Innisfil Heritage Advisory Committee Agenda

INNISFIL HERITAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA

MEETING DATE: THURSDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2020

TIME: 7:00 P.M.

LOCATION: VIRTUAL MEETING

CHAIR: COUNCILLOR C. PAYNE

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

(2.1) Approval of the Agenda for November 5, 2020

Recommendation

That the Innisfil Heritage Advisory Committee Agenda for November 5, 2020, be approved as printed.

3. DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

4. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

(4.1) Innisfil Heritage Advisory Committee Report No. 07-20, dated October 8, 2020, (Will be considered by Council on November 11, 2020)

5. PRESENTATIONS AND DELEGATIONS

(5.1) If you wish to request a delegation to the Heritage Committee, please contact Kevin Jacob, Assistant Clerk for further details at [email protected]

6. BUSINESS ITEMS

(6.1) Presentation - Mobility Orbit

Recommendation

That the presentation regarding the Mobility Orbit be received with thanks.

Page 1 of 38 Innisfil Heritage Advisory Committee Agenda November 5, 2020

(6.2) Working Group Updates

(a) Heritage Property Research and Evaluation Group (b) Cookstown Heritage Conservation District Working Group (c) Communications Working Group

Recommendation

That the update provided by the Heritage Committee Working Groups be received as information.

(6.3) Consideration to Recommend Property to the Town's Municipal Heritage Register - 2015 Gilford Road; 1575 4th Line; 5417 Yonge Street

Recommendation

1. That the discussion concerning recommending 2015 Gilford Road; 1575 4th Line and 5417 Yonge Street be added to the Town of Innisfil's Municipal Heritage Register be received; and

2. That this recommendation be forwarded to Council to add these properties to the Innisfil’s Municipal Heritage Register.

(6.4) 2021 Heritage Committee Meeting Dates

Recommendation

That the proposed 2021 meeting schedule for the Innisfil Heritage Committee be considered as follows:

• Thursday, January 7, 2021 • Thursday, February 4, 2021 • Thursday, March 4, 2021 • Thursday, April 8, 2021 • Thursday, May 6, 2021 • Thursday, June 3, 2021 • Thursday, August 12, 2021 • Thursday, September 2, 2021 • Thursday, October 7, 2021 • Thursday, November 4, 2021 • Thursday, December 2, 2021

Page 2 of 38 Innisfil Heritage Advisory Committee Agenda November 5, 2020

7. FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES

(7.1) Get Involved Innisfil Website

https://www.getinvolvedinnisfil.ca/

https://www.getinvolvedinnisfil.ca/planning

8. PENDING ITEMS

(8.1) • Barclay House Stones • 17 Queen Street / 7 King Street North Cookstown • Vacant Properties • 1878 Innisfil Beach Road – Conservation Review Board Appeal

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS - MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE

10. SCHEDULE OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS

(10.1) Heritage Committee meetings are being held virtually on-line until further notice.

• Thursday December 3, 2020

11. ADJOURNMENT

Page 3 of 38 Page 4 of 38 TOWN OF INNISFIL

SUMMARY REPORT 06-20

NAME OF COMMITTEE: INNISFIL HERITAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

DATE: OCTOBER 8, 2020

LOCATION: VIRTUAL MEETING

ATTENDANCE:

Voting Members: Councillor Carolyn Payne, Chair; Deb Crawford, Vice Chair; Jan Blommaert; Andrea Harper; and Elaine Splett

Regrets: Roger Johnson

Non-Voting: Kevin Jacob, Assistant Clerk

Guests: Meredith Goodwin, Capital Projects Manager, Engineering; Chris Cannon, Placemaker/Planner; Doug Dixon, President and Senior Bridge Engineer, Doug Dixon & Associates

MOTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION BY COUNCIL:

That 2457 14th Line be added to the Town of Innisfil's Municipal Heritage Register.

SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

Item 6.1 – Meredith Goodwin, Capital Projects Manager and Doug Dixon, President and Senior Bridge Engineer, Doug Dixon & Associates, Re: PKS403 Trans Canada Trail Pedestrian Bridges PB06 and PB07 – Proposed Design Options · Meredith Goodwin, Capital Projects Manager and Doug Dixon, provided the Committee the design options for the pedestrian bridgesthat included the advantages and disadvantages of each proposed design and the approximate capital costs for each. · A pre-fabricated truss bridge is the design option being recommended by the consultant. · The Committee requested clarification on the timing of the project and funding sources.

Item 6.2 - Consideration to Recommend a Property to the Town's Municipal Heritage Register – 2457 14th Line. · Members of the Heritage Property Research and Evaluation Working Group provided an overview of the property and advised that the ‘Ritchie Property’ is a unique 1½ storey farmhouse in the Victorian Gothic-style of architecture built circa 1872 and recommended adding to the Municipal Heritage Register (MHR) · The Assistant Clerk noted that the property owner had been advised that the Committee would be considering a motion to recommend adding this property to the MHR at tonight’s meeting. No response was received. · The Committee adopted the following motion: Moved By: J. Blommaert / Seconded By: A. Harper

Page 5 of 38 Innisfil Heritage Advisory Committee October 8, 2020 Report No. 07-20 Page 2 of 2

That the discussion concerning recommending 2457 14th Line be added to the Town of Innisfil's Municipal Heritage Register be received; and That this recommendation be forwarded to Council to add this property to the Innisfil’s Municipal Heritage Register. Item 6.3 - Working Group Updates

(a) Heritage Property Research and Evaluation Group · Ms. Crawford provided an overview of three properties for consideration for addition to the Town’s Municipal Heritage Register – 5417 Yonge Street; 1575 4th Line; and, 2015 Gilford Road. · The Committee adopted the following motion:

Moved By: A. Harper / Seconded By: D. Crawford

That the discussion regarding 5417 Yonge Street; 1575 4th Line; and, 2015 Gilford Road (Sawyer Farm) be received; and

That the property owners be notified that the Committee will consider a motion at the November Heritage Meeting requesting Council to add the properties to the Town’s Municipal Heritage Register.

