Morden Neilson House Plaque

In 1932, a prominent figure in Toronto’s history, Morden Neilson, commissioned a grand house. This is the story of the Morden Neilson House Plaque. The Morden Neilson House Plaque marks the former location of this magnificent residence. The house was designed in the Period Revival style, reflecting the architectural trends of the time. Morden Neilson’s story is intertwined with the sweet success of Neilson’s Ice Cream. His father, William Neilson, laid the foundation for this iconic brand. While William was working in North Dakota, young Morden showed entrepreneurial spirit. He sold milk door-to-door from their family cow. Upon William’s return, he saw the potential and invested in seven cows and some hand-cranked ice cream makers. Neilson’s Ice Cream was born. In their first summer in 1893, they sold a remarkable 3,750 gallons. To combat the slow business during Canadian winters, they expanded into chocolates. Morden took the helm of the company after his father’s death in 1915. Under his leadership, William Neilson Ltd. became a confectionery empire. It was the largest ice cream producer in the British Empire and the largest chocolate producer in Canada. The Morden Neilson House stood as a testament to their success. The house, now gone, is remembered by this plaque. It serves as a reminder of the family’s legacy and their contribution to Toronto’s history.