The Richmond Hill Historical Society
P.O. Box 61527, 9350 Yonge Street, L4C 0C9 Richmond Hill, ON, Canada

Yerxa Byron ("Y.B.") Tracy was our local CN agent at Richmond Hill station from 1911 to 1953 - a one person operation. He sold tickets, carried baggage, handled express and freight business and even hand-delivered telegrams. Tracy had a particular affection for youngsters, teaching Sunday School and leading youth groups. He encouraged kids to gather at the station grounds to play baseball, football, and other games. When a nearby creek was dammed up to supply water for the st...ation's water tank, local children would often go for a swim after playing around the station property. Tracy even allowed the locals to ride a handcar on the siding near Ramer's Fuels. In the image is Y.B. Tracy with his son John toboganning near the station house on Mackie Hill. The water tower can been seen in the background in this late 1920's photograph. - Richmond Hill Public Library #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

Parker Crosby emigrated to Canada in 1844 from England and as a successful merchant of the dry goods store on Yonge Street when a fire broke out in Henderson’s grocery and hardware store on the east side of Yonge that quickly spread to Crosby’s dry goods across the street leaving nothing but ashes shortly afterwards. Having lost most of his stock in the fire, the enterprising Mr. Crosby quickly rebuilt his store using more substantial materials and called his new store The Fire Proof Store. Located at the foot of Richmond Street, the gable roofs were added after 1917. - Richmond Hill Public Library #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

This history, provided by the Archives of St. Mary's Anglican Church includes their expansion. "An Anglican presence in Richmond Hill dates back to June 1862, when the Church Society of the Diocese of Toronto formally recognized The Richmond Hill Congregation as the first formal gathering of the Anglican Church in our community. Shortly thereafter, John Robert Arnold, the son of a United Empire Loyalist, gave a corner of his property for a new church, requesting that he a...nd his descendants be buried in a family plot near to it. The yellow brick church was opened December 8th, 1872. Now called ‘the chapel’, old St. Mary’s stands stately on the hill. As Richmond Hill grew, St. Mary’s expanded. Additional lands were obtained by gift, bequest and purchase. A basement was excavated under the Old Church during the winter of 1928-29. An addition was added to the Vestry in 1945. Then in 1956, the parish hall was built and named Wrixon Hall as a memorial to the long and faithful ministry of the Rev. W. F. Wrixon. Growth continued, and under the direction of the Rev. James F. O’Neil a new church was started on October 26th, 1964. With great thanksgiving this building was consecrated on April 10th, 1968 after the congregation finished paying off the mortgage. When we look at Saint Mary’s Church, we see part of our heritage and are reminded of the men and women of past years; we think of their labours, their caring, the education they provided, their mission in life, and the worship they shared together." Image is credited to the Archives Committee at St. Mary’s Anglican Church. Thank you Norman. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

In the image, a view of Dr. Duncumb's Hall on Yonge Street during the construction of the new church. Plans for a new church to serve St. Mary's Anglican parish was announced in 1963. The Anglicans congregation originally worshiped in Dr. Duncumb's Hall between 1864 and 1872 which was located across the street from the church, where some of the most faithful even referred to the structure as Dr. Duncumb’s Church. The David Dunlap Observatory is clearly visible in the dista...nce. Image is credited to the Archives Committee at St. Mary’s Anglican Church. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

The Richmond Hill Historical Society is pleased to share the history of Dr. Duncumb’s Hall, which was written by society member Norman McMullen. The building is believed to be one of the earliest brick structures in Richmond Hill represents an important part of our early justice system, public entertainment, community events, meetings and church services. Norman who is also the Chair of the Archives Committee at St. Mary’s Anglican Church saved a few of the bricks as a keepsake and reminder of its incredible history. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

A photograph of the installation of the Oak Ridges Post Office flag pole. Peter Marsh Routledge is lying on the ground with his head in the hole, being watched by his brother Charles and mother Emma (Watson) Routledge. Image ca. 1910. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

