Please note this page is under construction as of 30 January 2022. 

Description:

321A Augusta Avenue is a 1.5 storey Ontario Gothic Revival Cottage (Ontario House) located near the southeast corner of Augusta Avenue and College Street in the Kensington Market neighbourhood of Toronto. 321A Augusta Avenue was constructed in either 1885/1886 or 1904/1905.

Due to the construction of various neighbouring buildings in the 20th century, 321A Augusta Avenue is now only accessible via two narrow walkways — one leading to Augusta Avenue and one leading to College Street. 

321A Augusta Avenue is covered in metal cladding on its primary (west) elevation, though a brick or stone material appears to be visible on its side (north) elevation.

321A Augusta Avenue has been renumbered several times over its history. The property originally had an address on College Street. The present-day address — 321A (321½) Augusta Avenue — has been used since the early 1910s. 

Prior to the construction of the extant house at 321A Augusta Avenue, the site contained stables. Of additional note is that during the late 19th and early 20th century, the southeast corner of Augusta Avenue and College Street was the site of a coal and wood yard. For many years, this yard was operated by the Dalby family. The Dalby family also operated a grocery shop on Augusta Avenue and resided in (and likely owned) several houses along Augusta Avenue near College Street. 

Please note that some Fire Insurance Plans depict 321A Augusta Avenue in a slightly erroneous position. 

Early Occupants: 

If constructed in 1885/1886:

As of 1885/1886, 321A Augusta Avenue  was home to Thomas Goldring and his family. The Goldrings resided at 321A Augusta Avenue until 1886/1887.

Thomas Goldring (1845-1920) was a shipper at H. E. Clarke & Company. H. E. Clarke & Company manufactured luggage and trunks and was based at 105 and 600 King Street West.

Thomas Goldring was born in Ontario in 1845. His father was from England and his mother was from Ireland. In 1872, he married Flora Ann McDonald (1849-1930) in Simcoe County. Thomas and Flora Goldring had 8 children — 3 daughters and 5 sons — between 1874 and 1890. The Goldring family were Methodists. Thomas Goldring died in 1920. 

As of 1887/1888, 321A Augusta Avenue was home to George Furnival. Furnival was a printer. By 1888/1889, Sigismund (S. S.) Moss — a watchmaker by trade — had joined George Furnival at 321A Augusta Avenue. By 1890/1891, Furnival had moved out of 321A Augusta Avenue. 

If constructed in 1904/1905:

As of 1904/1905, 321A Augusta Avenue may have been home to James H. Crooks. James H. Crooks was a telephone operator. 

Later Occupants and Uses:

Further research into the history of 321A Augusta Avenue is ongoing as of early 2022. 

(Research by Adam Wynne)