homes in the village of Queenston can be viewed at the RiverBrink Art Museum upon request prior to attending. More information at http://www.riverbrink.org/riverbrink-library.html or email curator@riverbrink.org
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