(b) Cookstown Heritage Conservation District Working Group · Ms. Crawford advised that the property owner for 7 King Street North has clear-cut trees on the property and advised that she has sent an inquiry through Customer Service to see if a heritage permit was obtained and is waiting for a response. · The current status of 34 King Street was also noted. Still waiting for details on the Action Plan to deal with Property Standards concerns with heritage and vacant properties. · The Assistant Clerk provided an update on the Veterans Memorial Park Sustainability works and noted that a staff report is going to Council on October 14. · He also advised that a community engagement component is being utilized with the GetInvolvedInnisfil web page and Cookstown specific communications measures to inform residents of the works being completed.

(c) Communications Working Group · The Assistant Clerk advised the Committee of the new version of the Municipal Heritage Register now the Town’s web site. · He advised that the Communications group will be writing information sheets for the three designated properties in 2020 that will be uploaded to the Committee’s web page.

This summary was provided to the Committee for review and comments prior to consideration and approval by Council.

The next Committee meeting will be held on November 5, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m.

Page 6 of 38

XXXXX 2020

To: Mayor Dollin, Deputy Mayor Davidson, and Councillors

Fr: Innisfil Heritage Committee

Subject: Municipal Heritage Register Recommendation 2015 Gilford Road, Innisfil – Sawyer Farmhouse

Page 7 of 38

Municipal Address 2015 Gilford Road Legal Description North Half Lot 17 Con. 14 Pointer Coordinates Lat: 44.2139 Long: -79.576 Role # 431603007412000 Inventory Identification 15-2015 Date of Construction c. 1860 Additions to the Buildings Original Use: Farmhouse Building Name Prospect Farm/Sawyer Farmhouse Original Owner Current Use Residence Current Owner Current Zoning Agriculture Official Plan Designation Rural

Consultation with the property owner:

Owner will be notified of the Committee’s interest by letter

Architectural Assessment:

Style of Building:

Storey and a half, early brick farmhouse

Design Details/Craftsmanship:

The farmhouse is a brick storey and ½, with a three- bay front boasting a Regency doorway and a central gable on north (street) façade. There are 3 chimneys.

The “L” shaped brick house has a porch covering 2 sides of the house. The extension on the west side has a wrap-around veranda.

There are a variety of windows, some 6-over-6, all with green shutters.

A simple cornice adorns the roof line. Originally named “Prospect” Farm.

Architectural Integrity:

This property has been well maintained.

Design/Builder/ Architect: unknown

Page 8 of 38

Interior Elements: unavailable

Summary comments on architectural significance:

Design Compatibility with Streetscape:

As can be seen in the map of the area below, the house sites just off the south side of Gilford Road with a south-easterly view of the valley overlooking Cook’s Bay and the Holland Marsh and the rural countryside as far as the eye can see.

On the north side of the road, the development around Fennell’s Corners dominates the view – complete with the water tower however slightly further east along the road, the rural countryside once again takes over with farmland and naturalized areas.

Admirers of the Sawyer farmhouse however can step back in time and enjoy the view.

Community Context:

The Sawyers, Robert and Monica came to Fennell’s Corners in the mid 1830’s first naming their home as the “Prospect Farm”.

The 13 and 14th concessions were part of the Township of West Gwillimbury until the County of Simcoe’s Bill 177 restructured parts of Simcoe County effective 1 January 1991. As a result, the 13th and 14th Concessions of West Gwillimbury became part of the newly formed Town of Innisfil at that time.

Fennell’s Corners:

After the railway station at Gilford opened in 1853, this small hamlet developed as daily stagecoaches brought mail and passengers on the Bradford to Barrie and Cookstown to Gilford routes. Henry Croxon built his Royal Hotel at the north-east corner of the Penetang Rd. (now Yonge Street) and the First Line (now Shore Acres Drive) circa 1865 providing a place for travellers to rest, offering food, accommodation, and livery services. This intersection became know as Croxon’s Corners. Brown’s Hotel opened on the north east corner of Gilford Road. This building still stands on the corner. Early shopkeepers included a weaver, tailor, wagon-maker, pump maker, stonemason, and wheelwright, plus several carpenters and blacksmiths. Fennell Post Office named after “Squire” Fennell, a local farmer, politician, and Justice of the Peace, remained open until rural mail delivery started in 1916. Not far south was an Orange Lodge (Zion #877) and the Zion Primitive Methodist Church. Baseball was a popular sport and the park here today was always an excellent location for people from miles around to attend games.”

Page 9 of 38

Landmark Status: n/a

Site Sketch:

Page 10 of 38

Historical Assessment:

Trends Patterns/Themes:

Page 11 of 38

The Sawyers came to Upper Canada in the early 1800’s from England to settle and raise a family. The Sawyers purchased property along the West Gwillimbury Innisfil town line as well as on the 6th Line of Innisfil.

Their sons and daughters became part of the very foundation of the two townships.

Events or Persons:

The Story of the Sawyer family appears on page 738-9 of Vol 11 Gov Simcoe written by Jean (Sawyer) Keffer in 2005

“At 25 years of age, Robert Sawyer left Sheffield, England where he had been a haberdasher by trade, and came to Upper Canada. On the same boat, there was a 17 year old girl, Monica Towse, along with her parents Richard and Martha Towse. They docked at Montreal and travelled to York.

Robert was interested in Monica and became employed by his future father-in-law. The family and Robert moved to the first concession of Innisfil.

In 1833, Robert and Monica were married. In 1835, Robert Sawyer bought the 100 acres compromising of lots 17 and 18 con 15 West Gwillimbury.

In 1860, Robert and Monica built a brick house across the road on the south side of the 15th Line and took up residence on the newer property with their family.

