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The Denison Family of Toronto: A Legacy of Heritage, 1792-1925

Samuel Ward

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Published in The Denison Family Of Toronto: 1792 1925 (Heritage 5)

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The Denison family is one of the most prominent and influential families in the history of Toronto, Canada. Their legacy, spanning over a century and a half, is intertwined with the development of the city from its early days as a frontier outpost to a thriving metropolis.

The family's roots in Toronto can be traced back to John Denison, who arrived in the city in 1792 as a young surveyor. Over the following decades, the Denisons established themselves as leading figures in business, industry, philanthropy, and education.

The Denison Family of Toronto: 1792 1925 (Heritage 5)

The Denison Family of Toronto: 1792-1925 (Heritage Book 5)

by Brian Keene

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	632 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages

This article explores the Denison family's legacy in Toronto, examining their contributions to the city's architecture, industry, philanthropy, and culture. We will also highlight some of the key figures in the family and their impact on the city's development.

Architecture

The Denisons were responsible for the construction of some of Toronto's most iconic buildings. John Denison's son, George Taylor Denison, was a prominent architect who designed a number of important buildings in the city, including:

The University of Toronto's Trinity College
The Osgoode Hall Law School
The St. Lawrence Market

George Taylor Denison's son, Colonel George Denison III, was also an accomplished architect. He designed a number of military buildings in Toronto, including the Fort York Armoury and the Royal Military College of Canada.

Industry

The Denisons were also major players in Toronto's industrial development. John Denison's son, Robert Baldwin Sullivan Denison, was a successful businessman who founded a number of companies, including the Dominion Bank and the Toronto Street Railway Company.

Robert Baldwin Sullivan Denison's son, Colonel George Taylor Denison Jr., was also a prominent businessman. He was the president of the Toronto Board of Trade and the Canadian Manufacturers' Association.

Philanthropy

The Denisons were generous philanthropists who donated large sums of money to a variety of causes. John Denison's son, George Taylor Denison, was a major donor to the University of Toronto. He also founded the Denison House, a social settlement in Toronto's east end.

Colonel George Denison III was also a prominent philanthropist. He donated land for the establishment of a park in Toronto's west end, which is now known as High Park.

Education

The Denisons were strong supporters of education. John Denison's son, George Taylor Denison, was a professor at the University of Toronto. He also founded the Upper Canada College, one of Toronto's most prestigious private schools.

Colonel George Denison III was also a strong advocate for education. He founded the Royal Military College of Canada, which is now one of Canada's top universities.

Culture

The Denisons were also patrons of the arts and culture. John Denison's son, George Taylor Denison, was a founding member of the Art Gallery of Ontario. He also founded the Toronto Philharmonic Society.

Colonel George Denison III was also a patron of the arts. He was a member of the board of directors of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Ontario Museum.

The Denison family played a significant role in the history of Toronto, Canada. Their legacy is a testament to their commitment to the city and their desire to make a difference. Their contributions to the city's architecture, industry, philanthropy, and culture continue to shape Toronto today.