Partner City
Aurora
Guided by the Dawn
Since it was founded in the 1800s astride the famous Yonge Street, Aurora grew from a quiet farming community into a thriving town. Its growth was supported by industries such as the J. Fleury's Son manufacturers, and was where future Canadian prime minister, Lester Pearson, grew up. Today many fascinating and important heritage buildings from the mid to late 19th Century have survived, giving the town a unique and distinct character.
Historic Walking Tours

If These Walls Could Talk
Aurora's History told through Architecture

Fire, Wind, and Water
Disasters in Aurora History
Then and Now Photos


Aurora Museum 994.14.15 & On This Spot Enterprises
Streetcar on Yonge - c. 1910
This scene looking south on Yonge at Wellington was taken around 1910, after John Francis Willis purchased Dr. Rutherford's Drug Store.


Aurora Museum 2002.19.2a-t & On This Spot Enterprises
Aurora from Afar - 1888
Yonge Street looking north toward Aurora from Hutchinson's Hill.


Aurora Museum 77.5.2 & On This Spot Enterprises
A Class Photo - 1889
Aurora Public School students and teachers posing on the front steps.


Aurora Museum & On This Spot Enterprises
Aurora's Skyscraper - c. 1890
A group of men and young boys gather outside of Aurora's "skyscraper" Medical Hall circa 1890. When the drugstore finally opened in 1886 it had transitioned ownership to Dr. John Rutherford and was managed by Charles A. Willis. Impressively, the drugstore business remained in association with the Willis family for over eighty years. In 1910 Charles' son John F. took over the drugstore, and Charles' grandson, also named John F., operated a pharmacy there until 1969. The oriel window on the second floor and the unique brick cornice are just two of the building's distinguishing architectural features.


Bob McRoberts & On This Spot Enterprises
Boys on Tyler Street - c. 1900s
Boys on Tyler Street. Notice the homes remains the same.


Bob McRoberts & On This Spot Enterprises
The Powerhouse - c. 1915
This steel water tower was erected in 1906 and could hold 50,000 gallons of water, which was sourced from two artesian wells. It was replaced in 1931 with a standpipe style water tower.


Bob McRoberts & On This Spot Enterprises
The Dead House - c. 1910s
Entrance to the Aurora Cemetery, which was established in 1869. The building is known as the Dead House and was constructed in 1868.


Aurora Museum 2002.19.596 & On This Spot Enterprises
Tailor Shop - c. 1890s
House and Tailor's shop at 38 Wellington Street.


Aurora Museum 2011.2.1 & On This Spot Enterprises
House on Victoria Street - c. 1905
A family poses in front of their home on Victoria Street.


Aurora Museum 83.1.1 & On This Spot Enterprises
Building the Cenotaph - 1920s
Construction ongoing at Aurora's cenotaph, commemorating those who died in the First World War.


Aurora Museum 994.3.2 & On This Spot Enterprises
J. Fleury's Sons - 1910
Group of workers outside of J. Fleury's Sons.
These photos and tours are possible through the generous support of our partners.