Farms of Innisfil page 270 Prospect Farm North half of lot 17 and part lot 18 con 14, formerly West Gwillimbury Written by Jean (Sawyer) Keffer Published 2006

In 1847, Robert Sawyer (who also owned 100 acres at lots 17 and 18) bought the northeast quarter 50 acres) of lot 17 con 14 WG. The original farm buildings included a cattle barn and a born for pigs and chickens. The farmhouse was built in 1860 with bricks made 2 years earlier by Robert Sawyer.

Robert sold the 50acre farm to his son John in 1880, and in 1899 Gilson Sawyer (John’s nephew) bought the property. Gilson also bought the adjacent 37 ½ ac known as the Mattenley Place (lot 18) in 1911. He bought the northwest 50 acres of lot 17 from Henry Nesbitt in 1919 for a total of 137 ½ acres.

The property, which was named prospect Farm, sits at the top of a hill, overlooking Lake Simcoe. About 130 acres of the farm is arable land, with clay and clay-loam soil. A creek runs through the farm and at the back there is a hardwood bush.

Page 12 of 38

Gilson married Ida Rothwell in 1906. That same year, Ida’s brother Douglas Rothwell installed a private telephone line that connected farms belonging to six relatives: Sam, Eben, John and Joe Todd, William Rothwell, and Gilson Sawyer. Hydro was put in the Sawyer house in 1929.

Gilson purchased the farm’s first tractor (a Ford Ferguson with 3 gears) in 1939. He then bought a kit that allowed him to convert the tractor to 6 gears. Gilson and Ida had 2 sons (Eben and Girvan). Girvan married Ruth Hughes in 1943 and eventually took over the home farm. Girvan and Ruth lived in the main part of the house, while Gilson and Ida lived in an addition on the east side of the house. Girvan and Ruth had six children: Evaleen, Joe, Frances, Anne Jean and Mary Lou.

For many years Girvan and his brother Eben shared farm equipment, including a “Mount Forest new Favourite” threshing machine. Frank Hill and Tom Metcalfe neighbours at Fennell’s Corners helped with the stooking of the grain sheaves. The threshing machine would be in the barn and the straw was either blown into a row or a stack outside. The chaff was blown in to mow over the granaries and during the winter months molasses would be mixed with the chaff. This mixture was used to fatten the steers.

For many years, Ruth sold eggs to local residents as well as to cottagers. Girvan and Ruth milked the cattle by hand, selling the cream to creameries in Toronto, Bradford, Tottenham, and Alliston and feeding the skim milk to pigs. In 1947 they bought a DeLaval milking machine.

Girvan renovated the barn in 1949 and built an addition for pigs. An implement shed was built south of the barn in 1952.

Girvan owned several Ford “red-bellies” tractors and in 1961 he paid $4,000. for a 550 diesel Oliver tractor with a three-furrow three-point-hitch plow. This was the first diesel tractor on the farm and for many years it was the main tractor, working up to 300 acres annually. It remains in operation today, running the Bush Hog mower or post-hole digger.

There was always a second home on the farm (Nesbitt property) and over the years this house was available for hired help or rented out. (It was a first home for several of the neighbouring Stam children when they were married.) When Joe married Verna Brownlee in 1970, they renovated and lived in this house. Then in 1986 the two couples switched houses with Girvan and Ruth retiring to the Nesbitt house, and Joe and his family takin g over the main farmhouse. The farmhouse and attached garage remain as they were in 1800s except for the veranda that was removed by a twister in 1977 and replaced in 1990.

Joe and Verna’s children (Tom and Janet) became the 6th generation of Sawyers to live at Prospect Farm. Today Janet lives in the Nesbitt house which is owned by Tom. At the present time Joe manages a mixed-farming operation. He has beef cattle and grows wheat, barley, soybeans, alfalfa and red clover. Recognized as a Century Farm in 1967, Prospect Farm continues to be owned and operated by the same Sawyer family.

A list of the Land Record transactions from 1833 to 1970 can be found as Appendix 1.

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Summary Comments on Historic Significance

To follow the family tree of Robert and Monica Sawyer is to name many of not all of the families of the pioneers of Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil including the Batemans, Hughes, Kells, Grose, Brown, and Kneeshaw to name a few.

Recommendation:

To review the history of the Sawyer family is to review the history of many of the pioneers of south Simcoe County and beyond. They purchased land, cleared it, began farming and raised families. The descendants of Robert and Monica Sawyer are members of many of the early families that shaped Innisfil and Bradford West Gwillimbury.

The property has been well cared since it was built 160 years ago. As a century home and the residence of the descendants of the original pioneer family it offers a stunning example of the roots of the community.

Innisfil Heritage Committee

References

Innisfil Review 1951 Farms of Innisfil (formerly in WG) Governor Simcoe, History of West Gwillimbury Our Stories Innisfil Onland Land Records Ontario Vital Statistics (birth/marriages and deaths) 1872 Directory Hunter’s History Cemetery Transcriptions

Appendix 1

Land Records: Onland Books 77 & 78 (contain 334 pages) Starts page 216

In 1833 patent of Crown Land to Canada Company for 100 acres of the north half of lot 17 con 14 West Gwillimbury

#6834 20 March 1847 , B & S From James Padfield to Robert Sawyer of Innisfil, North East 50ac * land record does not show sale from Canada Co. to Padfield

#444 9 Jan 1880 B & S From Robert Sawyer to John Sawyer $3,000 and Robert held a mortgage for $2,000.

Page 14 of 38

#3301 22 Sept 1899 B & S John Sawyer to William G. Sawyer $2,400 subject to mtg.

