Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
This housing report for Durham Region includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Region of Durham.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Uxbridge, Scugog, Brock and the Kawartha Lakes.
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – March 2024
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
This housing report for Durham Region includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Region of Durham.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Uxbridge, Scugog, Brock and the Kawartha Lakes.
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – March 2024
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
This housing report for Durham Region includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Region of Durham.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Uxbridge, Scugog, Brock and the Kawartha Lakes.
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – March 2024
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
The above photo shows Brock Street West (North Side) as it appears today. In this photo we see the Bowling Alley and Arcade on the second floor of the building on the left with the lower level home to the Preston Gallery, Coldwell Banker R.M.R. Real Estate, Uxbridge Community Cleaning and JB Variety Store. The building in the middle is the Post Office.
The photo below taken in 1914 shows the Post Office (still under construction). The clock tower was later taken down and replaced with a taller one (see next photo). Beside the Post Office is a liquor store and a Massey-Harris Farm Implement store.
The photo below taken during the 1968 Santa Claus Parade shows the post office with the taller clock tower. After the new post office was opened in 1969 the town purchased the old post office from the government. However, later with appeals from the community the town sold the post office along with two other municipal properties and in 1971 they were demolished to make room for the building we see in the top photo.
Captured during the December 1961 Santa Claus parade, the photo below shows two houses in the background, which were later replaced by the Post Office. Wixan’s Bridge and a parking lot now occupy the space where the billboard once stood.
In the image above, you can see the Michael O’Neil home on the right, with his blacksmith shop situated on the left.
In this vintage photograph from the early 1900s, the Uxbridge Bank is seen transitioning along Brock St. In the background, we catch a glimpse of the house owned by Michael O’Neil. Today, this corner is occupied by the CIBC bank.
This housing report for Durham Region includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Region of Durham.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Uxbridge, Scugog, Brock and the Kawartha Lakes.
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – March 2024
This housing report for Durham Region includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Region of Durham.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Uxbridge, Scugog, Brock and the Kawartha Lakes.
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – March 2024
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
The heart of Uxbridge has always been its downtown, and few streets capture the community’s character and resilience like Brock Street East. Here are two photographs—one from 1970 and another from 2022—we can step back in time and watch over half a century of transformation unfold.
A Bustling Scene in 1970
The first image provides a window into the past, revealing the bustling storefronts lining the south side of Brock Street, just west of Bascom Street, in 1970.
Canadian Tire proudly anchors the left side of the scene,
followed by Davie Rexall Drug Store,
and the newly reconstructed Moore’s Pro Hardware Store, standing tall after rising from the ashes of a devastating fire.
Between these shops, a vacant space once housed Uxbridge Cleaners and Dyers, while Len’s Convenience Store and Dyson’s Meat Market rounded out this vibrant block.
Photos courtesy of Uxbridge The Good Old Days by: J. Peter Hvidsten
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The 1969 Fire
Just a year earlier, in March 1969, a fierce blaze engulfed Moore’s Hardware Store. As captured in the dramatic photo of the fire, flames threatened to erase a cornerstone of Brock Street commerce. Thanks to the swift and courageous efforts of the local fire department, the surrounding buildings were spared, allowing the community to preserve its essential charm and spirit.
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Brock Street Today
Fast forward to the photo taken in 2022, and the same block of stores shines in the warm glow of a summer afternoon.
On the left, Getaway Travel, Uxbridge Tailoring, The Lemonade Stand, Cycle Solutions, and Mondo Hair Salon welcome visitors with a fresh energy.
On the right side, Royal LePage Frank Real Estate and Col. McGradys Pub & Grill anchor the evolving streetscape.
The once-central building has made way for progress, with space cleared for a new culvert beneath Brock Street—an upgrade ensuring that the heart of Uxbridge continues to thrive for decades to come.
Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future
These photographs side by side tell more than the story of buildings; they illustrate the perseverance of a community. Brock Street East remains a place where history and progress meet—a reminder that while storefronts change, the spirit of Uxbridge endures.
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
Perched atop a hill in the picturesque countryside north of Uxbridge, The Thomas Foster Memorial is a striking landmark that captivates visitors with its unique design and commanding presence. Visible from the west, south, and east, this architectural marvel stands as a testament to one man’s vision and devotion to his family.
Thomas Foster, a quintessential local boy born on July 24, 1852 eventually ventured to the bustling city and found his fortune, rose to prominence as both a Member of Parliament and Mayor of Toronto. His legacy, woven into the fabric of his community, left an indelible mark that continues to resonate to this day. It’s fitting that a man of such stature would be commemorated in a manner befitting his legacy—a memorial unlike any other, nestled amidst the serene beauty of rural Uxbridge.
A Vision Inspired by the Taj Mahal
The Thomas Foster Memorial draws inspiration from the world-famous Taj Mahal, located just outside Agra, India. Built in 1650 by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Indian architecture. In the 1930s, Thomas Foster, a former Toronto mayor and successful businessman, sought to create a similarly magnificent structure in Uxbridge as a final resting place for his wife, his daughter Ruby, and himself.
