Flavelle House

Flavelle House (Holwood), built 1902

Few people take the time to appreciate the large house that sits with gracious dignity set back from Queeen’s Park Crescent, as they drive downtown every day.

The Living Room at Flavelle House

The University of Toroto Law school students who use Flavelle House every day have a better opportunity to take part in its beauty enjoying the interior and exterior aspects of its architecture and decoration.

The Georgian Great Hall Fireplace

Flavelle House is one of the University of Toronto Law School buildings.  It was originally built in 1902 by Sir Joseph Flavelle (1858-1939), a Canadian businessman and philanthropist, on land leased for 99 years from the University.  The arrangement was that the premises were to be used by Sir Joseph, Lady Flavelle and their dependents, but given back to the University at the end of the 99-year term.

Gustav Hahn Ceiling

Sir Joseph built the house, originally called Holwood, using the plans of the Toronto architects Pearson and Darling.  It is said he avoided anything pretentious and may have been unaware of the grand scale of the architectural drawings.  Holwood emerged as a splendid edifice in the Second Classical Revival style, somewhat grander than Sir Joseph had apparently anticipated.  The house was donated to the University in 1940, because none of Sir Joseph’s descendents chose to live there after his death.

Gustav Hahn Ceiling

The interior of Flavelle House is designed with superb architectural features including mosaic floors and beautiful woodwork.  The elegant Georgian Great Hall features the historically important Art Nouveau ceiling painted by Gustav Hahn (1866-1962).  The ceiling is beautifully decorated with four floating angels.  It is fitting for our future lawyers at the University of Toronto Law School to have the pleasure of being surrounded by beauty as they take some inspiration from the angels while reading the law.

Gustav Hahn Ceiling

The Eglinton Hunt Club

My love for Toronto grows as I walk in its old neighbourhoods and take in the architecture of the past.  The stories the buildings tell add important details to the City’s cultural history. There is much of interest about Toronto’s noble history, the founding people, the settlers and immigrants.
 

Eglinton Hunt Club clubhouse, Jan. 26, 2012

The Eglinton Hunt Club clubhouse, now housing several luxury condominium apartments, is a distinguished landmark in North Toronto.  The building is described as English Period Revival with medieval and Classical features inspired by country-house architecture.

Eglinton Hunt Club clubhouse, 1932,  photo: City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 2394

When it was built in 1928, the clubhouse was surrounded by open fields, just right for its equestrian activities.  It was built by the eminent Toronto architects Vaux and Bryan Chadwick, many of whose properties are acknowledged on the City of Toronto Inventory of Heritage Properties.  One wing housed the dining room, kitchen and second-floor dancehall and apartment; and another wing contained locker rooms and a gymnasium.  A swimming pool and a bowling alley were in the basement.  An indoor riding school wing was attached to the rear end of the building.
  

Eglinton Hunt Club, ca. 1926, photo: City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 2283

The Eglinton Hunt Club officially received its name in 1922 when the Toronto Hunt Club was renamed.  The Toronto Hunt is the second oldest continuously run hunt in North America. It was first formed in 1843 by the military officers of the Garrison in the City.  The Club, after operating in various locations, found its first permanent home with its own clubhouse in 1893 near the Scarborough Bluffs.  As the suburbs grew closer, George Beardmore, Master of the Hunt from 1893 to 1931, purchased land north of Eglinton Avenue and moved the Club there in 1919. Stables were built at the new location to accommodate 150 horses. George also purchased a house nearby, called Willowbank, which served as the clubhouse until the new one was built in 1928.  In 1932 the Eglinton Hunt Club was renamed Toronto and North York Hunt Club.
  

Willowbank built 1880s, Feb. 5, 2012

Because of financial pressure of the 1930s and continuing residential growth, the Club sold the property to the Government of Canada in 1939, and moved outside of the city where it continues to flourish.
 

Eglinton Hunt Club women polo players ca. 1934, photo: City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 1320

Sometimes it is difficult to deal with the changes in a city and think of what might have been.  I know where one of the bridle paths is and can imagine seeing the riders on their beautiful horses.  A friend recently said that if you know what was there before, traces of the past remain as the city changes.  

References:
City of Toronto records