John Cox Cottage
Encyclopedia
John Cox Cottage, at 469 Broadview Avenue, Toronto
, is the oldest known house in the city still used as a residence and still resides on its original site. Deeded to John Cox by Governor Simcoe in the 1790's , the first stage of the structure was a log cabin facing due south and was completed no later than 1807 — making it, arguably, the third oldest structure remaining in the city (and perhaps the second, should the Guild Log Cabin prove younger as artifacts appear to bear out). It is older than both the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
, and the various barracks in Fort York
.
Built originally out of square-cut logs (as is Scadding Cabin), it overlooks what is now Riverdale Park
and is aligned in the traditional strict east–west orientation, making it appear somewhat twisted to the north of the Toronto street grid, which was built successively around it. This true east-west orientation allows for the maximum use of daylight hours, to minimize the use of the expensive artificial lighting
options of the period.
At present, the south wall and half of the east–west walls remain concealed original log, while the northern parts where altered during a very early Victorian renovation, completed by architectural firm Langley, Langley and Burke. The original log is still exposed in a rear bathroom.
The original attic and cedar roof survived under the later Victorian roof.
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, is the oldest known house in the city still used as a residence and still resides on its original site. Deeded to John Cox by Governor Simcoe in the 1790's , the first stage of the structure was a log cabin facing due south and was completed no later than 1807 — making it, arguably, the third oldest structure remaining in the city (and perhaps the second, should the Guild Log Cabin prove younger as artifacts appear to bear out). It is older than both the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on the Toronto Islands in Toronto, Ontario. Completed in 1808, it is the oldest existing lighthouse on the Great Lakes.- History :...
, and the various barracks in Fort York
Fort York
Fort York is a historic site of military fortifications and related buildings on the west side of downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The fort was built by the British Army and Canadian militia troops in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, to defend the settlement and the new capital of the...
.
Built originally out of square-cut logs (as is Scadding Cabin), it overlooks what is now Riverdale Park
Riverdale Park (Toronto)
Riverdale Park is a large park spanning the Lower Don River, Toronto, Ontario, Canada between Cabbagetown to the west and Broadview Avenue in Riverdale to the east. Recreational fields for soccer, baseball, and Ultimate are available on both sides of the river with a swimming pool, tennis courts...
and is aligned in the traditional strict east–west orientation, making it appear somewhat twisted to the north of the Toronto street grid, which was built successively around it. This true east-west orientation allows for the maximum use of daylight hours, to minimize the use of the expensive artificial lighting
Timeline of lighting technology
Timeline of lighting technology- Antiquity :* 70,000 BCE A hollow rock, shell, or other natural found object was filled with moss or a similar material that was soaked in animal fat and then ignited.* c. 4500 BCE oil lamps...
options of the period.
At present, the south wall and half of the east–west walls remain concealed original log, while the northern parts where altered during a very early Victorian renovation, completed by architectural firm Langley, Langley and Burke. The original log is still exposed in a rear bathroom.
The original attic and cedar roof survived under the later Victorian roof.