December 7th sees the 183rd anniversary of the defeat of William Lyon Mackenzie and his rebels' attempt to overthrow the government of Upper Canada. Frustrated with the political system of the time, Mackenzie and his 800 ill-equipped and untrained rebels began to march southwards from their headquarters at Montgomery's Tavern. Local militia repelled and dispersed them before they could reach the city. On December 4, 1837 those swayed to his cause, and began moving south from ...the settlement in the north towards Toronto, where they planned to seize a weapon cache. They came through Richmond Hill in the afternoon, and caught the attention of Captain Hugh Stewart who was in a tavern just north of Richmond Hill. Loyalist residents of Richmond Hill began to assemble on the farm of "Colonel Moodie", a proud supporter of the Empire whose house made a natural gathering place for loyalists. Richmond Hill resident William Crew set out for Toronto to warn the government there of the oncoming rebels. When word reached Colonel Moodie that Crew had been detained by the rebels, Moodie set out with fellow Richmond Hill residents David Bridgeford and Hugh Stewart to head to Toronto and give warning. They encountered a road blockade by the rebels at Montgomery's Tavern. They charged the blockage and Moodie was shot. The company of men less Bridgeford were taken prisoner, and Moodie died later that night, the first casualty of the Upper Canada Rebellion. 2 days later, Lieutenant Governor Sir Francis Bond Head ordered 1,000 militia and volunteers to attack the rebels. Mackenzie's reduced force of less than 200 were routed just south of the tavern, and the rebellion was crushed. The site of the Tavern, on Yonge Street just north of Eglinton Avenue, is now a National Historic site and was formerly occupied by Canada Post's Postal Station K. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

Richmond Hill High School was built in 1897 but was not an easy decision. Back in the late 1890's, school spending was marginal compared with today's standards. In 1897, total assessment for Richmond Hill and area amounted to $160,000 and nowhere near that amount was spent on education. The first secondary education of Richmond Hill that stood behind McConaghy Seniors Centre burned down in December 1896 and it took months to erect a new building at Yonge and Wright Street. ...Continue reading

Richmond Hill High School officially opened 96 years ago on December 6, 1924, replacing the school built in 1897. At the time that the new building opened, it had confirmed the village's strategic role in secondary education along Yonge Street. Half a century earlier, Richmond Hill had boasted the only high school between Toronto and Newmarket and could still claim the only secondary institution between Toronto and Aurora. Students had long come into town from the south and ...north and from the east and the west to attend classes. The year 1922 for example, showed that only 18 per cent of the pupils were from the village of Richmond Hill itself, while 82 per cent came in from surrounding areas. Some of the rural pupils boarded in town, others came by radial car, bus or even bicycle. Two young men in the mid-1920's were known to have ridden in on horses from Headford. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

A Goodbye and Tribute for Madeline Johnston as prepared by Donna Smith, October 9, 2020 In these transient days of people moving from one place to another, it is refreshing to write about our friend Madeline who has lived in Richmond Hill for 78 years! And in the same house for 76 years!...Continue reading

Remembrance Day November 11, 2020. Lest we Forget.

Do you ever wonder why Santa comes to visit us in Richmond Hill and Toronto around the same time each year? The tradition started when Timothy Eaton of Eaton's Department Store devised a way to meet his customers easily, and in the "most popular way" through a parade that would be held on a Saturday morning in November each year. The history of the Eaton's Santa Claus parade had its original beginning in 1905, when a few hundred people watched a lone Santa Claus sitting on...Continue reading

Richmond Hill Legion (Branch 375) was honoured to again pay tribute to veterans as part of their 2020 Banner Program. From October 1st to November 12th, 2020 the banners were displayed on light standards on Yonge Street from Wright Street south to Major Mackenzie Drive. A special thank you to Richmond Hill Historical Society member and photographer Chris Robart for sharing his photos. Lest we forget. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

On June 20, 1942 Father McGinn became Pastor of St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Richmond Hill. He would serve for 22 years, before his sudden death in 1964. In his years as Pastor of the Parish, Father McGinn had many thing to his credit, one of which was that he took Catholic Education very seriously and had established several schools in the area. The first Catholic school in Richmond Hill, Our Lady of Fatima was established in 1948. It was later demolished when the third Chu...rch of St. Mary Immaculate was built. In 1954, a second school was established in Oak Ridges, Our Lady of the Annunciation, and in 1961 St. Mary Immaculate School. Our Lady Help of Christians School opened in 1959. These were followed by: St. Charles Garnier (1975), St. Anne (1984) Father Henri Nouwen (1997), Corpus Christi (1999) and St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic High School (2002). In 2006, a school was opened and named Father Frederick McGinn in Oak Ridges. In the images top left Our Lady Fatima school, with students enjoying outdoor time, bottom left, the inside Our Lady Fatima School, top right, 1948 saw the opening of Our Lady of Fatima School, bottom right, Father McGinn with students from Our Lady of Fatima School. A special thank you to Agnes Parr, member of the Richmond Hill Historical Society among others who helped with the creation of the Commemorative Book. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

In the image is student assistant Charles H. Best and Dr. Frederick G. Banting standing on the roof of the medical building with one of the diabetic dogs used in their experiments experiments with insulin. They are both credited for their discovery of insulin in 1921 that would save the lives of millions of diabetics around the world. The first major press coverage of a "diabetes cure" appeared in issues of the Toronto Star in March 1922, and Richmond Hill Liberal covered "Wh...Continue reading

