Osler Castle
Osler Castle was built on Blue Mountain in 1893 by well-known Toronto lawyer Britton Bath Osler (the Crown Attorney at the trial of Louis Riel and founder of the law firm Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt.) Osler built this 15-room all-stone manor for his ailing wife Caroline in hope that the 'fresh air' would improve her health. Caroline named this summer house 'Kionontio,' a Petun Indian word for 'top of the hill.
Unfortunately, after enjoying only a few summers at Osler Castle, Caroline succumbed to her illness and died in 1896. Osler remarried and continued to spend time at the Castle, but when he died in 1901, the empty manor was left to deteriorate. Vegetation, weather, vandals and evidence of many a bush party took their toll, reducing Osler Castle to ruins by the 1950's.
A diary excerpt from the early 1900's reads: 'while working in that area, I along with a group of friends made several visits to the property on Sunday outings. Not only were all the furnishings gradually being stolen, but people were helping themselves to the stone work as well. However, I assure you, we were not among the vandals.
Today the property is owned by Castle Glen Development Corporation and is slated for residential development. It is hoped that the ruins of the historically significant structure will be saved from demolition.
Osler Castle
Osler Castle was built on Blue Mountain in 1893 by well-known Toronto lawyer Britton Bath Osler (the Crown Attorney at the trial of Louis Riel and founder of the law firm Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt.) Osler built this 15-room all-stone manor for his ailing wife Caroline in hope that the 'fresh air' would improve her health. Caroline named this summer house 'Kionontio,' a Petun Indian word for 'top of the hill.
Unfortunately, after enjoying only a few summers at Osler Castle, Caroline succumbed to her illness and died in 1896. Osler remarried and continued to spend time at the Castle, but when he died in 1901, the empty manor was left to deteriorate. Vegetation, weather, vandals and evidence of many a bush party took their toll, reducing Osler Castle to ruins by the 1950's.
A diary excerpt from the early 1900's reads: 'while working in that area, I along with a group of friends made several visits to the property on Sunday outings. Not only were all the furnishings gradually being stolen, but people were helping themselves to the stone work as well. However, I assure you, we were not among the vandals.
Today the property is owned by Castle Glen Development Corporation and is slated for residential development. It is hoped that the ruins of the historically significant structure will be saved from demolition.