1

The two acres of grounds surrounding Hillary House supported the practical necessities of the family. It contained a drying yard and poultry yard, vegetable garden, ice house and pasture. Other features on the grounds-the swing, the hammock and the lawn for teas and garden parties-supported the social aspects of family life.

2

Lounging in the hammock
Circa 1925
Hillary House, Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

3

Stabling

The barn enabled the doctor to maintain his practice outside of the house. Although there is a consulting room at the front of the house, Dr. Hillary more commonly travelled to his patients' homes throughout Aurora, King and the Township of Whitchurch for appointments. He used the sleigh in the winter, and the gig (a light two wheeled carriage) or phaeton (a large four wheeled carriage) in the warmer months. These were all stored in the barn.

4

The Hillary's horse and buggy
Circa 1910
Aurora, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

5

Buggy Whip
Circa 1870

Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

6

Robert Michael Hillary travelling by sleigh
Circa 1900
Hillary House, Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

7

Measuring Tape
Circa 1909
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

8

The barn was home to the family horse, Dolly, as well as a cow kept for fresh milk and approximately 20 chickens that provided eggs. Mr. Readman, a neighbour, milked the cow and shared the milk with Edith Hillary. She made her own butter in the basement with a small churn.

9

Tending to the calf
Circa 1915
Hillary House, Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

10

Receipt
1 December 1938
Aurora, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

11

Gardens

Robert Michael Hillary had an extensive vegetable garden that included Irish cobbler potatoes and golden bantam corn. Mr. Jasper Black, a neighbour of the Hillarys, ploughed the vegetable garden for the family. Fruit trees and bushes were also located on the property.

12

Man standing near a tree
Circa 1910
Hillary House, Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

13

Encyclopaedia of Gardening
Circa 1906-1928
New York, United States of America
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

14

Mary Hillary was also an avid gardener. She planted and maintained a perennial flower bed west of the driveway. The grounds were filled with lilacs, tulips and roses.