Ten stone heads gaze down from Oakham House’s facade. Each one a silent sentinel guarding a history richer than you might imagine. This unassuming building at the southwest corner of Gould and Church streets is more than just a university building. It’s a living testament to Toronto’s past.
Oakham House began its life in 1848. Architect William Thomas built it as his home and office. He chose a Gothic Revival style. The style is evident in the building’s pointed arches and decorative stonework. Two iron dogs once adorned the entrance. They were created at the Phoenix Foundry owned by John McGee. McGee later bought the house from Thomas.
For sixty years Oakham House served as the Working Boys Home. It offered refuge to troubled youth. For $10 a week these boys received room and board. They also received laundry service medical care and counseling. The superintendent Bartholomew Cacan called it a home for boys with problems not problem boys. Thousands of boys found solace within its walls. Most were referred by the YMCA or Children’s Aid Societies.
In 1958 the Ontario government acquired Oakham House. It was given to the Ryerson Institute of Technology. The name changed to Kerr Hall. Later it became Eric Palin Hall. Then in 1978 Oakham House was restored to its original name. The building has served as a student residence. It’s now a hub for student activities. A cafe and a pub occupy the lower levels.
Through renovations and name changes Oakham House endures. The building has served the city’s youth. It has provided space for learning and socializing. The ten stone heads continue their silent watch. They witness the ongoing evolution of this remarkable building. Their presence connects the past to the vibrant present of Oakham House. The legacy lives on.