Aurora in York Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Many Lives of Hillary House

Photographed by Tim Boyd, March 9, 2026

1. The Many Lives of Hillary House Marker

Inscription.
Since its initial construction in 1862 by Dr. Walter Geikie, Hillary House has undergone many additions and alterations. The house originally had a basic rectangular layout common for the time. On the main floor there was a room on either side of a central hallway and a small second story for bedrooms as well as a small kitchen, dining room, and servants' quarters attached to the back of the house.

In 1869, new owner Dr. Frederick Strange added the Ballroom on top of the kitchen and dining room. After the Hillary family purchased the house in 1876, Dr. Robert William Hillary and later his son Dr. Robert Michael Hillary completed a series of renovations and additions onto the back of the house which included several summer kitchens, an indoor bathroom with running water, a woodshed, garden shed, ice house, and even a two-seated privy.

When the Aurora Historical Society took ownership of the house in 1981, they began restoration of the house, securing its structural stability to ensure visitors can enjoy the house for years to come.

Erected by Aurora Historical Sociery.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 44° 0.164′ N, 79° 28.128′ W.

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Marker is in Aurora, Ontario, in York Region. It is at the intersection of Yonge Street and Maple Street, on the left when traveling north on Yonge Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15372 Yonge Street, Aurora ON L4G L4G, 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,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and 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: A Historic Landscape (a few steps from this marker); Using the Grounds (a few steps from this marker); A Place to Relax and Celebrate (a few steps from this marker); The Barn: a Necessity for Rural Doctors (within shouting distance of this marker); A Look Outside Hillary House (within shouting distance of this marker); It’s Love-All For Tennis in Aurora (within shouting distance of this marker); The Settlement of Aurora (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Doan Hall (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aurora.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, March 9, 2026

2. The Many Lives of Hillary House Marker

Photographed by Tim Boyd, March 9, 2026

3. The Many Lives of Hillary House Marker

Showing the several additions made to the house by its various owners

Hillary House National Historic Site in 2026 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, March 9, 2026

4. Hillary House National Historic Site in 2026

Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 15, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.