Despite the Thornton-Smith building’s stately and sober countenance, the stretch of Yonge between Dundas and Gerrard streets can still be a little garish and rough
The history of what was once Toronto s grandest mansion
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The Cawthra Family immigrated from Geysley, Yorkshire, England and arrived in Upper Canada (Ontario) in 1803. They lived in a brick house on the northwest corner of King and Caroline (Sherbourne) Streets.
The following year, head of the family Joseph Cawthra was granted land in Port Credit, but remained there only until 1806, when he relocated to York (Toronto), the provincial capital.
He had once hoped to be a doctor, and because of his interest in medicine, he established an apothecary that he expanded into a general store. It is thought to be the first store of its type established in Toronto.