Baldwin Better Built Bungalow

Location: 58 Dewey Drive

Date photo taken: 21 March 2017

This tidy bungalow on Dewey Drive probably looks very much as it did when it was first built back in the early 1950s. The "cut-stone front under picture window" and "sidewalk to curb" mentioned in a November 1953 advertisement from the Toronto Daily Star are still clearly evident, although the "gravel drive" has been paved. Interior highlights listed included modern L-shaped living and dining room, 14-ft kitchen with loads of cupboards, including broom closet, lino-tile floors to purchaser's choice of colors, ceramic tile counters and splashback, 4-piece ceramic tile bathroom with double medicine cabinet, electric light fixtures, stove cable, fruit cellar, steel beam construction, divided basement, and economical hot air heating. With all that, the 6-room, 1.5 storey bungalows could be had for $2,650 down, and a total price of $12,090. Other enticements to move to this new subdivision, dubbed Maryvale Gardens, included spacious lots, paved roads and sewers paid for, plus a short commute to Toronto. 

Wexford Heights

Location: Lawrence and Crockford

Date photo taken: 27 February 2017

Wexford Heights stretches along Lawrence Avenue between Victoria Park and Birchmount and is part of the larger Wexford / Maryvale neighbourhood in Scarborough. The local BIA was formed in 2004 and the jewel in their crown is the Taste of Lawrence Festival. Celebrated each year in July, it is Scarborough's largest street festival and as the name implies, food plays a central role in the festivities.

I admit when I took this picture, it was as much about the butterflies attached to the post as it was about the Wexford Heights sign. These critters were made by AC Waterjet Inc., a business located just down the road. They also have some much larger creatures on display next to their showroom but that's for another post.

The Chapel of St. Jude, Wexford

Location: Victoria Park Ave. just south of Lawrence
Date photo taken: 6 May 2014

This quaint church and quiet cemetery sit just off busy Victoria Park Avenue in the Wexford neighbourhood of Scarborough. It was built in 1848 and replicates an existing Scottish Gothic Church. According to a pamphlet on the history of the Chapel, stone was considered too expensive so it was built of wood planks which were then hand-chiseled to give the appearance of cut stone. The work was done by a chief carpenter with the assistance of local farmers. The only parts not built by local workers were the steeple and bell tower. Renovations in 1929 brought several improvements including stained glass windows created by Robert McCausland Limited of Toronto. The church is now considered to be the oldest remaining church building in Scarborough.