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

Ontario Ladies’ College

Photographed by Tim Boyd, April 7, 2024

1. Ontario Ladies’ College Marker

Inscription. Opened in 1874 by the Governor-General, Lord Dufferin, the Ontario Ladies’ College was established in "Trafalgar Castle", former residence of Nelson Gilbert Reynolds, Sheriff of Ontario County. Built in 1859, "Trafalgar Castle" was visited im 1869 by Prince Arthur and Sir John A. Macdonald. The college, under the jurisdiction of the Methodist Church, offered a diploma, and matriculation for university entrance. Additions to the school were named in honour of Dr. Egerton Ryerson in 1877 and Lillian Frances Massey Treble in 1895. The Rev. J.J. Hare served the college as principal from its opening until 1915. Guest lecturers at the school included Lucy Maude Montgomery and Bliss Carman. Since 1925 the college has been associated with the United Church of Canada.

Erected by the Archaeological and Historic Sites Board, Ministry of Colleges and Universities

Erected by Ontario Archeological and Historic Sites Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Forts and Castles • Women. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust

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series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.

Location. 43° 52.696′ N, 78° 56.037′ W. Marker is in Whitby, Ontario, in Durham Region. It is at the intersection of Reynolds Street and Gilbert Street East, on the left when traveling south on Reynolds Street. The marker is on the grounds of Trafalgar Castle School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 493 Reynolds Street, Whitby ON L1N 6H5, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto,

specifically on the Golden Horseshoe,

in the York, Durham and Headwaters Area,

and in the Toronto Metropolitan Area.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: J. Wilkinson Building (1855-1981) (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); The Sawdon Building (approx. 0.6 kilometers

Photographed by Tim Boyd, April 7, 2024

2. Ontario Ladies’ College Marker

away); William Till Building (1857-1860) (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); The Great Fire of 1877 (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Cross & Granger Fire, 1901 (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); First Dominion Bank Branch, 1871 (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Perry’s Corners, 1836 (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Sir John A. Macdonald, 1877 (approx. 0.8 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Whitby.

Also see . . . Wikipedia - Trafalgar Castle School.

The castle was the largest private dwelling in Canada until Casa Loma was built. It cost Reynolds $70,000, which was an exorbitant sum; a home at that time was built for $2,000, and a bank complete with vault could be built for $5,000 to $7,000. Reynolds was a colourful character and a gambling man, and indeed it was gambling losses that reportedly forced him to sell his beloved home to the Methodists in 1874 for the sum of $30,000.

(Submitted on April 22, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

Trafalgar Castle School (former Ontario Ladies’ College) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, April 7, 2024

3. Trafalgar Castle School (former Ontario Ladies’ College)

1908

4. Ontario Ladies’ College in 1908

Source: Whitby Archives (public domain)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 825 times since then and 142 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 22, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.