Not a run-of-the-mill mill

Late last century I lived in east Toronto Danforth. I developed a special appreciation for this area. Unlike the overdeveloped downtown Toronto, where the past has been descecrated, east Danforth contains many historic structures that may have been adapted but are still evidently time travellers.

Perhaps none captures this more than 10 Dawes Road. According to Melanie Milanich, in "Dawes Road: a Shortcut to the Market and a Natural Resource Base" 10 Dawes Road was "A steam powered grist mill, built in the 1890s and originally called
Chalmer's Flour Mill..."

In 2009-2010 local business directories cited 10 Dawes Road as the property of Elizabeth Feed Co.

Click to enlarge

Normally I provide a detailed and erudite commentary that interprets the artefact for you. In this case I am not going to. Look at this building and trust your instincts. That cast cement base is clearly mid-late 19th century (that is, 1850-1880). All that corrugated sheet metal superstructure is clearly cladding covering a wooden mill that needed a new layer of protection. That headhouse on the top story is clearly where the works of an elevator are housed.

And there is NO WAY this is a steam mill. Where is the powerhouse? Where is the hundred foot smokestack?

Not entirely good news. Those lovely new french doors mark the commencement of the next renovation. One I predict will end with the structure transformed, re-clad, and unrecognizable.

We carry complete lines for
racing pigeons, budgies
and other birds
Best mixtures available
Race horses, dogs,
all other animals
Grits, Gravels, Flax

I have met with the owner and hope to have interior shots before the year-end.

Ship-shape Tip Top

The Crossroads of the Danforth is one of the remaining areas of Toronto that retains working architecture of a previous time. A clear example is this early 20^th century gem Tip Top Auto Collision.

It has been taken over by Jose Murillo, Sr. who has run Tip Top Auto Collision as a family owned and operated business for over 40 years!

Now 3 generations of the Murillo family run the enterprise, with Jose's son Joe Murillo managing the business, Joe's wife, Liane is the Office Manager and their son Zachary is a mechanic.  The Murillo family very active in apprentice training and certification programs for the auto repair industry, 

Personally I'd like to recognize the Murillos for the quality of conservancy they have maintained with regard to this facility, such as sensitive care of the unique signage.

Founder Jose Murillo can still be found at the shop greeting customers and friends.