Chubb Family Collection, Source unknown

Builder Who Specialized in Elaborate Plaster Decoration
1845-1913

Plaque location: 314 Carlton Street

Benjamin Brick was born in Worchester, England on March 11, 1845. He worked as a bricklayer until he came to Canada. He and his wife Anna Marie Ingleson, had five children, and in 1875 they moved into 314 Carlton Street, a Second-Empire style cottage that he had built.

Shortly after they moved in, Mrs. Brick died, and in 1887 he married Margaret Leggott from Alliston, Ontario.

At this time Mr. Brick was a prominent house-builder and chief contractor for the gas works site on Eastern Avenue.

While on a trip to Paris, France, he was inspired by the workmanship and artistic forms that he saw in the houses that he visited.

After his return to Toronto, he became well known for his richly–decorated plaster moldings and elaborate ceilings.

In 1890 he moved his family into a new house he built a few doors away at 308 Carlton Street. His exquisite plaster moldings and dining room ceiling are still admired to this day.

In 1897, after the death of his second wife, he married Jane Bartrem. He lived at 308 Carlton Street until his death on September 7, 1913. This house is rumoured to have a resident ghost.