# 6227 June 1919 Nesbitt To William G. Sawyer N W ¼

** now Gilson (William G.) Sawyer has the entire 100 ac of north half

6985 1924 Agreement Between Fred Sawyer of Toronto and Gilson Sawyer of WG to take water for 50 years from well on s ½ lot 17 con 15 and conveying by pipe to n ½ lot 17 con 14 $1.00

6740 Feb 1957 Will Exec. of Gilson Sawyer dec. to Girvan Joseph Rothwell Sawyer

27067 1966 fence agreement with neighbour

# 326529 Mar 1970 Grant Girvin J. R. Sawyer to William J. Sawyer =Joe $1.00

Page 15 of 38 Page 16 of 38

October 2020

To: Mayor Dollin, Deputy Mayor Davidson, and Councillors

Fr: Innisfil Municipal Heritage Committee

Subject: Recommendation to Add to a Property to the Municipal Heritage Register Grose Homestead: 1575 Killarney Beach Road/4th Line (Lefroy) Innisfil

Municipal Address 1575 Killarney Beach Road/4th Line (Lefroy) Innisfil Legal Description North Half Lot 20 Con 3 Pointer Coordinates Lat: 44.2553 Long -79.5673 Role # 431601000216000 (from Simcoe County Maps) Inventory Identification 04-1575 Date of Construction c. 1866 Additions to the None at this time Buildings Original Use: Farmhouse Building Name Grose Farmhouse Original Owner Richard Grose Current Use Residential Current Owner Current Zoning Official Plan Agriculture Designation

Page 17 of 38

Consultation with the property owner:

Owner will be notified of the Committee’s interest by letter

Architectural Assessment:

Style of Building:

Victorian Gothic Farmhouse

Design Details/Craftsmanship:

The Grose Farmhouse is a rough stone, one and half storey house. The south façade (facing Killarney Beach Public School and 20th Sideroad) shows a sharp peaked gable housing a narrow doorway with a round topped transom giving access to a small railed balcony which projects over the main door with its transom, but no sidelights. To the right is a wide gabled projection, with two 2-over-2 sash upper windows. The two 2-over2 sash windows on the lower level with their cut stone lintels are intriguingly off-set from the upper windows. There is a covered veranda on the north side of the building. A rare and beautiful structure!

Excerpt from Our Stories # 1990 Photo dated 1906

Note: the cut stone lintels the original windows and the off set upper and lower windows

Architectural Integrity:

There is no reason to suspect that the integrity of the property has been compromised.

Page 18 of 38

Design/Builder/ Architect: unknown

Interior Elements: unknown.

Summary comments on architectural significance:

The Grose Farmhouse is a striking example of the early craftsmanship practiced by Innisfil pioneers. The house appears to be well maintained and while updated over the years, the essence of the stone construction and architectural characteristics have been retained.

Throughout Innisfil a few of the early stone houses still remain however others such as the McConkey (20th Sideroad and Innisfil Beach Road) and Barclay (7335 Yonge Street) have been destroyed and others such as the Cameron Farm (1778 Innisfil Beach Rd.) and Averill’s (1880 3rd Line) have been neglected pending destruction.

Design Compatibility with Streetscape:

The Grose Farmhouse is well set back from south side of the 4th Line, and barely visible from the 20th Sideroad. The area immediately to the east and west of the long driveway from the 4th Line has been sub-divided to accommodate the building of newer single-family houses.

The previously farmed property on the north side of the 4th line remains vacant, likely in anticipation of development.

On the east side of the 20th Sideroad the construction of the urban development of Lefroy continues. In addition to the existing public school to the south-east of the farmhouse, the building of a second school has recently been announced just east of the 20th Sideroad.

Despite the development along the 4th Line and on the east side of the 20th Sideroad, the area has retained the open space feel of rural Innisfil.

Community Context:

While on the fringe of the Lefroy settlement, the early members of the Grose family, and residents in the south eastern area of Innisfil Township were drawn to the small booming communities of Lefroy, Belle Ewart and Churchill for trade, worship and education.

Lefroy: “The village founded in 1853 when the Ontario, Simcoe & Huron Union Railroad (later the Northern Railway of Canada) opened a station here to serve Belle Ewart’s busy lumber and ice industry. The village was named after Sir John Lefroy famous for his work on discovering the magnetic north pole. In the early days, the village offered a general store, millinery bank, post office, hotels, and taverns, a lumber company and library. The Presbyterian Church built c. 1867 was remodeled in 1925 to be used as a Continuation School until 1958. The Methodist Church moved to Lefroy in 1902 from Belle Ewart.

(Innisfil Heritage Committee – Commemorative Sign – Church Street – Lefroy).

Page 19 of 38 Landmark Status: N/A

Site Sketch:

Page 20 of 38 Images obtained from County of Simcoe Mapping September 2020 https://www.simcoe.ca/Inf ormationTechnology/Page s/gis.aspx

Historical Assessment:

Trends Patterns/Themes:

Henry Grose came to Lefroy first, followed by his two brothers Richard, and Robert Grose in the early 1850’s. It is said that the three brothers were always “within reach of each other”.

Richard bought the property north half Lot 20 Con 3; Robert bought the south half Lot 20 Conc. 3 and Henry owned and operated a sawmill in Lefroy catty-corner from Richard on Lot 21 Conc. 4.

Richard and Robert were the first settlers on Lot 20. The brothers all raised large families of 8 or more children. Many of the descendants of the original 3 brothers married locally and settled in the surrounding areas.

Events or Persons:

February 1822 Peter Robinson received 200 acres lot 20 Con 3.

January 4, 1854 Richard Grose purchased 100 acres north half lot 20 con 3 and his brother Robert bought the south half Lot 20 Con 3 on the same day.

Richard Grose was born in Cornwall England c 1818 and emigrated to Ontario about 1842-3. He first lived near Coulson’s Hill in West Gwillimbury Township. In 1850 he married Agnes (aka Nancy) (b 1824 England) Burns. Richard and Nancy moved to Innisfil c.1854.

Page 21 of 38 The 1861 Ag. Census indicates he had only 66 acres left in wood, the rest under crops and pasture. The census record is incomplete and does not include details about the house.

They had 10 children, some born in West Gwillimbury, but all were raised around Lefroy.

