Edith George

Recipient of the A.K. Sculthorpe Award for Advocacy

For fifteen years, Edith George researched the historic property of Rivermede in Toronto, tracing land registries, archives, libraries, and interviewing family members who owned the house. Due to her efforts, the City of Toronto designated the house in 2020. 

Built in 1934 by the architect Jocelyn Davidson for Percy and Gertrude Gardiner, Rivermede was open to various charities and organizations like the Cradle Creche of York Township, the Red Cross and the Group #3 of the Women’s auxiliary of the St. Clair YMCA. The descendants of Percy and Gertrude Gardiner were philanthropists locally, provincially and nationally. Their son George Gardiner received the Order of Ontario and he, along with his wife and brother-in-law, were recipients of the Order of Canada.  

The Emery Village Community has few recognized Heritage resources and no homes that have remained intact since 1930s, particularly one with rare design and craftmanship. The Gardiner family story is a significant one and one can only hope the Rivermede and the adjacent lands will continue to serve to protect the authentication of the estate and the legacy of the House and the Gardiner family.

Edith George’s advocacy has been documented via local and national newspapers. She spent two years as Director at Large for the Weston Historical Society, ten years as an advisor to the Ontario Urban Forest Council, and is a recipient of the King Charles Coronation medal for her advocacy and dedication for the preservation of our history.  

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