A vivid witness of North York History
- by Grace Anyu Sun
@ 5172 Yonge St. North York
On the northwest corner of Yonge Street and Parkview Home Avenue, there is a heritage apple tree. According to the Cultural Loop Guide's introduction, it is the last remaining apple tree from the orchard planted by David Gibson on April 28, 1832.
Picture painted by Sabrina
The painting by Sabrina Gao led me to imagine David Children's life in the orchard. The picture looks like Elizabeth picking up apples from the tree. She and her younger brothers lived a peaceful life in a farm house until a winter night on December 7, 1837. Government soldiers set fire to the house because their father David Gibson was involved in the Rebellion of 1837. They had to find refuge with the neighbouring Cummer Family. Until November 1851, Elizabeth and her family moved back into their new house which was built on the same spot as their old house. This Heritage Apple Tree is a vivid witness of the life of the Gibson Family and Willowdale History.
@ 250 Beecroft Rd. North York
Not far away from the tree , there is Dempsey Park, where you can find many Tolman Sweet apple trees. They are planted by the grafts from this Heritage Apple Tree.
Photo from Google Maps
A side street on the west side of Yonge Street is named Tolman Street after this apple tree, which is just located the south of Finch Avenue.
This 190-year-old apple tree still flourishes in the spring and bears plenty of fruits in the autumn. When coming to visit it , I suggest you pick up an apple from the ground and plant an apple tree from its seeds.
Try it !
Reference:
Explore North York , Cultural Loops Guide by City Toronto
Willowdale : Yesterday's Farms, Today 's Legacy by Scott Kennedy