Keg Mansion was built in 1868 by Arthur McMasters. It was constructed on Jarvis Street, one of the wealthiest streets in Toronto at the time. Boasting twenty six rooms, twelve fireplaces, stables and a large carriage house, the mansion was purchased by industrialist Hart Massey in 1882. Hart Massey was the sole owner of the farm equipment company Massey-Harris, founded by his father. Massey and his wife bought the mansion when they returned from a stint in Cleveland. They renovated the house adding a turret, verandah and large greenhouse. The mansion became known as Euclid Hall, named by their only daughter Lillian in honour of the street they had lived on in Cleveland. The Massey's went on to become one the most prominent families in Toronto
Eventually the house was bequeathed to the University of Toronto's Victoria College in 1915. It was also the home of Toronto radio station CFRB and in the 1920's it served as an art gallery. In 1960 it became a restaurant named Julie's Mansion. The grounds were sold off and the greenhouse was demolished and replaced with a service station. In 1976 the mansion became home to the Keg Restaurant.
In the 1950's paranormal activity was first reported at the mansion. Hart Massey's daughter Lillian died in 1915 and it was rumoured that one of her maids hung herself by attaching a noose to the oval vestibule above the main staircase. At the time it was suggested that the maid had killed herself because she so missed her beloved mistress however there was some speculation that infact the death of Lillian may have resulted in a dark secret revealing itself about the maid and that was why she had taken her own life.
From time to time it is said that the body of the maid can be seen by patrons of the Keg restaurant swinging above the staircase. There have also been reports of a presence in the ladies bathroom where toilets flush unexpectedly and doors unlock.
Sometimes the sound of children laughing can be heard. There have been reports of a child being seen dragging a chair. It is said that during Massey's time in the mansion he had once forbidden his son from playing on the Sabbath and the boy had dragged a chair in anger. Some diners have reported hearing a boy crying for his mother and even seen a boy sitting on the stairs watching them.
Regardless the mansion is a beautiful piece of architecture where you can enjoy an amazing steak !
Eventually the house was bequeathed to the University of Toronto's Victoria College in 1915. It was also the home of Toronto radio station CFRB and in the 1920's it served as an art gallery. In 1960 it became a restaurant named Julie's Mansion. The grounds were sold off and the greenhouse was demolished and replaced with a service station. In 1976 the mansion became home to the Keg Restaurant.
In the 1950's paranormal activity was first reported at the mansion. Hart Massey's daughter Lillian died in 1915 and it was rumoured that one of her maids hung herself by attaching a noose to the oval vestibule above the main staircase. At the time it was suggested that the maid had killed herself because she so missed her beloved mistress however there was some speculation that infact the death of Lillian may have resulted in a dark secret revealing itself about the maid and that was why she had taken her own life.
From time to time it is said that the body of the maid can be seen by patrons of the Keg restaurant swinging above the staircase. There have also been reports of a presence in the ladies bathroom where toilets flush unexpectedly and doors unlock.
Sometimes the sound of children laughing can be heard. There have been reports of a child being seen dragging a chair. It is said that during Massey's time in the mansion he had once forbidden his son from playing on the Sabbath and the boy had dragged a chair in anger. Some diners have reported hearing a boy crying for his mother and even seen a boy sitting on the stairs watching them.
Regardless the mansion is a beautiful piece of architecture where you can enjoy an amazing steak !
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