Children of Richard and Nancy (Burns) Grose

Noah 1850 - married Adelia Jane Simmons (1851-1923) in 1876 in Bradford. 1928 In 1905 living in Barrie, and both died in Toronto. Sarah (Sadie) 1853 – did not marry and lived in Lefroy; died at the home of her sister Margaret 1932 Eliza Canning. Christopher 1853 - married Mary Selena Sawyer (1865-1947) the daughter of Alfred 1932 and Mary Sawyer (1350 6th Line) in Stroud in 1893. In 1893 he was listed as a conductor, resident of Toronto. Christopher and Mary moved to the farmhouse in the late 1890’s. Both are buried at the Sixth Line Cemetery. Mary Jane 1854 - married neighbour George King (1855-1943) in Craigvale in 1940 1879. They moved to Regina Saskatchewan and raised 10 children. Richard Henry 1858 - died of pneumonia at 25 years of age. He was unmarried. 1885 Robert Burns 1860 – married Annie Sarah Eden (1872- 1943+) in Innisfil in 1890. In after 1905 they were residents of Lefroy. 1943 Alice 1832 - married widower James Hilliard in 1908. They resided in 1932 Toronto. Alice is buried at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Toronto. Eliza 1864 – married neighbour Robert Canning (1861-1932) in Innisfil in 1956 1892. In 1911 they were living at lot 25 con 2 Innisfil. Both Eliza and Robert are buried at Sixth Line Cemetery. Eliza lived to be 94 years of age. The service at her death was held at Lefroy United Church. Agnes 1866 - married Arthur King b 1872, in 1902. Agnes is buried at the Sixth 1943 Line Cemetery. Joanna Beatrice 1868 – married Bethel Towse Bateman (1866-1950) in 1902. They had 1929 no children. Both are buried at Zion Cemetery Yonge Street, south of Fennell’s Corners. The Batemans lived in the Gilford/Fennell’s Corner area, farmed on the 2nd Line, and were related to the Sawyers and many pioneer families in the area.

Richard died in 1905 followed by his wife Nancy in 1908. Both are buried at St. John’s Presbyterian Cemetery, Coulson’s Hill, West Gwillimbury Township.

Henry Grose (Richard’s nephew and son of brother Henry Grose) and Noah (Richard’s son) were executors of the estate at the time and the property passed into their hands.

In September 1906, the property was registered to Noah Grose and his mother Nancy Grose (widow) released ownership.

Noah died in 1928 (predeceased by his wife Adeline in 1923) and although the property was bequeathed to Alice Jane Nichol (Toronto), Annie M. Guardhouse and Agnes B. Bailey (Noah’s

Page 22 of 38 daughters/Richard’s granddaughters) it wasn’t until 1941 when Geo. H. Nichol (executor of the will of Noah Grose) executed the transfer of ownership.

Based on Census data, Noah did not stay on the farm but instead was an innkeeper in Beeton (1891) and in Owen Sound (1901). Noah and his wife both died in Toronto.

Christopher and his wife Mary Selena Sawyer married in 1893 returned to the farm shortly thereafter. They had 7 children:

Mabel Irene 1895- Remained unmarried 1981 Byron Burns 1898- Married Jessie Scott; was Lefroy Postmaster 1931-1966; and 1978 lifetime member of Minerva Loyal Orange Lodge 605 Stroud. Cecil Edgar 1899- ? Married to Anna Jean Fraser 1923 in Nipissing Elmer Whitney 1903- Married Kathleen Bain (b 1905 d 1994) in 1928 (both buried at 1976 Sixth Line Cemetery) Wilma Alexandra 1905- d.October 4th age 3 months, 25 days (Barrie Examiner 12 1905 October 1905) Morley E. 1907- Married Rose Hassett (b. Sixth Line Cemetery) 1962 Gordon 1911- (b. Sixth Line Cemetery) Christopher 1993

Photo showing a number of men standing on the foundation of a barn, as well as standing or sitting on the timber support beams of a barn during its raising. This was a barn raising for Chris Grose. Because of the large number of men needed to build a barn in a timely manner, barn raisings were a community event with neighbours friends and family all contributing to the construction (Our Stories #1430, Dated 1906)

Page 23 of 38 Christopher’s Obituary posted in the Barrie Examiner, 23 November 1939 provides a summary of his interests and achievements:

After an illness of eleven months, Christopher Grose passed aware Nov. 15, 1939 at his home at Lefroy in his 86th year. One of the oldest residents of the village, he could tell many an incident of early days.

Born in West Gwillimbury on December 3, 1853 he came with his parents to Lefroy when he was eight weeks old and the whole of his life, wit the exception of three years in Toronto was spent in Lefroy and vicinity. He caried on farming until he retired in 1927. A member of the United Church, he was chairman of the building committee of the Lefroy church. For several years, he was a trustee of S.S. No. 4 Innisfil. A staunch Conservative he had served as president of the Innisfil Association. A member of L.O.L. No. 533 for over 60 years, he was a Past Master and held an honorary membership. He had a keen interest in sport and was a member of the first curling club in the district and of the first baseball team at Lefroy. Even after he was bedfast, he would listen to lacrosse and baseball games on the radio.

Surviving relatives are his wife, Mary Sabine Sawyer, daughter of Mabel Irene, Toronto, five sons, Byron and Morley at home, Cecil E. of Thorold Ont. Elmer W. of Toronto, and Gordon of Paisley Ont. One brother Robert Grose Belleville and three sisters Mrs. Geo. King of Regina, Sask. Mrs. Eliza Canning of Belle Ewart and Mrs. Arthur King of Lefroy.

Many friends attended the funeral on Nov. 18 to show their sympathy and respect. Service in the Lefroy United Church and at the Sixth Line Cemetery where interment was made, were taken by Rev. L. S. Paisley. The body was borne to its last resting place by four sons Cecil, Elmer, Morley, and Gordon and two nephews R. Canning and F. Ralston. Friends attended from Belleville, Peterborough, Toronto and Victoria Harbour as well as from the surrounding district. Among the beautiful floral remembrances wee those from: Innisfil Conservative Association, L.O.L No. 533, Bell Telephone Co., Simcoe Lodge, A.F. and A.M. Toronto and the Royal Bank staff, Paisley.

