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March 10, 1800

March 10, 1800

Susanna Maria Willcocks petitions Speaker of Legislative Council, Peter Russell, for Duke Street lot

Willcocks petitions the Speaker of the Legislative Council of Upper Canada Peter Russell for “Lot No. 5 on the North Side of Duke Street” in order to build a home and make improvements. Susanna Maria had presumably owned the location since at least 1797, as she is listed on a map made that year. Her brother also filed a petition on her behalf in 1797, but it is unclear which specific plot of land (if any) was being asked for at that time.

1797 Map
1797 Petition
1800 Petition
1800 Petition Continued

Sources:

  • Petitions – Library and Archives Canada (http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/land/land-petitions-upper-canada-1763-1865/Pages/List.aspx?Surname=Willcocks&GivenName=Maria&)
  • Map – John Ross Robertson – Landmarks of Toronto  6 – p.475

October 10, 1950

October 10, 1950

Masco Electric Company ad

In the 10 October 1950 edition of the Globe and Mail, the Masco Electric Company published an advertisement proclaiming that they distribute “Everything Electrical Except the Chair” – i.e. the electric chair!

The Globe and Mail – 10 October 1950

Source:

  • Ad – The Globe and Mail, 10 October 1950

October 13, 1900

October 13, 1900

Fensom Elevator Works employs 125 men

According to the 13 October 1900 edition of the Globe, in 1895 the Fensom Elevator Works employed 80 men in Toronto, while in 1900 that number had grown to 125.
It appears that westward expansion was fuelling the growth in Fensom’s business. By this time Fensom had expanded his factory facilities, and was making business contacts in South Africa and Australia.

The Globe – 13 October 1900

Source:

  • Article – The Globe, 13 October 1900

1883

1883

Image of Fensom Elevator Works on Duke Street

The 23 November 1975 edition of the Toronto Sun published a sketch of the house allegedly as it appeared in 1883. Note the two large warehouses, supply lot, side office, and crane behind the house.

1883 Fensom Elevator Works

Source:

  • Image – The TorontoSun, 23 November 1975

June 19, 1850

June 19, 1850

James Gordon listed in house for first time

It can only be said for certain that James Gordon was in the house in 1850. There are no surviving directories for the years 1851 and 1855. The 1856 Directory lists the house as vacant, so Gordon could have left any time after 1850.

1851 Fleming Map

Sources: