York Mills
York Mills was established around mill sites on the west branch of the Don River. The community underwent several name changes which usually reflected the names of the most powerful mill owners.
The first grist and saw mill was opened in 1804 by Samuel Heron on the east side of Yonge Street south of today's York Mills Road. In 1817, Millford Mills was opened farther north by Thomas Arnold. Seven years later, the Arnold mill property was bought by James Hogg, a prominent York Mills settler.
Today, the area is still commonly referred to as Hogg's Hollow, the name of a subdivision plan developed by the Hogg family in 1856. An unsuccessful venture, the Hogg family sold only a few lots on what used to be John Street where only three worker's cottages were built. Today, two of these cottages have been incorporated into the Auberge du Pommier Restaurant.
A little farther south, York Mills also claims the well-known Yonge Street landmark, the Jolly Miller Tavern. It too was built by the Hogg family in 1857 as the York Mills Hotel. During the Prohibition Years (1916-1927) the inn was a much frequented gambling spot to which the police made regular raids. It wasn't until the 1930s that the tavern was remodelled and renamed the Jolly Miller. For a short time, the Jolly Miller also housed one of Canada's most famous historical artists, C.W. Jefferys. His illustrations of early Canadian life are among the most treasured reminders of days gone by.
At present, Old Yonge Street remains as the original Yonge Street path through the York Mills valley. Many historic structures still stand on Old Yonge Street, including St. John's Anglican Church. Its first cornerstone was laid in 1816 to serve as the first mission outpost of Toronto's St. James Cathedral. Nearly two centuries later, it continues to serve the York Mills community.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.