Historic Leaside!

Details

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\***

\*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

**This tour has been revised and updated to reflect new scholarship on the history of the area.**

John Lea Sr. was born in Lancashire England, and immigrated to York, in 1819, via Philadelphia. Mary Hutchison, his wife, and John had their first child on May 28, 1814 and named him William.

Lot 13 in the third concession was purchased from Alexander McDonnell on January 23, 1820 and the new family, John Lea Sr, William, John Jr. and Mary settled the land. William Lea bought land to the south and began constructing a large, octagonal brick house, which he named Leaside. The house was completed in 1854. John Lea Sr. died soon after.

The property became the possession of William's eldest son Joseph in 1893, and he lived in the house until 1903. In 1913 it was abandoned and demolished by Canadian Northern Railway. The company set fire to the historic landmark in order to clear the land for the townsite. A shame indeed! It seems that we have a **history** of eliminating our history piece by piece!

Leaside was also, in addition to Liberty Village to the west, part of the great armament industry that contributed to the victory in world War 2.

Leaside is one of Toronto's most historic neighbourhoods, with plenty to discover and explore. Make the most of winter and let's walk and learn about an area of Toronto that is not well known, and certainly not on the history walking tours agenda for most companies.

This walking tour is for all levels and walkers. The tour begins and ends at the Leaside Branch of the Toronto Public Library at 165 McRae Drive, north of Millwood Road. We will return to this location after our walk!

This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person!

\*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**