Beyond the bustling city, nestled on Harrison Garden Boulevard, stands the Elihu Pease House. A silent sentinel of Toronto’s past. This unassuming structure whispers tales of a bygone era, a time when North York was a tapestry of burgeoning settlements. The Elihu Pease House is more than just a building. It is a testament to the resilience and vision of a man named Elihu Pease.
The Elihu Pease House was built in 1834, the same year Toronto was incorporated as a city. Elihu Pease, born around 1780, hailed from the United States. He ventured north to Upper Canada in 1810, seeking new opportunities in this uncharted land. He married Catherine Cummer, a woman deeply rooted in the local community. Her father, Jacob Cummer, was the founder of Willowdale. Pease’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a tannery near the intersection of Yonge and Sheppard. He wasn’t just a businessman, though. He immersed himself in the community, serving as a school inspector, teacher, and pathmaster, responsible for the upkeep of public roads. The Elihu Pease House became a symbol of his contributions to this growing community.
The Elihu Pease House has journeyed through time and space. Its original location was near Yonge and Sheppard, on the Pease family property. In 1921, Joseph C. Bale moved the house about 175 meters southeast, to 34 Avondale Avenue. He modernized the house, adding indoor plumbing. In the 1950s, Louis and Donalda Badone became the new custodians of the Elihu Pease House. They cherished the house and lived there for 45 years. Thanks to their dedication, the house received heritage designation in 1990.
The journey of the Elihu Pease House wasn’t over. In 2004, it was moved once more to its current location on Harrison Garden Boulevard. It was converted for office use, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The Elihu Pease House stands as a tangible link to Toronto’s rich history. Elihu Pease, a man of many roles, left an indelible mark on this city. He was a tanner, a teacher, a community leader, and a testament to the spirit of those early settlers who shaped Toronto into the vibrant metropolis it is today. As you gaze upon the Elihu Pease House, imagine the lives lived within its walls, the stories whispered through its timbers.