The first sod for the new St, Mary Immaculate Roman Catholic Church, which would rise on the site of the old red-brick building which served the 112-year old congregation for more than 70 years was turned on November 13th, 1966. Reverend Francis B. Allen, Auxilary Bishop of Toronto (left), representing Archbishop Philip R. Pocock, blessed the ground in which the new church would be erected and offered a prayer for all those who would be using the new building. Given support... by Rev. Father C.J. Schwalm, pastor for the church, described the new structure as fulfilling the dreams and wishes of the late Father F.R. McGinn who years before had envisioned a church that would serve the needs of a growing community. On the right back, Rev. James O'Neil, rector of St. Mary's Anglican Church, was amongst the large congregation present at the ceremony. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

Rev. William Jenkins by AJ Clark But a little over two decades after Lieut. Governor John Graves Simcoe had written to the Duke of Portland announcing the military opening of Yonge Street, "from York to the Head-Waters of Lake Huron," there journeyed north over that highway as far as Richmond Hill-then known as Miles' Hill - a man who was to make his stopping-place the pivotal point for a ministry of over a quarter of a century. That man was Rev. William Jenkins, the pioneer...Continue reading

A photograph of the Cenotaph with Richmond Hill Public School behind. Officially unveiled on Sunday, August 5, 1923 at the 50th anniversary celebration and grand re-union of Old Boys and Girls the cenotaph s one of the oldest war memorials in the GTA. Today, and every day, we will remember. Residents of Richmond Hill who served in the First Great War 1914-18 James A. Aikenhead, W.Donald, T. Atkinson, Ralph Atkinson, Walter Bassett, J. Norman Boyle, T. Burns, Ross Baker, Char...Continue reading

Here stands the Scadding Cabin at Exhibition Place as it appeared yesterday, October 23, 2020 on a foggy morning. It is Toronto's oldest surviving house built in 1794. The image which is courtesy of John Luciano is a part of a collection of photographs taken as a Covid-19 project, and John has taken a photograph of every building and landmark at Exhibition Place. It is impressive to see and thank you for sharing. In 1879 John Smith, the owner of the Scadding property, g...ave Scadding Cabin to the York Pioneers. 1879 was also the beginning of the Toronto Industrial Exhibition (later the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and the York Pioneers worked with the Exhibition's founders to move the cabin to its current site to celebrate the fair's inauguration. The cabin was dismantled, moved and reconstructed by the York Pioneers on the grounds of the first Industrial Exhibition (now Exhibition Place) on August 22, 1879 near the site of Fort Rouillé. The four men who rebuilt this log cabin were William Lea, Jacob Stong, William Barchard and Alex McPherson. The cabin was originally built on the property of John Scadding, an immigrant from Devonshire, in order to fulfill his settlement duties to the Crown. The cabin stood at the east side of the Don River on a 253-acre land grant that stretched north from Lake Ontario to present day Danforth Avenue. Scadding lived in the cabin until he returned to England in 1796. When Scadding returned to York in 1818, he sold his property, and cabin, to a farmer named William Smith, who used the cabin as an outbuilding. The cabin remained in the Smith family until 1879 when the cabin was offered to the York Pioneers. Henry Scadding, son of John Scadding, was a founding member of the historical society. Image courtesy of John Luciano. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

A photograph of the family gathering of Jacob Eyer and Elizabeth Heise on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary ca. 1912. Golden Wedding - A very interesting and uncommon event took place on Monday afternoon and evening, when Mr. Jacob and Hier celebrated the 50th anniversary of their wedding day. If it is an occasion of rejoicing when a new home like a new star is sprung to birth and rolled on its harmonious way among myriad homes of earth, the joy may be all grea...ter when after so many cycles of months it still persists, looking back upon so long an interval of prosperity. Children, grandchildren and friends to the number of one hundred, from Saskatchewan, Hespeler, Guelph, Toronto, Meaford, Acton, Dundas and the immediate vicinity, participated in the festivities of the occasion many were the greetings and congratulations. Letters and telegrams were received from these who could not be present. Mr.and Mrs. Eyer were also made the recipients of many valuable gifts, including three arm chairs, a quality of silver chinaware, two handsome umbrellas, besides nearly a hundred dollars in gold coins. After supper Rev. E.C. Currie was made chairma and an informal program of music and speeches was given. Appropriate readings were also contributed by Mrs. Currie and Rev. D. Smith. Dr. Smith also toasted the host and hostess in most appropriate style and followed in apt remarks by Messrs. Winger, M. Heise, D. Wideman, L Deise and others including the erstwhile groom. The program was included with family worship at the bequest of the host and hostess who gratefully acknowledge the manifold of favours of Almighty God in the process of the years. - as published in The Liberal. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

