Highland Creek Village
About 1796, pioneer settlers from the United States and the British Isles built homes in southeastern Scarborough, the beginning of a prosperous community. Notable settlers included the families: Adams, Annis, Closson, Cornell, Helliwell, Knowles, Morrish, Post and Richardson.
In 1804, William Cornell built the first grist mill on the creek in "The Highlands", and during the first half of the 19th century, a number of mills, inns, blacksmith shops and general stores flourished.
Shortly after the Township's incorporation in 1850, a post office, know as Highland Creek was opened in Helliwell's Hotel. Presbyterian, Catholic and Methodist churches and a schoolhouse for school section #7 were erected in this area and the "Village" was established.
Building the Grand Trunk Railway along the lake front saw the decline of the stage coach and many hotels, but Highland Creek village survived for another century as an active rural community.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.