Bendale, a Scarborough community I called home in my mid-twenties, has a rich history rooted in the vision and tenacity of the Thomson family, the architects of a community that still thrives today.

As I laced up my running shoes and ventured into Thomson Memorial Park several times a week, it was humbling to know that I was treading in the footsteps of pioneers who settled here in 1799. 

This forested area in the north-eastern part of Thomson Memorial Park, behind St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, is where the original Thomson log cabin once stood.

David and Andrew Thomson, brothers with a pioneering spirit, built log homes along Highland Creek. Though those humble structures are lost to time, their legacy endures through the fieldstone house that 'Stonehouse Willie,' David's son, erected in 1848.

The Southern part of David and Mary Thomson's farm now stands as Thomson Memorial Park, a testament to their enduring contributions, and a favourite place for visitors from near and far seeking fun or solitude.

The Thomson Family house and farm, sourced from the Scarborough Historical Society. This archived photo is from between the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Whenever I jogged through the park, I couldn't help but feel a connection to the past, appreciating the sacrifices made by those who sought a new beginning in the wilds of Scarborough.

St. Andrews Road in Scarborough is probably one of the most historically significant landmarks of the region.

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, a community cornerstone, stands proudly on St. Andrew's Road. I often found solace and a sense of history on this quiet little road. 

Established in 1818, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church is the oldest Presbyterian Church in Toronto and the oldest congregation in former Scarborough.

The church standing today, built in 1849, is a tangible link to the past. The Gothic revival architecture whispers tales of the early settlers who not only sought fertile land to farm, but also a place to practice their faith. 

The cemetery beside the church tells stories of the earliest European settlers of Scarborough, including members of the original Thomson family, and many of their descendants.

This cenotaph in the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church cemetary was erected in memorium of David and Mary Thomson, the family who originally settled what is present-day Scarborough.

The significance of the Thomsons in shaping Bendale becomes even more apparent with the Scarborough Museum nestled within Thomson Memorial Park. 

Admissions are free at the Scarborough Museum within Thomson Memorial Park.

Historic homes within the museum paint a picture of the immigrant experience - the trials, triumphs, and the forging of a new community in an unfamiliar land.

As I explored the area, I learned of the challenges faced by the Thomson family. The Lowland Clearances in Scotland forced them to seek a new life, and the Thomsons found their haven in Canada. 

This photo sourced from the Scarborough Historical Society shows the Thomson family home some time in the late 1800s and eary 1900s.

With its hills and valleys reminiscent of their homeland, Scarborough became the chosen refuge for the Scottish immigrants. They carved out a space where their culture, traditions, and faith could flourish.

Every visit to the grounds of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church and the adjoining cemetary is a nod to the area's past, recognition of the sacrifices made by the Thomsons, and an acknowledgement of the rich tapestry they wove into the community I once called home. 

On land originally owned by David Thomson's brother, Andrew, The Springfield Farm House on St. Andrew's Road is the oldest brick dwelling in Scarborough.

Initially named Benlomond, the neighbourhood evolved into Bendale - a name which for generations has echoed through the corridors of the schools, libraries, churches, and businesses in the community originally founded by the Thomson Family.

On my days spent exploring the connecting trails along the Highland Creek system by foot or my trusty bike, the whispers of history surrounded me.

Highland Creek, a river system that runs through Scarborough, empties into Lake Ontario at the eastern end of the Scarborough Bluffs.

Bendale, with its unique and evolving identity, owes much to the Thomson family's decision to create a community separate from the bustling town of York, current-day Toronto, echoing the spirit of their Scottish roots.

Living in Bendale, I chose to embrace the legacy of the Thomsons and be grateful for the space they formed for generations to come. 

Today, Thomson Memorial Park is one of Scarborough's largest parks and a year-round hub for families and individuals seeking solitude or family-fun outdoors.

The parks, trails, historic buildings, and St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church that still stand today all bore witness to a history that began with David and Mary Thomson in 1799. 

Running along St. Andrew's Road, passing by the 'Stonehouse Willie' residence and the old Springfield Farm, I imagined the lives of the Thomsons and their neighbours in those early days.

The historic William Thomson House, built by one of David and Mary Thomson's sons on St. Andrew's Road is still resided in today.

In quiet moments beneath the shadow of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, or standing outside one of the historic homes on St. Andrew's Road, I still catch myself reflecting on the resilience and determination of those who came before me.

Thomson Park and the Scarborough Museum are located at 1007 Brimley Rd.