Life in XIXth Century

Life in Toronto in the XIXth Century

The Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto represents the traditional village of Canadian pioneers. All the pictures have been taken by Elena.

Many artifacts here have a local community association to the history of Toronto and York Region.

Representing the development of early Ontario, the Black Creek Pioneer Village collection has evolved from its agricultural roots to include archival material, domestic artifacts, books, fine art, furniture, machinery, textiles, and tools.

To the memory of the Stong Pioneer family. Daniel Stong was born in Pennsylvania, U.S.A. in 1791, a descendant of Hans Hacob Stong (Stang) of Darmstadt, Germany, who emigrated to Buck"s Country, Pennsylvania, 1n 1709. In 1800. Daniel stong and his parents, Sylvester Stong, 1744-1834, and Barbary Bolinger, 1769-1863, migrated to Canada. Here on this farm, he and his wife, Elizabeth Fisher, 1798-1885, built their home in 1816. On tjis site he built the Stong school in 1824, and later the church known as the Townline Church. Daniel Stong died in 1868, and he and his wife, with other pioneers, are buried here. Erected by his descendants, 1969.

Daniel Stong's Farm

A rural house in Black Creek Pioneer Village, an artistic photo

A shoe Maker House in the village

Thought to have been the first school in the Maple area, this little building was also used as a private home. The upper level with its low ceilings is unheated and unfinished, which is now used for storage. The main floor makes for an ideal workshop, housing the broom making equipment and living quarters.

Example of a Country Kids Trail: Printing. In the 1860s, people believed that men should earn money to support their families. They should also read newspapers and know what was going on in the world. People thought it was funny if a woman wanted to do either of these things. Do we think it is funny today if a girl wants to read or make a newspaper? Some men worked in the printing office. Their job was to make the newspaper for other men to read. One job in the printing office was setting type. Each piece of type had an upside down letter on it. The typesetter had to learn to read these strange-looking letters. Try your hand! Can you read the magnetic type that is in the bucket? Try setting the letters together to spell you name – The letter on a piece of type might look like this; What letter is this? What is wrong with this letter? What happens if you look at this letter in the mirror? Using the magnetic letters and board, set type to print “Black Creek”.

Have you ever thought how much work is involved in having a piece of bread on your table? In the days of pioneers, it would be hard.

Presbyterian Church, A.D. 1856

The Tinsmith Shop at Black Creek Pioneer Village used to be a hardware store on the main floor, while the second storey was the first home of the Masonic Lodge known as the Blackwood Lodge.

During the 1860's many towns and villages had a resident Tinsmith who crafted items for the home and farm.

Tradition says that hand-made brick from the local area was used and the total cost of the building was $1,078.79. In 1960 the building was dismantled brick by brick, and moved to Black Creek Pioneer Village where it has been restored to its original condition. The original school bell accompanied the building. The school has large windows on both sides allowing for improved light and cross ventilation. Heat is provided by a box stove at the back of the room with a stove pipe running the full length of the room to the chimney at the front.

Dickson's Hill School 1861. Original Location: Markham, Ontario (Concession 7). Built in 1861, this school, S.S.#17 for Markham, is a fine example of the one-room school typical of the period.

Town Hall Green Town Hall built in 1858. Located in the heart of the village, this picturesque green space provides a romantic and charming setting.

Thank you and come back to admire this piece of real history of Ontario.

Map of the Black Creek Village.

Toll for a wood bridge.