In the image are York Pioneers, en route to erect the Governor Simcoe Log Cabin at Exhibition grounds in Toronto on August 22, 1879. Written by Robert Rennie of the York Pioneers and Historical Society ca. 1936, he tells the story of one of the most important years of history for York Pioneers. "The year 1879 was an important year in the history of York Pioneers. In the summer of that year, one of our most prominent members rode in a wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen and dri...ven by my father William Rennie, from his warehouse at the corner of Adelaide and Jarvis Streets along King Street to Exhibition Grounds. It was to erect the Governor Simcoe Log Cabin. This log cabin previously stood on the property of John Smith, east of the Don and south of Queen Streets, and if I remember right, the four men who rebuilt this log cabin were William Lea, Jacob Stong, William Barchard and Alex McPherson. On board their wagon which was built by Smith Brothers - Carriage and Waggon Works are: William Lee, R.H Oates, Alex McPherson, John Playter, Jacob Stong, William Barchard, W. McIntosh, J. Ashbridge, Alex Hamilton, Robert Malcolm, Noah L. Piper, A. Pherill, Capt. McGann, Jacob Stong, Jacob Snider, William Hewitt, John Smith, John Langstaff, William Lea, Peter Hutty, Abraham Hoover, William Locke and William Barchard. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

Its early 1900's beginning of Jacob Eyer & Son business. The McLaughlin Carriage Company of Canada Limited was incorporated in 1901 and production numbers that year topped 15,000 units, and included 140 different models. By 1915 McLaughlin was making one carriage every ten minutes, and it was this year that McLaughlin Carriage Company was sold to Carriage Factories Limited of Orillia, Ontario.... #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

October 18th is Persons Day in Canada. It was on this day in 1929 that women were recognized for the first time when the decision to include women in the legal definition of persons was handed down by Canada’s highest court of appeal. This gave women the right to be appointed to the Senate of Canada and paved the way for women's increased participation in public and political life. Persons Day is celebrated each year to commemorate the case of Edwards v. Canada (Attorney G...eneral), more commonly known as The Persons Case a famous Canadian constitutional case decided on October 18, 1929 by the Judicial Committee of the Imperial Privy Council, which at that time was the court of last resort for Canada. The Persons Case held that women were eligible to sit in the Senate of Canada, and paved the way for women’s increased participation in public and political life. Dr. Bette Stephenson who achieved remarkable accomplishments herself is a past recipient who was awarded the Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case in 1999. The Dr. Bette Stephenson Centre for Learning is located a 38 Regatta Avenue in Richmond Hill.

The David Dunlap Observatory as it looked in 1950. Its image first appeared on the front cover of the new Bell Telephone directory in October 1955. On July 31, 2019, the David Dunlap Observatory was announced as a National Historic Site of Canada. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

Having lunch on the Don River somewhere in Thornhill or south end of Richmond Hill on October 22, 1922. Can anyone guess what street this would be? #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

"Exactly how big was Richmond Hill (in square kilometres) in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries? I am very interested in learning more about the city and its growth over time, not only in terms of culture, but also size." - Linda That is certainly a great question. To put Richmond Hill's size into perspective, here is what it looked like in 1967. The history of Richmond Hill began when the First Nations came and settled in the area. With the Toronto Purchase in 1787, the vi...llage gradually expanded over years with new greenhouse industries and improved transportation infrastructure. The Ontario Historical Map Project shows Historical Land Occupancy Information from 19th Century Ontario. Here is the link to the Treamain's Map of the County of York Canada West from 1860. The purpose of the project is to make available these important 19th Century land ownership maps and the information they contain which demonstrate the cultural historical record of rural Canada. http://utoronto.maps.arcgis.com/ap/webappviewer/index.html In 1970, at a meeting in Bayview Secondary School's gymnasium, officials representing the municipalities of York County approved plans for the creation of a regional government entity to replace York County and form York Region. At that time Richmond Hill expanded, annexing portions of the Townships of King, Markham, Vaughan and Whitchurch. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

In the image is the Jacob Eyer house & store on Yonge Street with children at the gate ca .1912. The Eyer Wideman House which is located on Elgin Mills just east of Bayview, first belonged to John Eyer who came with his family from Pennsylvania to Upper Canada in 1803. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

A one-of-a-kind framed pencil sketch of Richmond Hill Town Hall courtesy Gary Arbon. Titled Richmond Hill Town Hall circa 1900. The building was formerly Richmond Hill High School 1897-1924, and then Richmond Hill Town Hall including Public Library 1932-1959. Drawn by Fred Savand, an artist, teacher and lecturer, and head of art at Danforth Technical School in Toronto, had works in many international collections. Fred served overseas in WWII, with the intelligence section of ...the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Hamilton making sketches and maps. He caught moments off duty to portray scenes around him and was regarded as an unofficial war artist. Thank you for sharing Gary! Wonderful! #RichmondHillHIstoricalSociety

