Category Archives: Heritage Preservation

A news item that pertains to or effects matters of Heritage Preservation within the community of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.

In the news: “Springfield Jimmie” Thomson house restored

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The renovated "Springfield Jimmie" Thomson house, Bendale. Photo: Rick Schofield.

The renovated “Springfield Jimmie” Thomson house, Bendale.     Photo: Rick Schofield.

*Excerpt from the Scarborough Mirror, Dec. 26, 2012.

“‘Springfield Jimmie’s’ house restoration breathes new life into home
Looking Back: Rick Schofield

While much has been written about the Thomson Settlement, we are indeed fortunate that several of the most historic buildings have been saved from demolition.

“Springfield Jimmie” Thomson’s lovely, bank farmhouse at 146 St. Andrew’s Road, is one of the oldest brick buildings in Scarborough and stands as a tribute to not only the Thomson family, but also to all our pioneers. The beautifully detailed verendah faces south and is quite visible to the public. It reflects the pride our early builders took in the construction of their permanent homes.

The bank style also shows the builders’ respect and understanding of the environment. “Springfield” is built into the side of the bank of Highland Creek. While appearing as a two-and-a-half storey house on one side, it is one and a half storeys high on the opposite side. Only one level of this bank-style house was exposed to the cold north and west winds.

The lower sections on the north and west sides of the building are beneath the ground. However, the warmer south side of the building has large windows which allowed the morning sun to brighten and warm the house during an era when electricity and central heating were visions of the future. Adjacent to the house stands a unique fieldstone cold cellar, also built into the side of the hill.

Several years ago, the bank took possession and after a short period on the market it was sold to a contractor whose goal was to restore the exterior to its former glory, yet renovate the interior as a modern, high-end dwelling. Mission accomplished.

INTERIOR GUTTED

While retaining and restoring the heritage aspects of the exterior, including the rebuilding of the verendah; the interior was gutted, a modern addition added to the rear and the large, surrounding property professionally landscaped. What the general public sees now would certainly have pleased “Jimmie” but he would never recognize its 21st century interior.

Restoring the entire house would have been preferred but not likely to generate a sale due to the high cost of renovation. This is a compromise that should guarantee that the 160 year old house will still be around 100 years from now.

It’s now for sale to the right buyer, with a price of $1.7 million.”

*To see more historical images of houses in Bendale, click here to visit the SHS website’s Bendale photo Gallery.

Cedar Ridge 100th anniversary to be celebrated

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16-D-1.1 Cummings house

“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.

In the news: R.C. Harris to be honoured with exhibit

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R.C. Harris Filtration Plant, 1952. Photo: Toronto Archives.

 *Excerpt from the Scarborough Mirror, Aug. 30, 2012.

Scarborough filtration plant’s namesake honoured
Exhibit celebrates 100th anniversary of R.C. Harris being named Toronto’s waterworks commissioner

Article By Joanna Lavoie

An exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the appointment of Roland Caldwell (R.C.) Harris as Commissioner of Works for the City of Toronto is being presented Sept. 15, 2012 to March 2, 2013 at The Market Gallery, 95 Front St. E., Second Floor.

The exhibition – titled “The Water Czar: R.C. Harris Works for Toronto, 1912-45′ – chronicles the remarkable 33-year career of the Toronto public works legend as the head of the city’s works department through archival photos, maps and plans, and rarely – or never-before-seen artifacts.

Roland Caldwell Harris, 1933.
Photo: Toronto Archives.

WONDERFUL TRIBUTE

“This exhibition is a wonderful tribute to a remarkable city builder. When Torontonians drink a glass of tap water or cross the Prince Edward Viaduct, they are benefiting from his work,” said Scarborough Centre Councillor Michael Thompson, chair of the city’s economic development committee, in a release.

An international engineering firm, CH2M HILL, is sponsoring the exhibition. The company’s history includes a merger with Toronto-based Gore, Naismith and Storrie, which worked closely with Harris throughout his career.

Harris, who became Toronto’s works commissioner following a series of water-related scandals that led to the resignation of the city engineer, was appointed not necessarily for his technical acumen but for his administrative ability.

CIVIC VISION

Before long, he developed a civic vision where public works were viewed as the cornerstone of greater Toronto. During his three-decade career, Harris tackled a number of the city’s water challenges notably developing bridges and making the harbour more accessible, obtaining a secure supply of tap water and getting rid of the city’s wastewater.

DRINKING WATER

The circa-1941 water treatment plant at the foot of Victoria Park Avenue and Queen Street East, which currently provides 45 per cent of Toronto and York region’s water supply, is named in honour of Harris’ many accomplishments.

The Market Gallery, a program of the City of Toronto’s Cultural Services that presents exhibitions dedicated to Toronto’s art, culture and history and offers educational programs for school groups and adults, is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please visit The Market Gallery website for more information.

Historical plaque unveiled at St. Nicholas Anglican Church

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St. Nicholas Church, Birch Cliff. Photo: Jeremy Hopkin.

By Jeremy Hopkin.

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the St. Nicholas parish of Birch Cliff village, a historical plaque was commissioned by the parish in co-operation with Heritage Toronto and Scotiabank. The plaque was unveiled on August 9, 2012 during a special ceremony held inside St. Nicholas Church, with several parishioners and visitors in attendance.

Six people of interest were chosen to speak of the history and importance of the church to the community and then together unveiled the plaque; Archbishop Colin Johnson, Diocese of Toronto; Deb Chapman, Pastoral Associate; Sonia Halloran, Church Warden; Councillor Gary Crawford; Alexandra Smith, Scotiabank Branch Manager; and Patrick Forster, Heritage Toronto Board Member.

Unveiling ceremony of historical plaque in St. Nicholas Church. Photo: Jeremy Hopkin

The plaque reads as follows:

“The Anglican parish of St. Nicholas was founded in 1912 to serve the growing village of Birch Cliff. This building, opened in 1917, was designed by Toronto architect Harold Carter. Its steep roof and pointed arch windows are characteristic of the Late Gothic Revival style. Carter’s original plan was finally completed in 1953, when the congregation expanded after the Second World War. As one of the first churches in the area, St. Nicholas Church has played an important role in the development of Birch Cliff. – Heritage Toronto 2012 / dedicated August 9, 2012.”

Harold Carter (1885-1956) was also involved in the design of Hart House (University of Toronto), Emmanual College, Toronto; Birchcliff Heights Public School, R.H. King Collegiate (demol. 1976; archway and wall fragment relocated to the Guild Inn, Scarborough), Winston Churchill Collegiate, West Hill Collegiate and W.A. Porter Collegiate, Scarborough.

On Saturday, September 29th, St. Nicholas will hold a 100th Birthday Party Community Picnic from noon until 3pm.