The name Summerhill is an excellent reminder of how the City of Toronto grew - in the mid-1800's rich Torontonian's built summer homes along the ancient Iroquois Shoreline running east west, parallel to Davenport Road. The Summerhill neighbourhood is named after the 'Summer House' built by Charles Thompson (designed by architect John Howard) in 1842 on the 200 acre lot running east from Yonge Street to the ravine. The area was eventually turned into the "Summer Hill Spring Park and Pleasure Grounds" with rides, games, a swimming pool, and a popular dancehall in the original house. All that remains today is Summerhill Avenue which was the original entrance to the property, and the Summer Hill Coach House (from 1865).
Interior of the Cottingham Street Mens lavatory at Yonge Street

Summerhill - Toronto on February 22nd, 1906
Weather in Toronto on Thursday, February 22nd, 1906: High of 0.6℃ and a low of -2.8℃.Link to original photoInterior of the Cottingham Street Mens washroom at Yonge Street

Summerhill - Toronto on February 22nd, 1906
Weather in Toronto on Thursday, February 22nd, 1906: High of 0.6℃ and a low of -2.8℃.Link to original photoExterior of the Cottingham Street Mens washroom at Yonge Street

Summerhill - Toronto on February 22nd, 1906
Weather in Toronto on Thursday, February 22nd, 1906: High of 0.6℃ and a low of -2.8℃.Link to original photoYonge Street - Summerhill Avenue crossing

Summerhill - Toronto on May 13th, 1913
Weather in Toronto on Tuesday, May 13th, 1913: High of 16.1℃ and a low of 6.1℃.Link to original photoYonge Street - Summerhill Avenue crossing looking south

Summerhill - Toronto on June 19th, 1913
Weather in Toronto on Thursday, June 19th, 1913: High of 18.3℃ and a low of 10.6℃.Link to original photoSummerhill Avenue bridge

Summerhill - Toronto on April 21st, 1915
Weather in Toronto on Wednesday, April 21st, 1915: High of 10.6℃ and a low of 1.1℃.Link to original photoSouthwest corner Yonge and Roxborough - Gas Station

Summerhill - Toronto on February 27th, 1924
Weather in Toronto on Wednesday, February 27th, 1924: High of 3.9℃ and a low of -12.2℃.Link to original photoAvenue Rd. Presbyterian (United) Church before building torn down for Jay Macpherson Green
Summerhill - Toronto on August 26th, 1956
Weather in Toronto on Sunday, August 26th, 1956: High of 25.6℃ and a low of 12.2℃.Link to original photoBefore Avenue Road widening outside the The Avenue Rd. Church

Summerhill - Toronto on April 16th, 1959
Weather in Toronto on Thursday, April 16th, 1959: High of 24.4℃ and a low of 8.9℃.Link to original photoLooking south down Avenue Road to The Avenue Road Church on the left

Summerhill - Toronto on June 22nd, 1960
Weather in Toronto on Wednesday, June 22nd, 1960: High of 21.7℃ and a low of 15.0℃.Link to original photoHare Krishna leaded glass window 1

Summerhill - Toronto on May 24th, 2014
Weather in Toronto on Saturday, May 24th, 2014: High of 0.0℃ and a low of 0.0℃.Link to original photoHare Krishna Peacocks

Summerhill - Toronto on May 24th, 2014
Weather in Toronto on Saturday, May 24th, 2014: High of 0.0℃ and a low of 0.0℃.Link to original photoHare Krishna Column