In the image is the interior of the F. E. Sims General Store, which was once located on the east side of Yonge Street, north of Lorne Avenue. The store which provided customers with their traditional grocery needs was also a distribution centre for major retailers Eatons and Simpsons. Photograph was taken by Jerry Smith, well known clock and watchmaker. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

A photograph of Carrville Public School from 1939. It was once located just west of Bathurst on the south side of Carrville Avenue (known as Rutherford today) across from the church and cemetery. Marilyn Wynn has acknowledged that the photograph is from the year mentioned because John Wynn is seen in the front row, second from left. He was 8 years old at the time. Born in Carrville, Ontario to Walter Watkin Wynn and Isabel Wynn on October 14, 1931, John and Marilyn were inseparable during their 61 years of marriage and always enjoying every life adventure to the fullest. Thank you Marilyn, and we are thinking of you and your family during this time. Image is courtesy of Scott Mayhew. Thank you for sharing. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

What did Richmond Hill look like in the 50's? Here is a nostalgic image looking south of Center Street on the east side of Yonge Street. The United Church is seen on the far left, on the north east corner. Courtesy Scott Mayhew. Thank you for the memories. Who remembers Richmond Hill like this? #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

The Rebellion of 1837 in Upper Canada: Richmond Hill had a Ringside Seat - by Jim Vollmershausen. While the events that led to the Rebellion of 1837 were unfolding, the citizens of Richmond Hill were not on the outside, looking in they were right in the middle of it. In the decades following the arrival of the first settlers, the Richmond Hill area became a thriving agricultural community, served by many shops and businesses. By the 1830s, this prosperity began to attract...Continue reading

A photograph of a young woman walking down the street, presumably somewhere in Richmond Hill, sometime in the 1920's. Mystery question: Can you identify the woman in this photograph? Do you know where and when this picture was taken? #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

This past week in history celebrates the opening of St. Mary's Anglican Church opening on October 8, 1872. In the image a model of the plans for the new church as it was announced in The Liberal in February 1963, and what it would look like once completed. An Anglican presence in Richmond Hill dates back to the middle of the 19th century when a church was built just east of Yonge Street. When it was destroyed by fire, John Robert Arnold, the son of a United Empire Loyalist, g...ave a corner of his property for a new church, requesting that he and his descendants be buried in a family plot near to it. The yellow brick church was opened October 8th, 1872. Now called the chapel, old Saint Mary’s stands stately on the hill. As Richmond Hill grew, Saint Mary’s expanded. Additional lands were obtained by gift, bequest and purchase. A crypt was excavated during the winter of 1928-29. An addition was added to the Vestry in 1945. Then in 1956, the parish hall was built and named Wrixon Hall as a memorial to the long and faithful ministry of the Rev. W. F. Wrixon. Growth continued, and under the direction of the Rev. James F. O’Neil a new church was started on October 26th, 1964. With great thanksgiving this building was consecrated on April 10th, 1968. When we look at Saint Mary’s Church, we see part of our heritage and are reminded of the men and women of past years; we think of their labours, their caring, the education they provided, their mission in life, and the worship they shared together. The 50th Anniversary booklet can be found here: http://saintmaryschurch.ca//St-Marys-50th-anniversary-book courtesy Saint Mary's Richmond Hill 2017, Shepherd Photography #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

In the image is the Munshaw House Hotel as it looked between 1890-1910, located in Flesherton, Ontario. Last week we shared the home of Balsar and Katherine Munshaw (Munschauer), a family with much history, and one of the first to settle the area of Richmond Hill around 1792 to establish themselves as farmers, and to benefit from Governor Simcoe’s offer of free land to settlers. Balsor made the journey up Yonge Street, a track so rough that he found it necessary to take hi...s canvas top wagon apart and drag the wagon wheels and other necessary equipment up the steep hills by means of strong ropes. They later settled at Langstaff where Balsor built the very first log school house in 1811. Balsor's son Aaron Munshaw Sr. (born 1796), married Mary Molloy and lived only for a short time in Toronto trekking north. He is acknowledged as the first settler in Artemesia Corners, which is now the village of Flesherton (named for W.K. Flesher, another early settler and land owner). Aaron Sr. was a veteran of the War of 1812, serving in Captain Button’s Light Horse Militia. When he got into trouble for activities as a political reformer and a supporter of William Lyon Mackenzie’s 1837 Rebellion, he first escaped to the United States, but then later returned where he and his wife walked from Thornhill along roads not yet brushed out to the junction of the Toronto-Sydenham Road with the Durham Rd (a location he possibly knew of from his fellow rebel, David Gibson who was surveying the area at that time). The first hotel (across from the Flesherton cemetery) was relocated in 1849 to its present location as the south east corner of Hwy 10 and the Durham Rd (Hwy 4). Pioneers in the Queens Bush mentions the hotel as a welcome stop-over place for new settlers, an inspired choice, for here they could cater to travellers along the Sydenham Road (north-south route) and the Durham Road (east-west route) and draw customers from all directions. In 1864 the existing two-storey structure was added to the establishment which provided stables and lodging for travellers making the slow journey north on horseback. The hotel, which fell on hard times during prohibition in the 1920's, was successively owned until 1964 by five generations of the Munshaw family. Photograph is courtesy of the South Grey Museum & Historical Library Collection. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

