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Item consists of an unpublished essay relating to the experience of Robert Arthur West, the great-grandfather of the author, in Thornhill; Mr. West was the "Thornhill General Merchant" from 1834 to 1884. In addition to commenting upon the general history of Thornhill through its formative period, the essay describes the original store (located on lot 31 , east or Markham side of Yonge St.), subsequent structural changes, merchandise stocked, delineation of ownership from 1837-1937; the house originally built by Mr. West (7780 Yonge St., on west or Vaughan side of Yonge Street), and the latter's recollections of life along Yonge Street during the period specified; includes observations re: Fire of 1950 and Hurricane Hazel in 1954.