From the Archives
Arthur McNeil House
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 our community over time. This month’s feature highlights the Arthur McNeil House.
Nestled in the heart of the Kleinburg community at 10499 Islington Ave., the Arthur McNeil House is one of Vaughan’s treasured heritage properties, serving as a lasting reminder of the community's rich agricultural history.
The McNeil family's story in Vaughan began around 1820, when Arthur McNeil arrived as part of a wave of Irish immigrants settling in Upper Canada, now Ontario. In 1829, Arthur and his brother Alexander purchased Lot 14, Concession 6, an area that today stretches between Pine Valley Drive and Weston Road, south of Rutherford Road. In 1832, they established a farm and built the family home, laying down roots that would help shape the Kleinburg community for generations.
He introduced Galloway cattle – a hardy breed best known for their thick, shaggy coats – to the local area, helping shape farming practices in the region. He and his wife, had nine children, and the McNeil family remained connected to the property for five generations, spanning more than 150 years. After Arthur’s death in 1880, his family continued to farm the property, maintaining the McNeil family’s deep connection to Vaughan’s agricultural history.
In 1987, the house was relocated to Kleinburg to preserve it as the surrounding area developed.
In 1988, the property was designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, 1975 for its architectural and cultural value. It is an example of Regency architecture, recognized for its balanced proportions, restrained ornamentation and elegant design. Today, it is part of the Kleinburg-Nashville Heritage Conservation District, helping preserve the community’s historic character.
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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