All aboard for those who want to “Experience Wallaceburg’s Yesterdays.”
That’s the name of the first-ever wagon ride-along tour set to take place Sept. 28 weather permitting.
According to Wallaceburg & District Museum curator Kaelyn Gregory, the event will feature 17 stops at the town’s significant landmarks, complete with actors who will help tell the story.
“Everyone is welcome,” said Gregory, noting the tour will use WAMBO’s people mover trailers to shuttle participants to various locations.
“We’ll be focusing mainly on James Street and Margaret Avenue,” Gregory said, adding the tour will cross both the Murray Street and Selkirk Street bridges.
One of the buildings to be visited is the former Dominion Public Building on James Street that’s now home to the Clock Tower Dental Centre. Built during the Depression in 1935, the stately brick structure was first a post office and a federal customs and excise building when Wallaceburg was a busy port. The upper floor was utilized as the living quarters for the building’s superintendent.
The large clock in the tower was made by Wallaceburg-based Harrison’s Jewellers and the building itself was designed by local architect George Whale.
In 1968, the building was purchased by the Wallaceburg Police Department and the service made its headquarters there until the 1990s when it moved to its present location at 786 Dufferin Ave.
The police department merged to become part of the Chatham-Kent Police Service when Chatham-Kent amalgamated in 1998.
The then vacant building was purchased by dentist Dr. Kevin Fast in 2001. Fast undertook extensive renovations at the site and was presented with a heritage award for his efforts. In 2019, the business was purchased by Dr. Kyle Charlton and continues to operate.
The three-kilometre tour has two times available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 and spots can be booked by calling the museum at 519-627-8962.
