Notes:
1311 Pape Avenue is a large, 2.5 storey Victorian Mansion located in East York. 1311 Pape Avenue is one of the grandest 19th century residences within the former municipality.
1311 Pape Avenue was listed on the Inventory of Historical Buildings in East York — now part of the City of Toronto Heritage Register — in 1982. The Inventory notes the house was constructed in 1880 and provides the following statement of significance:
"The site of 1311 Pape Avenue was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. David Smith on March 31, 1875 from Mr. William Medford (Meaford) for the sum of $2400. The entire parcel of land consisted of 9.78 acres. In 1920, the Smith house had an address of 504 Don Mills Road. This number coincides with the numbering of Don Mills Rd. (O'Connor Dr.) at that time. Also the front of the house faces O'Connor Dr., thus it is logical that the house would be numbered accordingly. In 1924, the address was changed to 504 Pape Ave. due to the extension of Pape Ave. above O'Connor Drive. Shortly thereafter Pape Ave. was renumbered and the Smith house was assigned number 1311.
David Smith was born in Liverpool, England in 1839, and immigrated to Canada in 1870, where he became a partner in the firm Rolph, Smith, & Company. Mr. Smith was involved in engraving and lithography. In 1904, his plant was destroyed by fire. Mr. Smith took this opportunity to form a partnership with his son Harold Taylor Smith and formed his own company known as the "David Smith Engraving and Lithographic Company." Their firm, located at Church Street and Court Street, was reputed to be one of the finest in the Dominion."
Mr. Smith married Miss Annie Taylor, daughter of George Taylor and his first wife Caroline Bright. Mrs. Smith's family owned several mills as well as the Don Valley Brickworks. Annie Smith was educated by a private tutor at the family home "Beechwood." It was near this house that the Smiths built their home.
The Smith's only son, Harold Taylor Smith, was born in 1880 and retained ownership of the family home almost exclusively until his death in 1928.
The home is a fine example of Victorian Gothic architecture which was popular from 1860 to 1890. The gable trim or bargeboard, is massive and strong, thus differentiating itself from the lighter gingerbread of the Gothic Revival archetype. This trim is still in existence and requires just a fresh coat of paint to bring its appearance up to par. The Victorian style, recognized for its polychromatic structures, is represented in this building by cream-coloured window heads which contrast the red-orange brick and high-light the lines of the windows. The rubble stone base and brick walls are both in excellent shape with few alterations or repairs. Several original windows remain, but unfortunately, some have been replaced or bricked in. Because of its use as an apartment, a fire escape has also been added. The house size and excellent architectural qualities, as well as rich historical value, could prove potentially useful to the community should the building be restored."
1311 Pape Avenue is presently subdivided into 10 apartments. In July 2023, the property was listed for sale for $4 449 000. The real estate ads note significant (re)development opportunity for the property.
(Research by Adam Wynne)
