Photograph of Bert Harris of Claireville, formerly Humber, Delivering Mail, 1942
The community of Claireville was situated at what was the corners of Gore, Etobicoke and Vaughan Townships (present day lands south of Hwy 50 and Steeles Ave West). It was founded by J.P. de la Hay, who originally owned the property, and named the village after his daughter, Claire. The first house was built in 1832, followed by the Congregational Church, and then the first store, which was built by John Donaldson.
By 1877, the village had approximately 175 inhabitants and contained a store, blacksmith shop, saddlers’ shop, Temperance Lodge, Primitive Methodist Church and a hotel. The name of the first postmaster was Robert Bowman and the village was originally known as “Humber.”
By 1945, the only businesses that remained in Claireville were a store, hotel and service station, the post office having disappeared with the establishment of rural mail delivery from Woodbridge. However, the same year Toronto Coach Lines also established a daily service to the village bringing many visitors, and the local school had its largest attendance since it was built. The population in the village remained static for many years before gradually increasing and being subsumed into Woodbridge.
City of Vaughan Archives: MG 70
Photograph of Bert Harris of Claireville, formerly Humber, Delivering Mail, 1942
The community of Claireville was situated at what was the corners of Gore, Etobicoke and Vaughan Townships (present day lands south of Hwy 50 and Steeles Ave West). It was founded by J.P. de la Hay, who originally owned the property, and named the village after his daughter, Claire. The first house was built in 1832, followed by the Congregational Church, and then the first store, which was built by John Donaldson.
By 1877, the village had approximately 175 inhabitants and contained a store, blacksmith shop, saddlers’ shop, Temperance Lodge, Primitive Methodist Church and a hotel. The name of the first postmaster was Robert Bowman and the village was originally known as “Humber.”
By 1945, the only businesses that remained in Claireville were a store, hotel and service station, the post office having disappeared with the establishment of rural mail delivery from Woodbridge. However, the same year Toronto Coach Lines also established a daily service to the village bringing many visitors, and the local school had its largest attendance since it was built. The population in the village remained static for many years before gradually increasing and being subsumed into Woodbridge.
City of Vaughan Archives: MG 70