The Historic Joseph Gould Property: A Journey Through Time

The Historic Joseph Gould Property: A Journey Through Time

62 Mill Street, Uxbridge, Ontario – CIRCA 1866

Located at 62 Mill Street in Uxbridge, Ontario, the Joseph Gould Property is a storied piece of local history, encapsulating over a century of architectural and familial evolution. This blog will take you through the fascinating history of this landmark, from its humble beginnings in the 19th century to its modern-day developments.

Photo Courtesy of Uxbridge – Scugog Historic Homes and Heritage Buildings.

The Origins: Joseph Gould and Gouldsville

In 1837, Joseph Gould, a prominent figure in Uxbridge’s early history, purchased the property on Mill Street. Here, he built a modest frame house for himself and his wife (photo above). This house became the birthplace of all the Gould children and was affectionately known as Gouldsville. It was in this house that the Gould family began to establish their roots in the community.

Transition and Transformation

In 1863, Isaac James Gould, Joseph’s son, married Rebecca Chapman. A year later, Joseph moved his family and staff to a newly built estate on Toronto Street . This grand estate can be further explored here. With this move, Joseph deeded the Mill Street property to Isaac and Rebecca.

Three years after this transfer, a significant transformation took place. The original frame house was replaced by a one-and-a-half-storey brick home (shown below), built further back on the property. This new house, constructed of five layers of brick, featured deep window sills that were perfect for sitting. By 1911, the original frame house was torn down, marking the end of an era.

Photo Courtesy of Uxbridge – Scugog Historic Homes and Heritage Buildings.

Architectural Highlights and Innovations

The new brick house had several distinctive features. A plank sidewalk extended from the house to the foot of Mill Street, lined by a 6-foot white picket fence that also bordered the carriage driveway. This plank sidewalk was later replaced by a cement walkway, adding to the property’s modern appeal. At the foot of the driveway, a block of cement bore the inscription “Gouldville 1908,” a testament to the property’s enduring legacy.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the home was its wrap-around covered porch, added in the early 1900s, which enveloped three sides of the house. Moreover, the Gould home is believed to have been the first in Uxbridge to feature electric lights, thanks to Joseph and Isaac’s ownership of the electric light mill.

Generational Shifts and Changes

The property remained within the Gould family for many decades. In 1886, J. Walter Gould and his wife Alice took ownership, raising six children in the home. The property continued to be a cherished family residence until 1956 when W.C. Gould assumed ownership. However, in 1966, the home left the Gould family for the first time when Mr. and Mrs. Robt. I. Fitzhenry purchased it. They maintained ownership until 2009.

Photo Courtesy of Uxbridge – Scugog Historic Homes and Heritage Buildings.

Controversies and Developments

Since 2009, the property has been at the center of controversy and development debates. A group of developers proposed a 39-unit townhouse subdivision for the site, sparking objections from the township regarding the density of the proposal . This led to a prolonged legal battle with the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), which eventually ordered the town to permit a scaled-down development of 27 residential units. This compromise included relocating and restoring the historic Gould house to the east side of the property.

In 2022, the Gould house was successfully moved to its new location, where it now stands as a historical beacon visible from Mill Street. The new developer, Mosaik (Uxbridge) Inc., acquired the property in March 2021 and has since been working on a conservation plan to ensure the preservation of this historic site. The conservation plan, created in June 2021, details the efforts to maintain the property’s heritage while accommodating new development.

Moved to it’s new location (as seen from Mill St)

Conclusion

The Joseph Gould Property at 62 Mill Street is more than just a house; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Gould family and the evolving history of Uxbridge. From its origins as a family home to its current status amidst modern developments, this property continues to capture the spirit and history of the community.

For those interested in the detailed conservation plan and future developments, you can read more [here]

The Conservation plan states that the exterior of the house will be restored keeping the historic characteristics of the home.  The interior being in relatively good condition will also keep its historic characteristics.

The photos below are courtesy of Giaimo Architects and show what the property looked like prior to being relocated.

Map and location of the property (outlined in blue)

A Glimpse Through Time

As we look back at the Joseph Gould Property, it’s clear that this site is not merely a piece of real estate but a chapter of Uxbridge’s living history. From its beginnings as Gouldsville to its present-day restoration and development, the property at 62 Mill Street serves as a bridge between the past and the future, ensuring that the legacy of the Gould family and their contributions to the community are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

Sources

Uxbridge – Scugog Historic Homes and Heritage Buildings by:  Paul Arculus and J. Peter Hvidsten

https://scugogheritage.com/history/historichomes2.pdf

62 Mill Street Conservative Plan by: Giaimo Architects