Are you intrigued by old houses? Why not come and visit the oldest house still standing in Windsor?
The Duff-Baby House was built in 1798 and is named for its first two owners, Alexander Duff and James Baby. It is recognized among the most significant late eighteenth-century landmarks in Upper Canada.
Loyalist Scottish merchant and fur trader, Alexander Duff originally built the house for his fur trading business. The house still retains numerous aspects of its late 18th century construction. During your visit, you can see some original floorboards, cupboards, ceiling fur-trading hook and other architectural elements.
Due to declining fur-trading business, Duff sold the house and property to James Baby in 1807. The house was damaged during the War of 1812. It is also recounted that Shawnee Chief Tecumseh visited James Baby’s residence in 1813. You can still see the dining room where this historic scene is said to have taken place.
Underground Railroad history also comes to light at this house. William Lewis Bâby, son of James Baby, told the story of one of the freedom seekers, a formerly-enslaved man, Andrew, who escaped from Kentucky and sought refuge at the Duff-Baby House in 1830.
The house also retains many features of the Beasley era during the 20th century.
Don’t miss this important witness to Sandwich Town history. Who knows, you might even see a ghost or two.
The Duff-Baby House is owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust (an agency of the Government of Ontario) and operated in partnership with the City of Windsor through Museum Windsor. Additionally, Les Amis Duff-Bâby, an independent volunteer organization, assists in the interpretation of the Duff-Baby House.
Note: Only open periodically. Please call ahead for tour dates.
Phone Number: 519-253-1812
Email Address: wmuseum@citywindsor.ca