The Owens-Baylay House, located at 1230 Eglinton Avenue West, is home today to a florist, Flowers Unlimited. The house itself was likely built circa 1850. As for the property history, the lot was first granted by The Crown to William McIntosh in 1836. Between 1845 and 1846, Patrick Owens (1811-1885) acquired 6 ½ acres. Patrick was a blacksmith by trade, and around 1850 he built a solid brick house and a blacksmith shop on the property. Patrick, along with his wife, Ellen McCusker (1812-1867), were born in Ireland. Patrick and Ellen had at least six children: Barnard (1848-1931), Francis (1852-1920), Mary (1858-?), Edward (1859-?), Joseph (1865-1935) and Elizabeth (?-1930). In 1886, following Patrick’s death, the property was sold. In 1935 the property was acquired by Kathleen and Frederick Baylay. This designated heritage building, which is now home to a commercial enterprise, is a fine example of vernacular mid-nineteenth century Ontario farmhouse incorporating Georgian Neo-classical and Italianate detailing. Built by Patrick Owens, an Irish immigrant, and was home to the Owens family for over 30 years.