Taj Mahal. Photo courtesy of UNESCO World Heritage Convention
The Making of a Masterpiece
To bring his vision to life, Foster enlisted the Toronto architectural firm Craig and Madill, proposing a grand design that would also serve as a community burial site. A removable slab in the floor was incorporated into the plans to allow coffins to be lowered into crypts below. The initial budget for the project was set at $100,000; however, by the time of its completion, costs had doubled.
Photo of the Foster being built in the 1930’s. Photo courtesy of Peter Hvidstens Uxbridge The First One Hundred Years
Despite the financial challenge, the memorial was completed with elegance and precision thanks to the skillful execution of the building contractor, Messrs. Witchall and Son, alongside general foreman Ted Griffith and Dave Billson. Skilled artisans were brought in to contribute their expertise, including Italian craftsmen who installed exquisite mosaics and terrazzo flooring imported from Italy. Even gold lettering was carefully applied by workers who took on extra weekend jobs due to the scarcity of employment during the Great Depression.
Photo of the completed Foster which was dedicated in October 1936. Photo courtesy of Peter Hvidstens Uxbridge The First One Hundred Years
A Community Effort
Beyond its architectural splendour, the construction of the Thomas Foster Memorial provided much-needed work for the local community during difficult economic times. Workers were housed and fed for a mere $1.00 per day, which covered three meals and lodging. The infusion of jobs and services helped many families through the hardships of the era.
The project spanned three seasons, culminating in a cornerstone-laying ceremony in the fall of 1935. One year later, in October 1936, the Thomas Foster Memorial was officially dedicated.
A Lasting Legacy
Thomas Foster passed away in 1945 at the age of 93, leaving behind not only a fortune but also a legacy of grandeur in the form of the memorial. Today, this architectural gem continues to intrigue visitors, standing as a remarkable symbol of love, remembrance, and community spirit.
For those who appreciate history, architecture, and hidden gems, the Thomas Foster Memorial is a must-see destination in Uxbridge. Whether admiring its breathtaking design or reflecting on its rich history, this extraordinary structure remains a lasting tribute to one man’s remarkable vision.
Hours of Operation
The memorial is open for exploration from Wednesday to Sunday during July and August and guided tours can be arranged during May, June, and September.
The Thomas Foster Memorial stands not only as a symbol of love and remembrance but also as a testament to architectural beauty and artistic craftsmanship. It invites visitors to reflect on its history and the enduring legacy of Thomas Foster and his family.
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
The Wheler House stands as a historical testament to the evolution of architectural styles and the adaptive reuse of buildings within the community of Uxbridge. Built in 1860 by Edward Wheler, this charming 1 1/2 storey Ontario Cottage style home originally sat at the corner of Brock and Main Street. Likely crafted from lumber sourced from George Wheler’s local mill, it symbolized the craftsmanship and resourcefulness of the era.
In 1871, the landscape of Uxbridge began to change, prompting the buildings relocation to its current site. Spearheaded by Ira G. Crosby, the Town Treasurer, this move marked a shift from residential to commercial development in the area. As the Wheler House settled into its new surroundings, it underwent a transformation reflective of changing architectural tastes.
Initially constructed in a plainer, almost Georgian-style, the Wheler House embraced elements of Gothic Revival architecture in the late 19th century. Intricate bargeboard and finials were added, infusing the home with decorative flair and echoing the romanticism of the Gothic Revival movement. These embellishments spoke to the aspirations and aesthetics of the time, enriching the visual appeal of the dwelling.
The early 20th century witnessed further enhancements to the home, as it embraced the Classical Revival influence. A porch, characteristic of the Classical Revival style, was incorporated into the design, providing both aesthetic charm and functional space for leisure and social gatherings.
Today, the Wheler House stands as a fusion of architectural styles, a testament to the enduring legacy of its builders and the rich history of Uxbridge. Its evolution over time reflects the adaptive spirit of the community, ensuring its continued relevance and significance for generations to come.
SOURCES:
Visit the Uxbridge Walking Tour Brochure by clicking HERE
The Township of Uxbridge Heritage Register can be found HERE
Learn more about historic homes in Uxbridge by following our Blog HERE
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
This housing report for Durham Region includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Region of Durham.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Uxbridge, Scugog, Brock and the Kawartha Lakes.
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – February 2024
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
This housing report for Durham Region includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Region of Durham.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Uxbridge, Scugog, Brock and the Kawartha Lakes.
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – February 2024
This housing report for Durham Region includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Region of Durham.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Uxbridge, Scugog, Brock and the Kawartha Lakes.
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – February 2024
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
This housing report for Durham Region includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Region of Durham.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Uxbridge, Scugog, Brock and the Kawartha Lakes.
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – February 2024
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.
This housing report for Durham Region includes the number of new listings, average list price, number of properties sold, average selling price, average days on market and average asking price to selling price ratio for all property types within the Region of Durham.
Scroll to the bottom for links to take you to the housing market reports for Uxbridge, Scugog, Brock and the Kawartha Lakes.
From Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board – Market Stats At A Glance – February 2024
Check out our Uxbridge and Scugog Events Pages to keep up to date on whats going on around town. Click the links or scan the Code with your phone to take you directly there.