Willow Street

Weep for me

Click on picture of Ella to hear Willow Weep for Me

Ella Fitzgerald

Though it is not known exactly when Willow Street was named, it first appeared unnamed on the 1922 map, running between Canterbury Avenue and Burritt Street.

Willow Street became part of the century-old naming of Stratford streets for trees that were found growing here naturally. Willow street adopted the name of the black willow, found growing along the banks of the Avon River.

The black willow predominates in the city's river-park system. Its long dark green leaves hang over the water to tickle the noses of passing canoeists. The gnarled and precariously leaning willow trunks are familiar sights to strollers.

The Latin name for the tree is “salix” and of the eight willows that attain tree size in Canada, the black willow is considered the largest. Nowhere do willow trees enhance a park more beautifully than in Stratford. By Stanford Dingman

Click beloowto hear Ella sing: Willow Weep for Me