ocated in the City of Toronto, Applewood or Shaver House, as it is commonly known, provides a lovely setting for marriage ceremonies, parties and meetings. It has been in operation for over 20 years and is open to the public. The homestead has been recognized as an historic building with a plaque, which is located near the parking lot at the side entrance.	NEWS We regret to announce the sudden passing of the two Bishop brothers Walter Shaver Bishop, on September 26th at age 71, and Samuel Shaver Bishop on September 27th at age 74.  They were the last members of the Shaver family to grow up at Applewood. Download our Applewood Almanac in pdf format. 2008 Fall Edition - click here 2008 Spring Edition - click here
In 1980, Applewood was moved from its original location at the corner of The West Mall and Burnhamthorpe Road in the former city of Etobicoke, to its new home in Broadacres Park. It was built in the 1850's by a man named Peter Shaver who was the grandfather of James Shaver Woodsworth, founder of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation and a leader in social reform. It is interesting to note that the house remained in the same family from the time it was built until its relocation.

The land it sat upon was sold to a developer and, therefore, the house had to be moved or destroyed. It was a group of concerned citizens with knowledge of the history the house represented that banded together to save it from demolition. This group incorporated as The James Shaver Woodsworth Homestead Foundation and has overseen the maintenance and the business of the house ever since.

The house is constructed of a double layer of clay bricks that were made on the premises in molds and dried in the sun. Therefore, the brick is soft, unlike the kiln dried factory bricks of today. At the corners and around the windows, you will see yellow brick. This style of brickwork is called Flemish bond. It can be found in many of the houses of this era. You will also notice that the house is symmetrical on all sides, another common trait in 19th century farmhouses.

The relocation of the house was partially financed by the Bishop family who were the last people to occupy the house and, as mentioned above, are direct descendents of Peter Shaver. Donations from the Shipp Corporation, the Valhalla Companies and the general public also helped in the moving and restoration of the house. Applewood is one of the few historic buildings that receives no financial assistance from any level of government and, upon entering, one feels as if they have come into someone’s home. This is the type of atmosphere we wish to create because Applewood is not a museum. It is a community centre.

The homestead operates Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and is only open on weekends for wedding services, party rentals and special events. Public viewing on the weekend is by appointment only.