Many of the descendants of Christopher Grose remained in Innisfil and the Lefroy area and were actively involved in the Innisfil community. Byron Burns was the Lefroy Postmaster (1931-1966) for 35 years and a lifetime member of the Minerva Loyal Orange Lodge 605 in Stroud. Though Elmer spent much of his life working for Bell Canada in Toronto, following his retirement he remained active in the Innisfil and area community. Elmer was the only son elected to serve on Innisfil Council.

Obit for Elmer Whitley Grose, died 19 May 1976

Elmer Grose, a well-known member of the Bradford Lions Club died suddenly while playing golf at Big Cedar Golf and Country Club last Wednesday. Mr. Grose was a former district governor of the Lions in Toronto and joined the Bradford chapter upon moving to Lefroy.

He was born on the Grose Homestead January 21, 1902 As a young man he sought employment with Bell Canada in Toronto. He worked there until his retirement when he moved to a lakefront retirement home in the Lefroy area.

Page 24 of 38 Always interested in his community, Mr. Grose held numerous public positions in North York, he served on both the school board and municipal council.

Mr Grose was elected to Innisfil council for the 1968-9 term. He chaired the Parks and Recreation Committee during those years.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen Bain, son Ivan of Courtice, daughters Margaret of Toronto and Joan of Scarborough, sister Irene and brother Byron, Cecil, and Gordon. He is also survived by four grandsons, two granddaughters and two great grandchildren. A service was held Saturday in the Skwarchuk Funeral Home, Chapel of Lathangue in Bradford with burial at the Sixth Line Cemetery, Innisfil.

(Bradford Newspaper 26 May 1976)

Group photo of the Innisfil Council 1968-69 seated around a table. Pictured from left to right are Elmer Grose, Russell Stewart, Clerk Richard Groh, Reeve Joseph Cochrane, Treasurer Duncan Green, Deputy Reeve Allan Todd, and William A. Gibbins. (Our Stories 2472 dated 1968)

After Noah’s death, the property was owned by his three daughters although Christopher and his family continued to live and work the land up until Christopher’s death in 1939.

In 1941 the property was sold out of the family to Llewellyn Harold Stephens (went by Harold) of Innisfil for $3,500 and took back a mortgage for $3,000. Harold may have been renting the property since Christopher’s death pending the clearing of title, etc.

Harold moved from Tossorontio to Innisfil with his parents prior to the 1921 census and lived near the 4th Line between Churchill and the 20th Sideroad.

Between 1941 and 1946 the original 100-acre parcel of land had remained intact however beginning in 1946 the land along the 4th Sideroad was subdivided to make way for residential housing. As well, a piece of the southeast section was sold for the construction of the new Killarney Beach Public School. Harold married Phyllis May Stephens (b 1920 d 2005) around

Page 25 of 38 1965. Harold died in 1976 and is buried at the Sixth Line Cemetery. Phillis died in Creemore in 2005.

In 1961 the remaining Grose homestead property was sold to Patricia M. Rout of Township of North York for $5000 plus the existing mortgage of $12500. The land was passed to Eileen M. Shannon and it would appear from the land records that the Eileen and her husband Eugene lost the farm around 1977 to the Innisfil Farm Credit Union and Aquiline Investment Group. In December 1987 it was purchased by Jayne Yarmoluk.

Summary Comments on Historic Significance

The family story of Richard and Nancy Grose began as one of the early settlers in the south eastern area of Innisfil Township. From all accounts they worked the land, worked along side Henry in the sawmill and kept much to themselves and their extended family as they raised their 10 children. The sons and daughters of the couple, married into many of the neighbouring early Innisfil families such as the Sawyers, Canning, King, and Bateman. Richard’s son Christopher held positions in local community groups, the Innisfil Conservative Association, and a school trustee for several years. Elmer Grose (son of Christopher, grandson of Richard), was active in local politics in the York region and was elected to Innisfil Council 1968-69. Byron was the Lefroy Postmaster for 35 years. The property, North Half Lot 20 Concession 3 remained intact and part of the family for 87 years.

Recommendation:

The Richard Grose family history is the story of one of Innisfil’s original pioneer families. Richard was the first owner of the property Lot 20 Concession 3 beginning in 1854 and he and his family farmed and worked the land for 87 years. The farmhouse is a stunning example of early stone workmanship that should be preserved for years to come. While the area surrounding or adjacent to the Grose farmhouse is under significant development as part of the Lefroy-Belle Ewart Settlement Area, the preservation of this jewel from the past takes on new importance. It is recommended that this property be added to Innisfil’s Municipal Heritage Registry.

Innisfil Municipal Heritage Committee

Historical Sources: Our Stories: #5129 photo of Crown Sale to Richard Grose #2299 photo of 3 daughters of Richard Grose #1430 photo of barn raising of Christopher Grose – no year #1990 photo at barn raising of people in front of the house. Innisfil Review: 1951, Grose Family History. 1984 Irvine Family History

Page 26 of 38 Onland.ca land records Ourontario.ca Barrie Examiner Barrie Advance Plan # 51R 1902 reg. 1973 Ontario Vital Statistics records of birth marriages and deaths Ontario Census Records Simcoe County Surrogate Court Index of wills 1828-1929 Simcoe County Voter’s Lists Simcoe County Directory of 1872/3 Bradford Witness Newspaper obits Cemetery Transcription of Sixth Line Cemetery, William Kell’s recollections

Page 27 of 38 Page 28 of 38

4 November 2020

To: Mayor Dollin, Deputy Mayor Davidson, and Councillors

Fr: Innisfil Municipal Heritage Committee

Subject: Recommendation to Add to the Municipal Heritage Registry

5417 Yonge Street (Fennell’s Corners) Innisfil

5417 Yonge Street Winter 2019 (Photo – D. Crawford)

5417 Yonge Street March 2017 (Photo - D. Crawford)

Page 29 of 38

Municipal Address 5417 Yonge Street (Fennell’s Corners) Innisfil Legal Description SW Corner Lot 16 Concession 15 Pointer Coordinates Lat: 44.2128 long: -79.5883 Role # 431603007418100 Inventory Identification H11-5417 Date of Construction c. 1850’s Additions to the Buildings Details unknown Original Use: Hotel Building Name Brown’s Hotel Original Owner Daniel Geran (Giran) 1836 Current Use Commercial Current Owner Current Zoning Official Plan Designation

Consultation with the property owner:

The property owner will be advised of the Heritage Committee’s interest in adding the property to the Municipal Heritage Registry.