The "Richmond Villa" as seen in the image was home to the Abraham Law family, built around 1853. It was located on the northwest corner of Yonge and Richmond streets. Mrs. Elizabeth (Klinck) Law is pictured on the verandah. Abraham Law was 1st Reeve of Richmond Hill and under his leadership, our town was officially incorporated on June 18, 1872. Richmond Hill developed because of its proximity to Toronto, as farmers came into town on their way to Toronto markets. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

Did you know that Toronto played a central role in starting Labour Day in Canada back in 1872? Where ever you may find yourself today, take a minute to think about Canada’s labour pioneers. Their actions laid the foundations for future labour movements and helped workers secure the rights and benefits we all enjoy today.

We don't know who this beautiful child is or why the photograph was taken, and we're not even sure of the year it was taken. But we do know the building in the background is the former Richmond Hill Liberal newspaper office. Who can answer the rest? #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

This picture taken in 1903 where the old Toronto Junction used to be, at Keele and Annette in the Humber district at the time. The car was owned by Mr. H.B Stirling - one of Richmond Hill's old timers. Mr. Stirling was known to local residents as the former manager of the Water Works of the Village of Richmond Hill, and as the installer if the village's very first electric light system. Take note of the coal oil lamps on each side of the automobile, the crank used to start it..., the solid tires and the awkward handle used as the steering gear. Mr. Stirling wasn't sure what kind of car it was, but one thing was for sure, he knew it was one of the first. He first arrived in Toronto in 1902 where he started his photography business with A.W Galbraith of Gormley. Together they did work for The Globe, races, weddings, outdoor sports, and even had the honour of photographing the Prince of Wales. In 1906 Mr. Stirling and his wife came to Richmond Hill and built a house on Yonge Street after they purchased land from Mr. Crosby. At the time, Richmond Hill's population was 700 or 800 people. The Stirlings witnessed many changes during their brief 45 year stay in Richmond Hill, in which they found almost impossible to realize. Population afterall rose to almost 1,955 people by October 1949. Speaking of the automobile industry, the first Canadian automobile was built in 1867 by Henry Seth Taylor and was regarded as a novelty, as were the single-cylinder vehicles that were imported from the US in 1898. Since Mrs. Stirling had an in, she experienced her very first automobile ride with Sir John Eaton and found the entire experience rather frightening. Mr. Stirling, whose relation was one of the Fathers of Confederation, Col. Gray of Charlottetown, had his automobile since the first one, and "wouldn't be without one for the world," - which spoke highly to the new automobile industry of its time. Mr. Stirling's first car didn't go much faster than 10 miles per hour on a good day, and if there was even some heavy sand, the car would be at a standstill. Courtesy of RHPL. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

Lest we forget.

In the image is the nineteenth-century home of Balsar and Katharine Munshaw which was located at 10 Ruggles Avenue at the southeast corner of present-day Yonge Street and Highway 7. The Munshaw family has quite a history in Richmond Hill. They were the very first European settlers to arrive to Richmond Hill, who had arrived with their 5 children in 1794 and cleared a lot in the Elgin Mills area. Their soon to be sixth daughter would be later known as the first European born ...settler in Richmond Hill. The Munshaw's found their location to be too isolated from other European settlers in the area, and eventually moved themselves to this location as seen in the photograph, which was outside of Richmond Hill at the time. The very first school on Yonge Street was built by Balser Munshaw in 1795 on Lot 35, on the east side of present day Yonge and Hwy 7. This was the original log schoolhouse which was lent out in 1810, and was taught by John Langstaff. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

