HomeMy WebLinkAbout426"Article copied from The Telegram, Toronto, Sat., June 9, 1962, page 34
Modern Living Tours Old Toronto Home
Suburbia Greek To Them
By PEGGY MURRAY
Illustrations:
- Ornate wrought iron fence at the entrance to Post Manor is a good place for climbing,
according to Christopher Sears, 9, whose parents are with the Architectural
Conservancy of Ontario (an organization founded to save buildings of architectural
merit).
- Post Manor, built 1841, is a fine example of Greek revival architecture popular at
that time with heavy cornices and heavy gable across the front. Allison and
Christopher Sears take a stroll across the front lawn.
- The romance of history comes to life in the restored architecture of the Kenneth
Clark's home. Allison Sears, nearly 4, snuggles down on the window ledge of an
upstairs bedroom to look at a picture book.
- Chatting after their tour of Post Manor are Mrs. Kenneth Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Paul
Sears of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, and Christopher and Allison.
TAKE a Greek Revival style house with a history — it was owned by people who were
probably Toronto's first suburbanites — add some treasure hunting,
toss in perseverance and you’ll come up with a design for living that's just about
perfect.
At least that's what Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Clark did.
They were looking for a special kind of house in 1943. They found it in Post Manor,
Pickering.
And it was just what they wanted — built in 1841 and 100 feet long. Now they've
discovered a history of old Toronto, the story of Jordan and Matilda Post.
At the same time they've enjoyed restoring the house to its original beauty.
Atmosphere
They've done-such a thorough job in preserving the atmosphere and dignity of the old
Post house that the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario has commended the Clark's
for helping to keep Ontario's architectural history alive.
""The Conservancy encourages people who have bought fine old homes to
Keep them in good repair, says Mr. Paul Sears, a member of the group.
If people are interested in restoration of old places (to make them look as they were
when originally built) the Conservancy offers advice and information.
Not Age
The merit of a building doesn't just depend on age — examples of good Ontario
architecture of any period should be preserved according to the Conservancy.
""We hope people will put back trim and retain the interesting brick work of fine old
buildings,""' says Mr. Sears.
""In the Clark's house, for example, the trim has been preserved and restored —
the original design has been kept.""
Mr. Sears waved his arm at the curve of the porch roof, the ornate gingerbread and
louvred shutters.
""It's perfect the way it is."" he said.
He explained that Post Manor is in the classical or Greek Revival style of architecture
with heavy cornice across the front and heavy gables. The fancy twin brick chimneys
are also typical of the 1840's.
From Greece
This style was adopted by American architects who saw in ancient Greek republics a
style expressive of their new democracy.
The story of the Post, family 'who built the home) is tied closely with the history of
Toronto. Jordan Post's brother, George Washington Post lived downtown at what is
now Bay and Melinda sts., the site of The Telegram.
Jordan St. was named for Jordan Post and Melinda St. for George's wife,
Melinda Post.
The Posts traded, 15 acres of land at Bay and Melinda for 200 acres in Scarboro and
became early suburbanites.
Post Manor was built by Scottish stonemasons and fine carpentry was done by ships'
cabinet-makers who wintered at Frenchman's Bay.
Black Walnut
White cedar, stripped and waxed to a golden gloss was used for the wide
baseboards and door trim. Floorboards are wide pine, the graceful front
stairs have a curving bannister of black walnut.
Stone walls were built with deep window recesses panelled in white cedar.
In the dining room the recesses are open to give more floor space. Upstairs window
sills are set low to the floor and form a ledgeseat.
Only five families have owned the house since it was built—and few structural
changes have been made.
The Clarks had a competitor in purchasing Post Manor but when the previous owner
discovered that the other people planned extensive changes they sold it to the Clarks.
"