Danny Beaudoin may just be the most patriotic person in Windsor. Have you seen his house on Lincoln Road and Erie Street?
If you were ever in that neighbourhood, you certainly could not miss it. It is adorned with Canadian flags - everywhere, inside and out. On Canada Day, Windsor Historical Society members visited Beaudoin's shrine of Canadian patriotism in order to get a closer look at the unusual display of national pride and to meet the man responsible.
The exterior is covered with Canadian flags and red maple leaves, even the gate features a carved maple leaf, and everything is painted red-and-white. The interior also has its door frames, furniture, kitchen cupboards and walls sporting the red-and-white flags and maple leaf motif. There are Canadian ornaments and knick-knacks everywhere and visitors are encouraged to take a free one from a large presentation table away with them as a souvenir.
According to Beaudoin, the whole thing started about 15 years ago. He just likes doing it and hopes that it "makes for a better country, too," he says. When asked about the potential for vandalism, he stated that he had lost a couple of flags over the years, and once, someone ripped one. "One morning I woke up and somebody ripped a flag in half. I would rather they just take it." To embellish the house for Canada day, it takes him a full week to complete the interior and another full week for the exterior. He generously opens his home to the public every Canada Day. When asked if he would be dong it again next year, he replied, "Oh, of course! I'm doing it 'til the Good Lord takes me away!"