Most (but not all) of the ex-TTC equipment currently preserved at museums across North America are streetcars which were retired after 1951. The early 1950's was a time when railfans found interest and the resources needed to preserve the TTC’s vanishing history. It was the prospect of losing several pieces of Toronto Railway Company equipment that sparked dedicated railfans to found the Ontario Electric Railway Historical Association and build the Halton County Radial Railwa...y museum. Unfortunately, too much of the Toronto & York Radial Railways equipment was abandoned too early for railfans to save. There is one exception however; car #416 which was the last car purchased by the Toronto and York Radial Railway when it was still under Ontario Hydro management, and known as one of the cars operating on the North Yonge Railways. Railcar #416 was built in 1925 by the Ottawa Car Company for the Hydro Electric Power Commission of Ontario, and it operated on the Port Credit Line for 4 years before being moved to the North Yonge Line. When the TTC took over the North Yonge Radial Line in 1927 it continued to operate their 54 radial cars, including car #416. On October 9, 1948, service was terminated on the North Yonge Railways, the last surviving Toronto radial in history. All of the other cars of its class had been sold to a scrapyard, but car #416 was used as a cottage in Hillsburgh, Ontario for many years before being rediscovered and obtained by the Halton County Radial Railway Museum. One of the museum's artifacts, car #416 returned to Toronto for display at the Canadian National Exhibition in 1980. Prior to this, it was on display at Richmond Heights Plaza in 1976. Today, the railcar is undergoing restoration, taking advantage of seclusion during a pandemic. Halton County Radial Railway which is closed this year continues to involve its volunteers, including transit historian Trevor Parkins-Sciberras, who also sent us these photos of the restoration process. Thank you for sharing! Incredible. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

The Harding homestead was once located south of today’s Major Mackenzie Drive and where Mr. George Harding was born and lived the majority of his life. His father William Harding lived there for over 80 years before that. He was a grandson of the late Thomas Brown who operated a saddler shop where the Presbyterian Church stands today. "In the images is the Harding Farmhouse that was situated at the corner of Harding and Yonge Street, east side. It was there for such a long ti...me, then it was torn down and the lot sat empty with a huge tree almost centre. I think it was a willow. I remember the house and then just up behind that house was another farm that had riding lessons, probably near where H-Mart is now. Of course, that plaza has changed considerably over the years as well. We live on the farmland that was once here that stretched over to Bayview. The aerial view shows a north south road behind the house which I am assuming is Church St. S. now running to Weldrick Rd. There is also an interesting building that looks like a schoolhouse or barn that is near where I believe the other farm was." - Andrea Kulesh. Andrea Kulesh is our very own Vice President of the Richmond Hill Historical Society. Thank you for sharing such incredible images! #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

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On July 17, 1930, the TTC's Lake Simcoe line (previously known as the Metropolitan line) running from Glen Echo in North York to Sutton, Ontario was closed, and to be replaced by bus service. However, three months later on October 9, 1930, the portion from Glen Echo to Richmond Hill reopened as the North Yonge Railways. In the photograph is the opening ceremony of North Yonge Railways. Right to left: Reeve J. Lunau, Muirhead, Wm. C. McBrien, W.D. Robbins. Reeves Lunau of Rich...mond Hill and Robson of Vaughan Township are holding the ribbon. Photo courtesy of the Richmond Hill Public Library Archives. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

A photograph of the first prize decorated car during the 1923 Field Day in Richmond Hill. The fair ticket office can be seen in the background. During the 50th anniversary celebration and grand reunion of old boys and girls, on August 5-7, 1923, a grand parade was held at 9 am, Monday, August 6th. The parade was composed of many decorated automobiles, societies' and business men's floats and old time callithumpians. Prizes were given for the best decorated auto and best floa...ts, and it was J. A. Green who won a prize. He is seen here driving the automobile with Mrs. Green seated beside him. Mildred and Marjorie Wright can be seen behind. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

Today marks the anniversary of the unveiling of the war memorial. It was 97 years ago that Richmond Hill celebrated its 50th anniversary, and the Grand Reunion of the Old Boys and Girls which was held on August 5th to the 7th, 1923. Richmond Hill had many successful celebrations over the past 50 years, but never as memorable as the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of Richmond Hill. To mark the occasion, from one end to the other, the community of Richmond... Hill was neatly decorated with flags, bunting, Chinese lanterns and signs of welcoming greeting. There wasn't a residence or place of business that was overlooked along Yonge Street, and a number of side streets were prettily decorated along the way. With the arrival of the 127th Battalion Band on a special radial car all the way from Toronto had the crowds start to gather that afternoon. First, there was a general assembly at the park, where a parade had formed and marched through the streets to the public school where the brand new memorial was erected. The parade was led by two young girls from the Orange Orphanage, then came the band, village council, the Board of Education, members of the Agricultural Society, local cadets, unofficial members of the Oddfellows, Orange Order, Knights of Columbus, and all of the returned men of the town. After a few introductory words by the master of ceremonies Mr. J.A Greene, and prayers from Reverend Wellwood, Lieutenant Col. Clarke, D.S.O and Bar, the OC York Rangers unveiled the memorial by saying: To The Glory of God and in loving memory of Harold Lowley, Earle R. Hughes, Olleland Caldwell, William Case, Wellington C. Monkman and Aurthur Cooper, I unveil this memorial. Their names live for evermore. The names of the 6 young men were engraved upon the memorial, and the 89 Richmond Hill boys who went overseas were recorded upon a tablet at the base of the school flag. Colonel Clarke paid tribute to the men and women who remained at home who supported the soldiers abroad, and felt the bravery of Canadians to have a salutory effect on growing Richmond Hill children. He then declared, "York County men had followed their own good example of service in returning to Canada determined to seek re-establishment". Weather conditions, just as today, were delightful, and everyone was happy. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

