NATURAL ROOTS: Great white oak stands testament to Islington history
I always enjoy driving north or south on Islington Avenue and as I pass Great Oak Drive, I quickly glance at this magnificent white oak tree seen by the road.
I always enjoy driving north or south on Islington Avenue and as I pass Great Oak Drive, I quickly glance at this magnificent white oak tree seen by the road.
One of its large branches broke in a windstorm in June 2014 but my understanding is that the tree is still healthy.
Apparently, some people in the area call it, “The Hanging Tree”, even though I have not found any documents showing that the oak was ever used in this manner.
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In 1817, this Clergy Block was leased to Jacob Smith who planned to build an inn in the area but this never came to fruition.
In 1820, the Moore family who emigrated from Northern Ireland rented the area from Smith and in 1842, John Moore, received the patent on the property.
The brick house which is located at 18 Great Oak Drive became their residence (built ca. 1842 - 1851).
This house on Sept. 26, 2016 was listed on City of Toronto Heritage Register.
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The great white oak is a landmark as probably one of the few remaining trees of the original farm. Records appear to show that the Moores left the tree standing to help line their entrance driveway which ran west off Islington Avenue.
The Moores were one of the founding families of St. George’s Anglican Church-on-the-Hill, ca. 1835.
In addition to owning a large farm, John Moore was a tax assessor and collector for the entire township of Etobicoke in 1838. He was very active in the Etobicoke Agricultural Society and won prizes in various categories. It appears he was also known locally for his fast horses.
If you are ever in this area, please visit Great Oak Drive and stop and admire two remnants of Etobicoke’s built and natural heritage.
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