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; J CUYOY J Got Rewuies This view of Thomas Paxton’s Buena Vista is believed to have been taken about 1915 and shows owned by Fred and Ethel Kent. Thomas C. Paxton website: www.focusonscugog.com APRIL.OB/S2pages.indd 99 T.C. Paxton’s ‘Buena Vista’ Beech Street - Port Perry (now most commonly referred to as Kent Estates) his majestic home was one of the largest and most elegant in town when it was built at the north end of Port Perry in the mid-1870s. The full two-storey home, including a tow- er and covered entry, was constructed of red brick with yellow quoining. It had a large front porch with ornate trim and was located on a scenic 14 acre lot. The property fronted on both Lilla Street (now Simcoe St.) and Beech Street, with the entrance to the property, which became known as Buena Vista, from Beech Street. The impressive home was built by Thomas C. Paxton, an important Port Perry industrialist and businessman who had moved to the area from Whitby in 1821 as a young man. In 1846 Thomas and his brother George built a sawmill near Lake Scugog, and later partnered with Joseph Bigelow in a flouring mill. He was also a partner in the Paxton, Tate Foundry located on Perry Street. Mr. Paxton led an extremely busy business career and paralleled it with an equally extensive and devoted time to public life. He held every position on the municipal council of Reach Township in it’s early days and was the second man to serve as Reeve of Reach Township following its formation in 1853. Mr. Paxton was elected with a large majority to the seat for North Ontario in the Ontario Assembly, and re-elected many times. His political career ended in January 1881 when he resigned to accept the position of Sheriff of Ontario County. A few years after becoming Sheriff, Mr. Paxton and his family left their beautiful home in Port Perry to take up residence in Whitby. The next notable person to own the large estate home was William McGill. Mr. McGill was a prosperous Ontario County farmer who had devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits. He was also involved in the community, serving on the Pine Grove Cemetery Board, the Board of Education and the Reach, Port Perry and Scugog Ploughing Association. Please turn to page 40 FOCUS - APRIL 2008 39 © ensve 8622.0 |