Phyllis Rawlinson is a jewel of the Richmond Hill area, with an interesting history to how it came about becoming the beautiful, multi-use place that it is.
From the Town of Richmond Hill's website
The parkland was donated to the Town by Phyllis Rawlinson, a long-time resident of Richmond Hill, on the condition that it be managed for conservation purposes.The property is 89.5 acres in size and includes the original farmhouse and barn (George Forster House), as well as the Robert Holland Interpretive Centre.
A History of the Phyllis Rawlinson Park Property
The parkland now known as Phyllis Rawlinson Park was originally owned by Robert Marsh. In 1830, Marsh sold the property to George Forster (1787 - 1879) and his wife Margaret (1783 – 1847). Shortly after acquiring the property, the Forsters built a hewn log home and the first stages of the barn complex. Later modifications included the provision of cedar shakes for the roof, construction of a brick masonry fireplace and chimney and the provision of an exterior pine porch.
Several generations of the Forster family farmed the property until 1934 when it was sold to Mary A.W. Rawlinson, wife of Marmaduke Arthur Rawlinson, President and General Manager of Rawlinson Moving and Storage. At this time, the property became known as Tentone Farm. It was first used as a hobby farm while the family resided in Toronto. By the end of the 1940’s they moved was permanently to the farm.
Phyllis Rawlinson, daughter of Mary and Marmaduke, inherited the property. After serving in the Women's Royal Naval Service and attending the Slade School of Fine Art in London, Phyllis Rawlinson returned to Canada after World War II and settled at Tentone Farm. She became one of the first women in Canada to play polo, and was a champion five-goal player. She also participated in steeplechases and fox hunts, and showed jumpers at the Richmond Hill Spring Fair and Royal Winter Fair. In later years, Phyllis raised thoroughbred horses and Hereford beef cattle.
In keeping with her love of farm life and interest in the conservation of the rural landscape, Phyllis willed the 89.5 acre Tentone Farm and its historic buildings to the Town of Richmond Hill on the condition that it be managed for conservation purposes.
In 1996, the property was designated under the Ontario heritage Act in order to protect the architecturally and historically significant interior and exterior elements and the barn complex.
Currently the property includes a community allotment garden, picnicking spots, hiking trails, a pond with a boardwalk and overlook, an off-leash dog park, the original Shaw House and other original structures, and an interprative centre.
This cache is hidden closest to the pond, which we always enjoy coming to when groups we are part of host picnics here and is a short distance from parking. The original container was one we spotted at the Kortright Centre's Maker Madness event a while back, and we're happy that we can place it here. Please enjoy finding it and then exploring the rest of what Phyllis Rawlinson has to offer!
Congratulations to ahtoe on the FTF!
