From the Archives
The Cook brothers
The City of Vaughan’s archives house more than 600 collections dating from the early 1700s to the present day. Within these files are the stories of how Vaughan evolved from the traditional territories of the First Peoples of Turtle Island to the bustling city it is today.
Let’s look back at our history and share the stories of the people, places and moments that helped shape the city we know today. This month’s feature is on the Cook brothers.
In 1831, brothers Thomas and William Cook arrived in Vaughan from England and settled in what is now Concord. They purchased a large stretch of land across Lots 16 to 18 in Concession 2, now located along Bathurst Street between Carrville Road and Major Mackenzie Drive West, when the area was largely rural. Like many early settlers, they began farming but soon expanded their efforts to support the growing community.
The Cook brothers purchased the Carrville Mill. Mills were essential at the time, providing services such as grinding grain and producing lumber. In 1849, they added a sawmill, helping meet the needs of a developing community. The mill operated for more than a century, closing in 1933. The mill helped to establish Carrville as a local centre of commerce, attracting tradespeople and supporting local industry.
Thomas Cook also played a key role in community life. In 1844, he opened a general store that served as the area’s first post office, where he acted as postmaster for more than 70 years. In 1857, he donated land for a church and burial ground, now known as Carrville Cemetery (historically known as Cook’s Mills Cemetery).
In 1847, William Cook and his wife, Elizabeth, built what is now known as the William Cook House at 9605 Dufferin St. The home, designed in the Georgian architectural style, was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 1984. William also served on Town Council from 1861 to 1863.
Through their contributions to farming, business and public service, the Cook brothers helped support Vaughan’s early growth. Their efforts laid the groundwork for a connected and developing community, shaping Vaughan into the city it is today.
VIEW VAUGHAN'S ARCHIVES ONLINE!
Looking for more information about the history of Vaughan? The City's Archival Collection is on digital display for all to explore! The following galleries are available in the City's online gallery on Flickr:
From Township to City: The Evolution of Vaughan
Historical Families of Vaughan
Historical Photography
Past Mayors of Vaughan
Prohibition in Vaughan
Recollections of Rural Vaughan
The Great Depression in Vaughan
The Mary Wood Collection
The Way We Were: Representations of Vaughan's Past
Vaughan’s Forgotten Heroes
Vaughan Lodge Fonds
Vaughan Working Environments
Vaughan Through the Ages: Medicine, Music and Sports and Recreation
and more!
A personal Flickr account is not required to access the City's online gallery, which contains only a small selection of the full archives collection. If you are looking for a particular image, original file, primary source record or more, please visit the Archival Database or contact the City by calling 905-832-2281 or emailing archives@vaughan.ca.
By managing and preserving both City and community records, the City’s Enterprise Information Management Services team ensures that Vaughan's rich and varied history will continue to be available for future generations. Learn more at vaughan.ca/archives.
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