Discover Toronto's history as told through its plaques
2004 - Now in our 13th Year - 2017
To see what's new on this site, you can visit the Home Page
Looking at this page on a smartphone?
For best viewing, hold your phone in Landscape mode (Horizontal)
Severn's Brewery
Photos and transcription by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted August, 2015
Photo Source - Toronto Public Library
On the north side of Church Street just east of Yonge Street can be found this 2013 Heritage Toronto plaque. Here's what it says:
Coordinates: 43.672692 -79.386585 |
 |
On this site stood a 19th-century brewery and malt house that, at its peak, produced 26,500 litres of alcohol per week. Established by John Severn in 1835, the brewery specialized in ale and porter to satisfy the tastes of Toronto's British immigrants. Castle Frank Brook (later known as Severn Creek and since buried) was the source of water for Severn's brewery.
In the late 19th century, brewing practices improved, and expanded transportation systems allowed breweries to serve a greater area. Although Severn installed a 15-horsepower steam engine to advance his brewery, ultimately his small operation was unable to compete with the region's larger breweries.
John Severn died in 1880 and his son, George, inherited the company. Financial difficulties forced the Severn family to close the brewery just six years later.
Related webpages
Severn's Brewery
brewery
steam engine
Related Toronto plaques
Castle Frank Brook
Dominion Square
O'Keefe House
More
Industries
Here are the visitors' comments for this page.
(none yet)
Here's where you can sent me a comment for this page.
Note: Your email address will be posted at the end of your comment so others can respond to you unless you request otherwise.
Note: Comments are moderated. Yours will appear on this page within 24 hours (usually much sooner).
Note: As soon as I have posted your comment, a reply to your email will be sent informing you.
To send me your comment, click [email protected].
Thanks
Webmaster
Note: If you wish to send me a personal email, click here.