UrbanToronto has partnered with Heritage Toronto to capture a moment in Toronto's past. On a weekly basis, we highlight historic photos of the city's people, places and events, and tell the stories behind them. 

Seen here in 1967 is the historic Gibson House, now a museum. It is located in North York, just west of Yonge Street at Park Home Avenue.

In 1825, the namesake of Gibson House moved from Scotland to Toronto, then the Town of York. Having apprenticed in his home country, Gibson was soon appointed Deputy Land Surveyor of Roads and in 1828, Surveyor of Highways for the Southern part of the Home District.

That same year, Gibson married his cousin Eliza Milne. Soon, he purchased land on Yonge Street in York Township at Willowdale. From here, Gibson became active in political affairs, holding positions including President of the York Temperance Society and a position in the Assembly for the 1st Riding of York.

Gibson also became an active reformer, holding meetings, speaking at meetings and assisting reform leader, William Lyon Mackenzie. In fact, during the Rebellion of 1837, Gibson was one of Mackenzie's Chief Lieutenants. However, due to his participation in this uprising, Gibson's home was torched by the government. Gibson left Toronto with his family and lived in the United States, returning to Toronto in 1848. At that time, he was pardoned and returned to work as a surveyor.

In 1851, Gibson built a new home for himself and his family. It was designed in the fashionable Georgian Revival style. Similar to others of its generation, the home features an elegant entrance including a fan-light shaped transom and pillars.   

Gibson and his family lived in the home until 1916. Later it was rented to relatives of the Gibson family. It was acquired by the Township of North York in 1965, then restored and renovated, opening as a heritage museum in 1971. Today, it’s among North York’s most significant historic sites.

Sources:

http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/gibson-history.htm

http://www.biographi.ca/009004-119.01-e.php?&id_nbr=4449

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanbrown/201897928/

Many thanks to both Gary Switzer of MOD Developments and Maya Bilbao for putting together the photos and research.