Architectural Assessment:

Style of Building:

Early Ontario Vernacular

Design Details/Craftsmanship:

The original structure as it stands today was erected mid 1800’s and was established as Brown’s Hotel.

The 3 bay 2 storey structure is clad in board and batten siding, with a veranda along the front (facing Yonge Street/Penetanguishene Road) and the south side (facing Gilford Road).

The main floor consists of a main commercial area with living quarters/apartments on the second floor.

An addition is evident to the rear of the second floor. An exterior set of stairs on the east side of the structure provides independent access and egress to the apartments above.

A more detailed architectural description can only be obtained through a heritage impact assessment or a site visit by a qualified expert.

Architectural Integrity:

The structure continues to be occupied as both living quarters and a commercial enterprise.

5417 Yonge Street Innisfil (Fennell’s Corners) 2

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Design/Builder/ Architect: unknown

Interior Elements: to be determined.

Summary comments on architectural significance:

The structure is typical of early Ontario building techniques and while not architecturally striking in appearance, the well-preserved façade serves as a reminder of the challenges of the early settlers and travellers and the history of the area.

Design Compatibility with Streetscape:

The property is a commercial enterprise which is entirely compatible with the other buildings in Fennell’s Corners. The area has long been a hub to provide residents and travellers along the major intersection routes with goods and services. . Community Context:

The property located just south of what was once known as Croxon’s Corners on the north-east corner of the intersection of Gilford Road and Penetanquishene Road was known as Brown’s Corners (see 1870 Hogg’s map below)

NE Corner West Gwillimbury Township – 1870 Hogg

Today, the area is best known as Fennell’s Corners however the two intersections along Yonge Street (Highway 89 and Gilford Road) have been a crossroads for travellers East-West and North-South since the early 1800s’.

5417 Yonge Street Innisfil (Fennell’s Corners) 3

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Fennell’s Corners:

After the railway station at Gilford opened in 1853, this small hamlet developed as daily stagecoaches brought mail and passengers on the Bradford to Barrie and Cookstown to Gilford routes. Henry Croxon built his Royal Hotel at the north-east corner of Penetang Road (now Yonge Street) and the First Line (now Shore Acres Drive) circa 1865 providing a place for travellers to rest, offering food, accommodation, and livery services. This intersection became know as Croxon’s Corners. Brown’s Hotel opened on the north-east corner at the Gilford Road. This building still stands on the corner. Early shopkeepers included a weaver, tailor, wagon-maker, pump maker, stone mason, and wheelwright, plus several carpenters and blacksmiths. Fennell Post Office, named after “Squire” Fennell, a local farmer, politician, and Justice of the Peace remained open until rural mail delivery started in 1916. Not far south, was an Orange Lodge (Zion #877) and the Zion Primitive Methodist Church. Baseball was a popular sport and the park here today was always an excellent location for people from miles around to gather to attend games.

(Innisfil Heritage Committee – Commemorative Sign)

Landmark Status:

Yes – this structure once known as the Brown’s Hotel and later for retail and commercial ventures remains on the corner of Gilford Road and Penetanguishene Road as it has been since the mid 1800’s.

Site Sketch:

County of Simcoe: https://www.sim coe.ca/Informati onTechnology/ Pages/gis.aspx

5417 Yonge Street Innisfil (Fennell’s Corners) 4

Page 32 of 38 County of Simcoe: https://www.sim coe.ca/Informati onTechnology/ Pages/gis.aspx

Historical Assessment:

Trends Patterns/Themes:

Events or Persons:

Lot 16 Conc. 15 is a small rectangular lot totalling 36 acres, unlike the standard 200 acres seen elsewhere.

The Crown originally transferred the land to Daniel Geran in February 1836. In the same month it was sold to James MacKay of West Gwillimbury.

In 1840 it was sold to Robert Sawyer.

In February 1863, the SW corner 1 (one) acre, part of Lot 16 C 15 was sold to Edward E. Brown and his wife Maria of Holland Landing.

Edward also purchased 1 acres SE corner Lot 15 C15 in 1865 from William Cosgrove (paid $320). He purchased an additional piece north of his 2 acres for 120 in 1866.

Edward E. (b. England 1815 -1892) and his wife Maria (b. England 1827 - ??) emigrated from England to Holland Landing Ontario prior to the 1861 census. Edward was working as a plasterer.

5417 Yonge Street Innisfil (Fennell’s Corners) 5

Page 33 of 38 The 1867 Census lists Edward as a mason, Croxon’s Corners. The 1873 Census lists Edward as a mason, hotel keeper at Brown’s Corners.

Edward E. and Maria had 4 children: Eliza, (William) Robert, Jesse, and Charles Henry Herbert:

Eliza married Robert Prittie in 1870. Robert P. is listed as hotel keeper. Edward Blake was born 1876 however Eliza died in childbirth with their second child in 1877. Both Eliza and the child are buried at Zion Cemetery. Robert P. remarried and moved to Toronto. Edward Blake lived with them until he was transferred to the Hospital in Orillia for “feeble minded”. He died in 1911.

