Anne E. Hyatt
Annie Elizabeth Hyatt (nee Foster) was the owner and operator of the successful Windsor business Hyatt’s Green Houses.
Hyatt’s legacy has been honoured through her depiction as part of the Sandwich Town Black History mural.
Annie Elizabeth Foster was born during 1858 in Amherstburg, Ontario to Levi and Lucy Foster. Levi was a notable business owner and entrepreneur, recognized as one of the earliest Black residents of Amherstburg.
Annie married Ohio-native James L. Hyatt at the Colchester Baptist Church on May 3, 1875. The couple moved to Windsor soon afterwards, where James acted as a deacon for the First Baptist Church in Windsor for over 50 years. Together they had ten children.
Annie had a passion for gardening. To help his spouse pursue her interest in flowers and plants, James commissioned a large greenhouse be built at the side of their home at 151 Goyeau Street. Over time, this interest developed into a business, and Annie became the operator of Hyatt’s Green Houses. The business remained a family enterprise, with her sons running the flower shop for several years. Annie Elizabeth Hyatt passed away on February 19, 1911.
Sources:
“Annie E. Hyatt 1858-1911.” CanadaGenWeb’s Cemetery Project. Accessed: February 04, 2021.
“Died – Hyatt.” Windsor Star. Feb. 21, 1911. (Access via ProQuest from WPL Databases)
“Foster Family.“Amherstburg Freedom Museum. Accessed: February 04, 2021.
Lajoie, Don. “Sandwich mural celebrates heritage.” Windsor Star. Sept. 15, 2008. (Access via ProQuest from WPL Databases)