Oshawa in Durham Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

R.S. "Sam" McLaughlin, C.C., 1871-1972

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 26, 2022

1. R.S. "Sam" McLaughlin, C.C., 1871-1972 Marker

Inscription.
Born in nearby Enniskillen, McLaughlin apprenticed in his father's Oshawa carriage works when he was sixteen. Convinced of the potential for growth of the automobile industry, he established in 1907 the McLaughlin Motor Car Company, the first major automobile manufacturer in Canada. This company became part of General Motors in 1918 with McLaughlin as president of the Canadian company and a vice-president of the American corporation. A noted philanthropist, he provided funds to build the McLaughlin Planetarium at Toronto, erect buildings at Queen's University, Kingston, and endow a medical foundation. His mansion, "Parkwood," begun in 1916, was designed by the Toronto architectural firm of Darling and Pearson. This notable house and distinguished gardens were bequeathed to the Oshawa General Hospital in 1972.

Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture and Recreation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Education • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Foundation series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.

Location. 43° 54.279′ N, 78° 52.038′ W. Marker is in Oshawa

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, Ontario, in Durham Region. Marker can be reached from Simcoe Street North (Durham Regional Road 2) just south of Parkwood Court, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located within the Parkwood Estate National Historic Site, directly in front of the McLaughlin mansion. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 270 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa ON L1G 4T5, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Parkwood (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Samuel McLaughlin (within shouting distance of this marker); Full Steam Ahead (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); In Honoured Memory of the Men of the Ontario Regiment (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); General Motors of Canada (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Historical Industry and Labour (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Victorian Order of Nurses 100th Anniversary (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); On The Lake (The Argyle) (approx. 0.8 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oshawa.

More about this marker. Both sides of this marker have the same inscription.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Parkwood Estate National Historic Site

Also see . . .
1. Samuel McLaughlin.

In his youth, McLaughlin competed in cycling and yachting, and he was an equestrian show jumping champion
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 26, 2022

2. R.S. "Sam" McLaughlin, C.C., 1871-1972 Marker
(looking west • McLaughlin mansion in background)
at competitions in Canada and the United States. His love of horses led to the establishment of Parkwood Stable, a thoroughbred horse racing and breeding farm located a few miles north of Oshawa, Ontario. A long-time director of the Ontario Jockey Club, McLaughlin was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1963 and the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1977.

(Submitted on May 30, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Robert Samuel “Sam” McLaughlin (Find a Grave).

Businessman, Philanthropist. A native of Oshawa, Ontario, he is best known as the founder of the McLaughlin Motor Car Company in 1907, the first major automobile manufacturer in Canada. He began working with his father at the family business of McLaughlin Carriage Works in 1887, and gradually with the help of Buick personality William C. Durant (he provided the engines), he produced the McLaughlin-Buick Model F. In 1910, he became the Director of General Motors, and then President of General Motors Canada after he sold his company in 1918.

(Submitted on May 30, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

McLaughlin Mansion • Parkwood Estate image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 26, 2022

3. McLaughlin Mansion • Parkwood Estate

(marker is visible at far left)

Parkwood Estate Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 28, 2022

4. Parkwood Estate Sign

(enter here from Simcoe Street North to access marker and historic site)

McLaughlin Family Mausoleum image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 30, 2022

5. McLaughlin Family Mausoleum

(final resting place of Robert Samuel McLaughlin • located in nearby Oshawa Union Cemetery)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 177 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 30, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.