“Uplands”, the Cummings house, c.1915.
By Jeremy Hopkin.
The building known today as Cedar Ridge will have its 100th anniversary celebrated on Sunday, September 23 with a garden party and open house.
Cedar Ridge was constructed in 1912 as a summer home for the family of Charles Cummings, who occupied the premises until 1927. It was common practice for homeowners of the 19th and early 20th century to give a title to their houses or property, Charles Cummings dubbed his family’s house “Uplands” in recognition of its prominent location on the hills overlooking the greens of the Scarborough Golf Club.
Uplands was eventually purchased by John. C. Fraser, a Toronto financier, who renamed the house “Cedar Ridge” and resided there for several decades with his family.
The City of Scarborough acquired the property on December 15, 1976 in a land exchange with Metropolitan Toronto. Today, Cedar Ridge Creative Centre and Gallery is an arts hub offering a diverse range of courses, now owned and operated by the Culture division of the City of Toronto.
The Cedar Ridge Anniversary Garden Party and Open House runs from 1 to 4 p.m., with a historical gallery exhibition, artist demonstrations in the studios, and afternoon tea in the garden.
Cedar Ridge is located at 225 Confederation Drive.
For information call 416-396-4026 or visit Toronto Culture’s Cedar Ridge webpage.
