Armadale, Ontario

Armadale is the name of a community that overlaps into the Town of Markham and the former city of Scarborough in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The historical community is situated in the south-east of Markham and north-east of Scarborough.

History

Armadale’s past began long before the first European settlers even reached the area. Archaeological initiatives spearheaded by the University of Toronto and the Royal Ontario Museum led to a wealth of First Nation artifacts like arrowheads and pottery being unearthed. On the west half of Lot 2 Concession 8, there is even a dark patch of soil that demarcates the position of an age-old Iroquois longhouse.

As early as 1805, disillusioned Loyalist settlers moved into the region (Steeles and 8th line of Markham) and supplanted the indigenous population. The community's name was first known as Magdala. [ [http://www.scarboroughhistorical.com/local_history/scarborough_community_names.htm#Armadale Armadale] ] A postal station was established in 1869 along what is now Passmore Avenue, but the name Magdala was not accepted and the post office became known as Armadale. It was aptly named after a small village near Edinburgh, Scotland.

Between 1840 and 1860, the hamlet thrived as a small mercantile center boasting two blacksmith shops, a hotel and a post office. Unfortunately, the fortunes of the bustling community was brought to a premature end as the railway built through Unionville, Markham, Stouffville, and Scarborough disconnected Armadale from the all-important commercial lifeline. Rural mail delivery was subsequently introduced in 1917 and the community's post office was closed. Only a church remains of the former postal station.

Other buildings in the small community included:
* Armadale Free Methodist Church (1880)
* blacksmith shop
* brick making yard
* several farms
* general store operated by the Beare Family
* Temperance Hotel and Tavern

Urban Development

The Markham portion was developed in the 1980s and 1990s as a residential community from farm land. This area of Markham is home to predominantly middle to lower-income families, and basement apartments are common. There is also a visible infrastructural decay of neighbourhoods located here.

South of Steeles Avenue, the land has remained undeveloped with many abandoned farms and apple orchards. Small industrial and commercial parks were built in the area. There are many businesses and factories along Passmore Avenue. A plaza, containing T & T Supermarket along with many shops catering to Asian customers, was recently opened to the east of the farm along Middlefield Road and Steeles Avenue. Along Steeles Avenue east of Markham was a small farm selling vegetables with industrial parks lining the south part of the farm, however this farm will soon disappear as a new Asian-orientated shopping centre will be built on the property.

Places in Armadale

*Armadale Community Centre
*Armadale Public School
*Armadale Tennis Club
*James Edward Park
*Milliken Park
*T&T Supermarket Plaza

External links

* [http://www.scarboroughhistorical.com/index.html Scarborough Historical Society]

References