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Scarborough's Tremendous Tree Hunt On February 23 I was pleased to receive three Award Certificates from Councillor Sherene Shaw, Chairperson of the Recreation, Parks and Culture Committee. I had nominated three wonderful specimens for "Scarborough's Tremendous Tree Hunt". These were my nominations: 1) The TWO SCOTCH PINES that mark the original site of the Log House of William Porteous McCowan. (Lot 13, Concession 4, 3/4 mile north of Finch and half way between Staines and Neilson Road.) This log house, built prior to 1817 -- and, therefore, one of the earliest surviving buildings in Metro Toronto -- is now a museum in Thomson Memorial Park. The two Scotch pines, quite probably planted by the Scottish born William McCowan in the mid nineteenth century, should be declared heritage landmarks and appropriately protected. The trees could easily be the focus of a community parkette. Presently 5 feet and 5.5 feet in circumference, the trees are partially visible in a photograph of the log house taken in about 1900. William P. McCowan settled in Scarborough in 1833. 2) SEVERAL APPLE TREES, part of the mid-late nineteenth century orchard of Isaac Ashbridge. (In Scarborough Bluffs Park at the foot of Scarboro Crescent.) This farm, Lot 26, Concession B, was patented by Isaac's father, Jonathan Ashbridge, in 1799. The widow, Sarah Ashbridge, and her family were among the first to settle in the Metro Toronto area in 1793. These apple trees also mark the location of an Indian burial site.3) MAPLE located off the south west corner of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. (115 St. Andrew's Road.) This tree is probably mid-late nineteenth century. The present brick Church was built in 1849. The congregation -- the first in Scarborough -- celebrated its 175th anniversary in 1993. From The Scarboro Heights Record V2 #3, V2 #6
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