This building on
Adelaide Street housed the first post office in the newly christened City of Toronto,
which prior to 1834 was the Town of York. Today it operates as a post office and museum,
enabling visitors to step back in time and learn about postal history. The historic plaque
outside the building reads: "York Post Office. Originally all post offices in
Upper Canada were owned by the postmasters in charge, who were imperial appointments. This
building was constructed for postmaster James Scott Howard during 1833-35 and functioned
as the town's post office until Howard's dismissal in 1837. A typical example of a small
public building of the time, combining public offices with a private residence it survives
as a rare example of an early Canadian post office. In 1876, it was incorporated into the
present block of buildings. The mansard roof is a later addition." Incidentally,
Howard's dismissal occurred because he was rumoured to be a reform sympathizer during the
rebellion of 1837. He appealed his dismissal but to no avail.
