Edgar John Jarvis 1835-1907
One of Rosedale's early developers, Edgar John Jarvis was introduced to this area by his uncle, William Botsford Jarvis of "Rosedale Villa". Edgar and his wife, Charlotte, moved here into their new home, "Glen Hurst", in 1866. It still stands, although now hidden from view behind these original stone gateposts.
Enchanted by the surrounding ravines, Jarvis envisioned turning the area into Toronto's most prestigious neighbourhood. To attract affluent buyers, he constructed the first two high-level bridges across the south Rosedale ravine, built for sale two of Rosedale's early mansions, and planted Elm and Maple Avenues with their namesake trees.
In the mid-1880s, shortly after the completion of his family's second Rosedale estate, Jarvis exhausted his finances. The estate was sold, and it was not until 1906 that Jarvis built his third residence, "Evenholm", designed by his architect son, Beaumont Jarvis, at 157 South Drive. Edgar Jarvis died one year later, in 1907. Charlotte, a poet and music teacher, was hailed a "Rosedale pioneer" on her death in 1931.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.