4 Friday, September 13, 2024 brooklintowncrier.com The building at 4 Cassels Road west was designated as a heritage structure under the Ontario Heritage Act in 2009. Originally known as the Henry Warren house, it has an interesting history. Constructed in 1864 by Dr. Jonathan Foote as a wedding gift for his daughter, Margaret Eliza, the house became her home after she married Dr. Henry Warren on September 28 of that year. Dr. Warren received his medical education at New York Medical College in New York State and McGill University in Montreal, where he earned his degree. In February, 1861, after graduating, he joined Dr. Foote's medical practice in Brooklin and, three years later, he married Margaret Foote. Tragically, he suffered from severe depression and died by suicide on July 11, 1872, at the age of 33. He is buried in Union Cemetery in Oshawa. Margaret continued to live in their home where she raised their three children, until selling the property on March 2, 1892. Afterward, she moved to Orillia, where she lived until her death in 1914. In practice together Henry's brother, Frank Warren, also graduated with a medical degree from McGill and established a medical practice with his brother in 1872. After his sister-in-law Margaret sold the Cassels Road property, Frank moved his practice to Whitby, where he later served as Mayor from 1915 to 1917. He passed away on November 9, 1920, and is buried at Groveside. Over the years, the property changed hands several times. In 1942, Alice Mabel Richardson purchased the house and transformed it into a tea room which she named the "Twenty Steps Inn" due to its proximity - 20 steps west - of Baldwin Street. The inn offered a cozy and inviting atmosphere, which made it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. She operated the business until 1950 before selling the house to Edwin and Grace Down, who bought it and raised their family of nine children there. In 2004, the Town of Whitby acquired the property and later sold it to the Kevin Spohn Insurance Agency Inc. Historical significance Today, the house retains much of its historical significance, particularly as it stands within the Brooklin Heritage Conservation District. It exhibits classic 19th-century architectural features, such as its symmetrical window placement and gabled roof, characteristic of residential designs from that era. It has been maintained and restored to keep these original features while adapting to modern needs. Inside, the core structure and historical integrity remain intact. Its location ensures protection, meaning any restorations must meet strict guidelines to preserve its cultural and historical importance. The property continues to serve as a visible reminder of Brooklin's heritage, contributing to the Village's historical landscape. That House on Cassels Road By Jennifer Hudgins Dr. Henry Warren