By Deborah Sacrob, NYHS Board member Finch Avenue Finch Avenue is named after John Finch who bought land at Yonge and Finch in 1847 where he operated a tavern. Our research shows two names for the establishment, “John Finch’s Hotel” and “The Bird in Hand Inn.” The tavern was originally owned by John Montgomery …
Category: Street Stories
The Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club
By Deborah Sacrob, NYHS Board member The Cricket Club area was originally settled by a Scotsman named Andrew McGlashan who settled here with his family in the early 1800’s. The McGlashan’s operated a tannery on the south-west corner of Yonge Street and York Mills Road up until the 1860’s. In 1876 the McGlashan property …
McGlashan Road/McGlashan Court
By Deborah Sacrob, NYHS Board member Andrew McGlashan operated a tannery on the southwest corner of York Mills and Yonge. James McGlashan and Thomas McGlashan were both postmasters in Lansing Ontario 1881 to 1889. Bathgate-McGlashan House Toronto Public Library Digital Archive
Kilgour
By Deborah Sacrob, NYHS Board member There is a condominium development just south of Sunnybrook Hospital called Kilgour Estates. Joseph Kilgour owned Sunnybrook Farm. The first Provincial Plowing Match was held in 1913 at Sunnybrook Farm which happens to be the current site of Sunnybrook Hospital. In 1928 the Kilgour Estate deeded Sunnybrook Farm …
Harrison Rd./Harrison Gardens
By Deborah Sacrob, NYHS Board member The Harrison Family were United Empire Loyalists who settled on Yonge north of 401 in 1806. Wm Harrison 1784-1838, a casualty of 1837 Rebellion, was a supporter of William Lyon Mackenzie. Mr. Harrison bought the land where Harrison Rd. is today. Harrison Family homes are on Forest Height …
Green Bush Ave
By Deborah Sacrob, NYHS Board member Green Bush Avenue gets its name from a tavern of the same name located on the northeast corner of Yonge & Steeles. In 1830 the tavern was opened by Joseph Abrahams. There was a large balsam tree in front of the building which gave the name. The stables …
Esther Shiner Blvd
By Deborah Sacrob, NYHS Board member Esther was a prominent politician in North York, serving on the North York City Council from 1973 until 1987 (her passing) She was first elected as an alderman in 1972. The street bearing her name is located in the Leslie Shepard area. Esther Shiner Stadium is located at …
Conacher Drive
By Deborah Sacrob, NYHS Board member Charles Wm (“Charlie”) Conacher 1909-1968 owned land south of Steeles, west of Bayview. Charlie played hockey for twelve professional seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Detroit Red Wings and the New York Americans. He won the Stanley Cup with the Leafs in 1932. Charlie was inducted into …
Bathurst St
By Deborah Sacrob, NYHS Board member Bathurst St gets its name from Henry Bathurst, 3rd Earl of Bathurst. (1762-1834), British Secretary of State for War and the Colonies during the War of 1812. He held that post until 1827. He organized migration from the British Isles to Canada after the War of 1812. The …
Basil Hall Court
By Deborah Sacrob, NYHS Board member Basil Hall was the Mayor of North York from 1970-1972. He was a founding member of Board of Governors of Seneca College and instrumental in development & building of North York General Hospital (NYGH). Jeffrey Goode, photographer 1972 Toronto Public Library Digital Archive