Before you stands the “Deeds Speak” sculpture relief plaque. A quiet testament to a bygone era. This isn’t just a plaque. It’s a story whispered in stone. A story of York County’s past. A past etched in the very figures before you.
The plaque itself is a relatively recent addition. Installed in 2010. But the sculptures it showcases? They’re much older. Much more significant. Originally adorning the York County Registry Office. These sculptures were created in 1941. A talented sculptor named Jacobine Jones brought them to life. Jones later became the Director of Sculpture at the Ontario College of Art. Quite an accomplishment for a woman in her time.
These weren’t just decorations. The female figure and the York County Coat of Arms held a deeper meaning. They represented the county’s motto “Deeds Speak”. A powerful phrase echoing the actions and legacy of York County. A legacy that outlived the building itself.
The sculptures remained in place for decades. Even after York County moved out in the mid-1960s. When the old building faced demolition in 2008 the sculptures were carefully removed. Imagine the effort involved. The careful planning. The weight of history resting on their shoulders.
They weren’t discarded. These weren’t just forgotten relics. They were reinstalled on the present building in 2010. This plaque is a testament to preservation. A testament to valuing the past. A testament to the enduring power of “Deeds Speak.”
Look closely at the details. The craftsmanship. The way the light catches the stone. The story of York County lives within these figures. A silent witness to the changes that Toronto has seen. But equally a testament to the legacy of a county. And the artistic vision of Jacobine Jones. A powerful woman who left her mark. Not only in her art but in the history of Toronto. “Deeds Speak”. Indeed. They do.