Did you know that Hagerman’s Corners was founded by Nicholas Hagerman in 1803? It is a dispersed rural community in Markham. This area sits at the crossroads of 14th Avenue and Kennedy Road.
Once upon a time, these lands were farms. Now, homes and commercial parks define the landscape of Hagerman’s Corners. Geographically, it lies between Milliken Mills and Unionville. Let’s take a stroll through time in Hagerman’s Corners.
Nicholas Hagerman owned the property on the northwest corner of the intersection. By 1878, Hagerman’s Corners boasted a hotel and a tavern called the Bee Hive Hotel. There was also a general store, a post office that opened in 1873 and a wagon maker. Imagine the hustle and bustle.
In 1849, a Wesleyan Methodist church found its home here. It was built on Hagerman family land. This private burying ground became a sacred space. A wood-frame church served the community. In 1874, it was replaced by a brick building. Sadly, the church was torn down in the 1920s.
However, the cemetery remains. You can still find it on the east side of Kennedy Road. It sits north of 14th Avenue on James Fairless’ farm. It marks where the former Presbyterian church once stood before its demolition. Some historical homes have been revitalized. It adds a touch of beauty to Hagerman’s Corners.
Today, a new public housing project occupies the west side of Kennedy Road. Small strip malls offer mostly Chinese stores. They are located on the southwest corner of 14th Avenue and Kennedy Road. Here, you can find the First Choice Supermarket. It’s a Chinese-based supermarket and a Tim Hortons. Various Asian restaurants also call this place home. Since 1932, the Hagerman Mennonite Church has been meeting here.
Transportation is convenient. Highway 407 runs along the northern edge. 14th Avenue is the main east-west road. Kennedy Road borders the east side and Warden Avenue the west side. Birchmount Road serves as the main north-south route.
Hagerman’s Corners never grew into a large town. It remained a small hub around the intersection. The first school opened in 1858. A fire destroyed the wooden building on April 11, 1888. The community quickly replaced it with a unique brick schoolhouse.
E.J. Lennox designed the school. He is famous for designing Casa Loma. Instead of a street-facing entrance, this school had two side entrances. One was for boys and the other for girls. The last classes were held in 1966. The school sat empty until 1985. Then, George and Patricia Zarafonitis transformed it into a restaurant.
Benjamin Milliken II built his home in 1855. The Milliken family attended the Presbyterian Church. Their names appear on several grave markers in the cemetery. Across the street stands the former home of Jesse Noble. It was built in 1855. Ambrose Noble purchased the property in 1826 and granted it to his son Jesse in 1864. The house was renovated and expanded in 1880. Today, it’s part of a bridal shop.
In 1876, Robert Armstrong bought property from Nicholas Hagerman. The following year, he built a Gothic Revival house. His son Leslie took over the farm in 1903. The Government of Ontario purchased the property to build Highway 407. Infrastructure Ontario now owns the house. It is listed on the Markham heritage register.
Across from the new high school is the home of John B Smith. The house has a full-length front porch. There was room for sitting and chatting with neighbors.
Despite development, Hagerman’s Corners retains its charm. Many buildings from 144 years ago still stand. Hagerman’s Corners has a rich past. It blends historical roots with modern life. As we conclude our visit, remember the layers of history beneath our feet.