As late as the 1950's and the early 1960's Keil Dr. was considered the edge of the city of Chatham. There were farms and farm houses along Grande River Line ( North side)and others along Riverview Line ( South Side) on the shores of the Thames. Crops of corn, wheat or beans, vegetable such as tomatoes,beans and potatoes could be seen on both sides of the road heading west out of the city toward the mouth of the Thames River and Lighthouse Cove.
Today it is a very different landscape.Some time in 60's and early 70's farmers began to severe land along the River front for Building Lots. This began on the river side of the respective roads but eventually continued on the opposite side as well. New waterfront homes began to appear sporatically up and down the banks of the Thames River from Keil Dr. to the Prairie Siding Bridge appoximately 10 miles out. A couple of well known neighborhoods along the North River Road, Grande River Line are know as Westgate Subdivision with a cul-de-sac off the River Road offering some of the homes waterfront property ands others beautiful views of the River. Heading west there is another choice subdivison, Thames Valley Estates with a service road that runs parallel to the River Road called Rue Des Erables, very treed and has a row of beautiful homes along the water. Most have their own boat dock behind their houses and many Gazebos dot the shoreline to enjoy the sunsets and the scenes along the water. Crossing the Prairie Siding Bridge and returning to the city via the other River Road, Riverview Line, many wonderful new homes interspersed with the original farm houses can be seen along the water. As you get closer to Town, the homes become larger with palatial estate grounds.
Interestingly there are still a few old Historical Homes along the Thames. One such Estate is the Colonel Wilcox Property on the Raleigh side of the River. A 200 acre parcel was presented to Colonel Wilcox by the Canadian Government back in the early 1800's In those days, Colonel Wilcox's home was one large cosy room with a big wood burning fireplace on the banks of the Thames River. It is said that the Indians used to pull up their canoes and sleep in front of that old iron fireplace in the big Country Kitchen. A part of OUR History! The original homestead still stands with an antique musket hanging over that fireplace and the original cast iron pot remains in its place by the firesplace today. Can't you just imagine the scene all those years ago with Colonel Wilcox and the various tribe members sharing a meal. The Estate has undergone many renovations and today is a beautiful 5 bedroom family home on a spectacular treed lot just outside of the city.it was sold a few years ago to a couple from Calgary.
Farmlands still abound on the other sides of both River roads.It is certainly a beautiful drive in the heart of the summer when the crops are all healthy and growing in the fields,the lovely homes standing majestically on the banks of the river and the boats moving up and down the 19 miles to the mouth of the Thames River and Lake St. Clair.
There is some building past the Praire Siding Bridge but it is mostly concentrated between the Prairie Siding and the Keil Dr. Bridges. School buses can be seen picking up children of all ages for one of the 3 High Schools, the French Immersion Schools or the Elementary Schools of the 2 Boards.
Come see for yourself what this beautiful community has to offer in housing, entertainment and affordable lifestyle. Wayne Liddy was born and raised in Chatham, Deeply Rooted in Chatham-Kent and can show you why he believes this is the place to Live, Work and Raise a Family! Wayne Liddy Re/Max Chatham-Kent Realty Inc. Brokerage 519-352-2840 call Wayne at 519-436-4810 Chatham or 647-248-2633 Toronto