(William) Robert married Martha Waites (1875-1846) from West Gwillimbury. In 1907 they purchased SH L16 C14. They had a family of 11 children. (William) Robert and Martha retired and moved to a house at Fennell’s in 1919. (William) Robert died in 1921 followed by Martha in 1945. Both are buried at Zion Cemetery.

A list of the children of (William) Robert and Martha can be found in Appendix 1 attached.

Charles Henry Herbert (1867 -1911) married Mary Selina “Senie” Sturgeon in 1887. They had 10 children. According to the 1891 census Charles was a “hotel keeper” at the Brown’s Hotel. He was later listed as a carpenter. After Charles died in 1911, Senie married Joseph Murdin and moved to Prince Albert Saskatchewan.

Jesse (1860 – 18??) presumed to have died young as additional details have not been found.

Upon Edward E.’s death in 1891 Maria was bequeathed all interest in the property which was passed on to Charles H. Brown (son) and Edward Blake Prittie (grandson and son of Eliza and Robert).

Charles and Senie raised 8 children: Ralph Edward, Henry (Harry) Herbert, Norman, William Lawrence (Lorne), Ethel, Adelaide, and Mable (Maud). Ralph and Lorne served in WW1 and Earnest and Maud moved to Prince Albert Saskatchewan. For more of the available details see Appendix 2 attached.

In 1896 Maria Brown (widow) and Charles Brown transferred the property to Robert Brown.

In 1904 Robert Brown sold the property to Wildridge Sturgeon for $800.

December 1929 the property was conveyed by Annie Maynard of Unionville widow Mark Maynard in her parent’s capacity to Joseph Mattinley W. Gwill $2100

12 May 1946 Joseph Mattinley of W Gwill to S. H Bolton of Levack $1 same as 10079

29 Aug 1946 S. H. Bolton to Samuel H. Bolton & Elizabeth H. Bolton his wife both of W. Gwillimbury relinquishing as joint tenants same land as 10081

5417 Yonge Street Innisfil (Fennell’s Corners) 6

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10537 Grant 4 May 1948 Samuel H Bolton formerly of Levack but presently of W Gwillimbury to Earnest Hughes of W. Gwillimbury for $100

11547 Grant 30 June 1952 Frederick Hughes of Toronto to Ross E. Hughes of Innisfil $1.00.

Summary Comments on Historic Significance

The Brown’s owned the property in question for 41 years although they owned other property around the Yonge St./Gilford Rd. intersection and their offspring married into many of the families of the early settles in Innisfil, West Gwillimbury and Bradford. The Archers, Hughes, Sawyers, Bells all have descendants of the Brown family in their history.

An excerpt Item PH 26400 Steel’s Corners SS 14 1888- 1960 -Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Archives – a history of Steel’s Corner School

Recommendation:

The intersections have been a commercial hub for over 165 years. The Brown’s Hotel and the many retail and commercial enterprises offered from the NE Corner of Yonge Street and Gilford

5417 Yonge Street Innisfil (Fennell’s Corners) 7

Page 35 of 38 Road continue to this day. The building has retained much of its early façade and continues to be a familiar site those travelling along Yonge Street.

The Brown’s were one of the early settlers in Innisfil and West Gwillimbury whose offspring married into several other prominent pioneer families that shaped both communities.

The planned widening of Yonge Street to Highway 89 may impact on the existing structure either as part of the construction or as increased traffic will affect the structural integrity of the building.

It is recommended that this property be added to Innisfil’s Municipal Heritage Registry.

Innisfil Heritage Committee

Historical Sources:

Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library Whiskey and Wickedness, Yonge Street 100 Taverns in 100 Miles – Larry D. Cotton www.OnLand.ca Property records The Maconchy’s and Blains of Innisfil Township Bradford Gilford and Barrie by Bill Blain William (Bill) Kell recollections Northern Advance County of Simcoe, GIS Maps

5417 Yonge Street Innisfil (Fennell’s Corners) 8

Page 36 of 38 Appendix 1

Children of (William) Robert and Martha Waites:

William Robert 1876-1948 Anna Maria Bell Moved to Weyburn Sask. Eliza 1879 -1939 Wm. J. Churchill Moved to Western Canada Jessie Amelia 1882-1970 William Edney Lived NH Lot 11 C11 WG (property still in Edney name) Franklin Charles 1885- ? Moved to western Canada Fred Arthur 1887-1961 Annie e. Reilly SH L17C14 Had 8 children Took over the farm until 1919. Buried Zion Cemetery Flossie 1890-1944 Dave Samuel West in Moved to Arthur 1918 Mabel Florence 1891-1947 Clara Mabel 1893-1975 Labon McKague Moved to Weyburn Sask. Beatrice 1895-1987 Fred Archer Ran gas station at Gilford Rd. & Yonge Str. SE corner L16 C14) 9son earnest OS 9305 baseball pic. Bertram (twin of 1895-1906 Died at 11 yrs. Old Beatrice) Lila May 1898-1988 Unmarried – buried Zion Cemetery

5417 Yonge Street Innisfil (Fennell’s Corners) 9

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Appendix 2:

Children of Charles Henry Herbert and Mary Selina “Senie” Sturgeon:

Ralph Edward 1888-1946 Jennie Wood Served in WW1 Moved to Toronto Henry (Harry) 1889-1958 Maudie Burton 1921 Buried Prospect Cemetery Herbert Toronto (Robert) Norman 1895-1958 Buried Zion Cemetery William Lawrence 1896-1975 Dora May Irwin 1916 Served in WW1 Lived in (Lorne) Newmarket died in Brampton Ethel 1899-? No record after 1901 Adelaide 1900-1916 Buried Zion Cemetery Ernest Alfred 1906-? 1921 Census living in Prince Albert Sask. with Mary and Joseph Murdin Mable (Maud?) 1908-? 1921 Census living in Prince Albert Sask. with Mary and Joseph Murdin

5417 Yonge Street Innisfil (Fennell’s Corners) 10

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