Before you is part of a red-brick facade and a story of transformation. This is the Eden Court Plaque. It marks a place that has been a farmhouse, a gambling house, and a Royal Canadian Legion branch.
Eden Court began as a farmhouse for Edward Stock in 1886. Stock was an important local businessman, farmer, and politician. He was also a benefactor. The home was impressive. It featured round-arched windows that decreased in size on each storey. Sandstone ornamentation adorned the front gable. Stained glass windows added to its beauty. A side verandah offered views of the surrounding fields and orchards.
Members of St. Leo’s Church, Etobicoke’s oldest Roman Catholic congregation, met here. They gathered at Eden Court before building their own church. Stock donated the land for their church. In 1889, Stock sold most of his land for a residential subdivision. He kept about two hectares around Eden Court.
The 1930s brought a change. Willie Morrissey bought the house and remaining land. He transformed Eden Court into a lavish gaming house. Men and women enjoyed cocktails, roulette, and blackjack here. Patrons even bet on Morrissey’s racehorse named “Eden Court.”
In 1951, The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 217, acquired Eden Court. They remained here until 2004. In 2010, a residential development was completed. A portion of Eden Court’s facade was retained. It was incorporated into the new building.
The Eden Court Plaque reminds us of this building’s varied past. It stands as a testament to the changes this area has seen. From a family home to a place of leisure, it is now part of a modern residential area. The Eden Court Plaque preserves a piece of local history. It connects us to the stories of Edward Stock, Willie Morrissey, and the many people who lived and gathered here. It stands as a reminder of the past.