FAQ | Weston Historical

What indigenous peoples lived in the area?

The Wendat, the Anishnabeg Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations. The treaty signed for this parcel of land is collectively called the Toronto Purchase and applies to lands east of Brown’s Line to Woodbine Avenue and north towards Newmarket.
When was the Weston area discovered by the Europeans?

Weston was founded in 1796 when Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe, looking for a military highway to Lake Simcoe, explored the Carrying Place Trail. He was impressed with the Weston area and granted himself 1200 acres by the Humber River.
Who was Weston’s first permanent settler?

Benjamin Davis is considered Weston’s first permanent settler. He was a blacksmith who came to Canada when the American Revolutionary War broke out.
Where did the name Weston come from?

The Farr brothers, early millers and business people came from Weston, Hertfordshire. The Wadsworths, who went after the Farrs, came from Weston, Super Mare. One of these two families gave Weston its name. The name is not related to the Weston family of food manufacturing fame.
When was Weston established as a village town and then amalgamated?

Weston was incorporated as a village in 1881. Then it became a town in 1915. On January 1, 1967, Weston legally ceased to exist when amalgamated into the Borough of York.
Weston used to be on the west side of the Humber River. Yes?

Weston has always been on both sides of the river. Benjamin Davis’ land was on the east side of the river, as was Simcoe’s lots that he deeded himself. Michael Miller and Conrad Countryman were early millers on the west side. Prominent miller and mill builder David Holley was on both sides. The flood of 1850 wiped out almost all of the settlements on the west side, with several businesses rebuilding on the east side.
What did Weston’s original economy consist of?

The first crop of the area was the fish from the Humber River, then the forests from the land. This massive wooded area fed the primary milling industry for almost 65 years. Other early industries and services were a blacksmith shop, a tannery, a cooper’s shop, harness makers and a pump works.
How much does a membership cost?

A Weston Historical Society membership lasts for a year and costs $25. Anyone is welcome to join, whether you know Weston's history or not.
I'd like to volunteer. How can I help?

1. Become part of the Executive - You have to be a member for a year before you can be on the WHS Executive. 2. Help with small odd jobs - We are always looking for people to do small jobs without becoming an actual Executive member. 3. Help organize the archives - We have files, photographs, plans and artifacts, to name a few, that need organizing and taking care of. We also have digital information that needs to be organized. 4. Transcribe Weston history from our archives - We have a great deal of information in our archives that is handwritten or photocopied. It is not searchable and difficult to read. Transcribing this information makes it more accessible and usable. 5. Help with events, special or annual - The Weston Historical Society hosts numerous events all year long. Assistance with these in different capacities is always welcome.
How do I go about donating?

The Weston Historical Society greatly appreciates any and all donations we receive. We rely on donations and membership fees to survive and to do our programs. Donations should be made by cheque and filled out to the Weston Historical Society. They can be mailed to the office or given to any member of the executive. If there is a specific event or project you would like to donate to please specify this on your cheque.
What is Weston, Ontario known for?

Like most Ontario towns, Weston has its motto on all its street signs. This motto, “Home of the Bicycle,” refers to the Canada Cycle and Motor Company, which was based in Weston until 1970 and was reputed to have been the largest bicycle manufacturer in the world at one time.
Why did the indigenous people refer to the Weston area as the carrying place?

The route was called “Carrying Place” by Indigenous Nations, who used it to portage and carry their canoes between the Bay of Quinte and Wellers Bay.
What’s so special about Weston’s architecture?

Weston has at least eight different kinds of architecture on Rosemount Avenue alone, and there are many more examples around the area. Some buildings have been designed by famous architects, not-so-famous builders, and local contractors.
Why would we want to save the river stone walls?

The iconic river stone walls in Weston are made from rock “mined” from the Humber River. This is now illegal, and so the stones in these walls are a finite resource that cannot be replaced. Throwing these stones out is a waste of natural resources and not environmentally friendly.
Is it true that Weston has lost too many homes and there is not enough left to care about?

Weston has over 125 100-year homes.