Happy Simcoe Day! Today we honour John Graves Simcoe (25 February 1752 26 October 1806) a British Army general and first Lieutenant Governor General from 1791 until 1796. With the outbreak of hostilities between France and Great Britain in 1793, part of the War of the First Coalition, the Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada (now Ontario), John Graves Simcoe, was concerned about the possibility of the United States entering British North America in support of their French a...Continue reading

Written by our very own member of the Historical Society, Andrea Kulesh writes about the Rose Industry in Richmond Hill. We wonder how many people now living in Richmond Hill realize this interesting piece of our history. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

The John Beverly Robinson Cottage was built around 1836. Located at 12461 Yonge Street which was once known as Whitchurch Township, the house is an example of a three-bay Ontario Cottage featuring a pyramid roof with bracketed eaves, and gable and hip-roofed dormers. The cottage remains in its original location on Yonge Street, overlooking scenic Bond Lake. William Bond, horticulturist, bought the lot in 1798 and sold it to Chief Justice John Beverley Robinson in 1804, who o...wned the property from 1835 to 1860. In 1898, Charles D. Warren of the Metropolitan Railway purchased the property, then sold to the Gamble family in 1935, where Michael Clarke was the last of the family to live there. Although the cottage has changed with additions and enhancements over the years, the structure of the original building remains visible to date. The John Beverly Robinson Cottage became a designated heritage property in 1998. This image is courtesy of Howard Hoffman. Thank you for sharing! #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

An image of a letter from Robert Marsh that was sent to Aaron Wells in the late 1880's courtesy Melanie Rogers who is a volunteer at the Welland Museum. Through history, Robert Marsh and his wife migrated to New York state from England, and then to Canada in 1796, where they settled on Yonge Street on lots 41 and 42 in Markham Township. James Marsh, their son, farmed lot 41 (which today runs across 16th Avenue on the north side from Yonge Street to Bayview), and lot 42 at tod...ay's Observatory Lane. In 1812 at the age of sixteen, he enlisted as a soldier and served in the Niagara Peninsula, becoming first sergeant, and then a captain. In 1837-38, he again donned the uniform along with his son William. His son Alexander inherited the farm, lot 42, on which stands the Dunlap Observatory. Mrs. C. Marsh of Richmond Hill, has the original land grant, for this property. Since lots were originally purchased in 200 acre parcels. Lorridge Farm was known as "the land that was best adapted to grazing and dairy purposes which was carried on to great extent. The grass lands being of a very luxuriant growth and far thicker than ours..." - Journal entry was written by a Marsh family member on one of their visits. Thank you for sharing Melanie Rogers. Great history! #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety

Located at 123 Hillsview Drive, this house is on the same property that houses the David Dunlap Observatory. The house known as Elms Lea has also been called the Observatory House and the Alexander Marsh House. Alexander Marsh is the grandson of pioneer Robert Marsh and Sara Bridgeford. He inherited Lot 42, Concession 1 in what was then known as Markham Township in 1852 where he established a prosperous farm on 300 acres, and included three houses and seven barns and stables.... Alexander had a new home designed and built for his family in the early 1860's which became known as Elms Lea. This brick farmhouse went through some renovations over the years, but the original exterior remains intact and reveals elements of Classical, Gothic Revival and Italianate architecture. The property was owned by the Marsh family until it was purchased for the upcoming observatory built in David Dunlap's honour. Through the support of Jessie Donalda Dunlap, the David Dunlap Observatory officially opened in 1935. The main champion for the observatory, Clarence Chant, lived in this house from 1935 to 1956. Shortly afterwards, it was home to Professor Donald McRae, director of the observatory. Elms Lea became a designated heritage property in 2009. Photo courtesy Markham Museum, M-2003-12-29-56. #RichmondHillHistoricalSociety