Downtown Yonge East in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Oakham House

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 1, 2026

1. Oakham House Marker

Inscription. This house, built in 1848, was designed by the notable architect William Thomas who lived and worked here until his death in 1860. Its early Gothic revival detailing includes heads, forests and finials. John McGee, surveyor, and his family lived here until 1892. It was enlarged in 1899 and became “The Home for Working Boys". In 1960 the building was acquired by Ryerson Institute of Technology and used as a student residence. Through substantial student support, it now provides recreational facilities for Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.

Erected 1977 by Toronto Historical Board.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.

Location. 43° 39.484′ N, 79° 22.684′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in Downtown Yonge East. It is at the intersection of Gould Street and Church Street, on the right when traveling east on Gould Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 322 Church Street, Toronto ON M5B 1E9, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto

and on the Golden Horseshoe.

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 different marker also named Oakham House (a few steps from this marker); The Toronto Normal School (within shouting distance of this marker); Ryerson Polytechnical Institue

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(about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Toronto Normal and Model School (about 90 meters away); Simpsons Mail-Order Warehouse Dalhousie Street Extension (about 120 meters away); Toronto Normal School Coat of Arms (about 120 meters away); Robert Simpson Co. Warehouse (about 150 meters away); Ontario College of Pharmacy (about 240 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 1, 2026

2. Oakham House Marker

Oakham House, east side, in 2026 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 1, 2026

3. Oakham House, east side, in 2026

William Thomas, architect of Oakham House ca 1830s image. Click for full size.

4. William Thomas, architect of Oakham House ca 1830s

Toronto Public Library (public domain)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 10, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.