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.
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Then and Now Photos
Streetcar on Yonge
Aurora Museum 994.14.15 On This Spot Enterprises
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 from Afar
Aurora Museum 2002.19.2a-t On This Spot Enterprises
1888
Yonge Street looking north toward Aurora from Hutchinson's Hill.
A Class Photo
Aurora Museum 77.5.2 On This Spot Enterprises
1889
Aurora Public School students and teachers posing on the front steps.
Aurora's Skyscraper
Aurora Museum On This Spot Enterprises
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.
Boys on Tyler Street
Bob McRoberts On This Spot Enterprises
c. 1900s
Boys on Tyler Street. Notice the homes remains the same.
The Powerhouse
Bob McRoberts On This Spot Enterprises
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.
The Dead House
Bob McRoberts On This Spot Enterprises
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.
Tailor Shop
Aurora Museum 2002.19.596 On This Spot Enterprises
c. 1890s
House and Tailor's shop at 38 Wellington Street.
House on Victoria Street
Aurora Museum 2011.2.1 On This Spot Enterprises
c. 1905
A family poses in front of their home on Victoria Street.
J. Fleury's Sons
Aurora Museum 994.3.2 On This Spot Enterprises
1910
Group of workers outside of J. Fleury's Sons.