Whispers of the past linger here in Thistletown. It is a place where the echoes of old villages meet the bustling energy of a modern Toronto neighbourhood.
Thistletown began as a humble crossroads. It was initially called Coonats Corners after its first settler in the early 1800s. It transformed into a vital hub for farmers and travelers alike.
Let’s step back in time. Picture dusty roads leading to the intersection of Albion Road and Islington Avenue. This was the heart of Thistletown. In the 1840s, three hotels offered respite to weary drovers. A blacksmith and wagon works stood ready to mend their tools and vehicles. Even a brick kiln fired up to supply building materials.
John Grubb arrived in 1833. He hailed from Scotland. Grubb bought land and became a key figure in the community. In 1847, he planned a village and named it St. Andrews after his Scottish roots. But the post office requested a change due to another St. Andrews in New Brunswick. The residents chose Thistletown to honour Dr. William Thistle. He was a respected local physician. His son John became Thistletown’s first postmaster.
Interestingly, Albion Road played a crucial role. Surveyed in 1799, it predated the grid system. Farmers used it to transport goods to Weston or Toronto. Thistletown thrived on this traffic. The Toronto Suburban Railway even extended a line here in 1910. This connected Thistletown to Weston and Woodbridge. Summer cottages sprang up and residents enjoyed salmon fishing in the Humber River.
However, progress brought change. By the 1950s, Toronto’s suburban sprawl reached Thistletown. The village became part of the expanding city. Albion Road and Islington Avenue widened and some buildings disappeared.
Yet, traces of the past remain. At 19-23 Jason Road stands Elm Bank. This is John Grubb’s colonial riverstone home built in 1832. The smaller house at 23 Jason Rd was built of ledge stone from the Humber River between 1802 and 1820. Today, it is one of Toronto’s oldest residences.
Thistletown also cherishes its cultural side. The Franklin Carmichael Art Centre sits on Riverdale Drive. The centre was named for a Group of Seven painter.
Don’t miss the Thistletown Multi-Service Centre on Albion Road. Once Thistletown Public School, it opened in 1874. It is now a community hub. The Village Green behind the centre was donated to Thistletown residents in 1896.
Today, Thistletown stands as a testament to its rich history. A place where past and present intertwine. It is a vibrant community with a unique story etched in every corner.