Robert McLaughlin 1836-1921

Robert Samuel McLaughlin (1871-1972)

R.S. Sam McLaughlin, C.C., 1871-1972

and

Parkwood

There are four plaques about the McLaughlins.
The other three can be seen further down this page.

Photos by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted October, 2011

Photo Source - Wikipedia

Plaque Location

The Region of Durham
The Municipality of Clarington
In a glass display case on the
north side of Concession Road 7
between Liberty Street North (Road 14) and Middle Road

Coordinates: N 44 00.376 W 78 43.773

Plaque Text

Robert McLaughlin, a pioneer of the Canadian vehicle industry, was born in the family homestead on this property. In 1867, despite lack of technical training, he built two cutters in his driving-shed which stood near this site. His business prospered and in 1869 he established the McLaughlin Carriage Works at Enniskillen. This enterprise, which expanded rapidly, was moved in 1877 to Oshawa where it became the largest carriage-works in the British Empire. In 1907 the McLaughlin Motor Car Company was formed and the following year began to assemble some of the earliest automobiles produced in Canada. The combined companies became General Motors of Canada in 1918.

Photos by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted November, 2010

Plaque Location

The Region of Durham
The City of Oshawa
To the right of his former home
on Simcoe Street North just north of Adelaide Street

Coordinates: N 43 54.286 W 78 52.052

Plaque Text

A famous industrialist and philanthropist, "Colonel Sam" McLaughlin was a founder of the automotive industry in Canada. Involved in the manufacture of carriages and sleighs for his family business, he foresaw the importance of the automobile and adapted his McLaughlin Carriage Works for automotive production. He partnered with Buick Motor Company in 1907 and later with Chevrolet. In 1918, his companies were incorporated into General Motors of Canada. His shrewd business skills led to a vice-presidency at the American parent company, confirming his strong ties with this industrial giant, and his leadership of it in both countries.

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted June, 2004

Plaque Location

The Region of Durham
The City of Oshawa
Just inside the main gates of his former home
on Simcoe Street North just north of Adelaide Street

Coordinates: N 43 54.280 W 78 52.039

Plaque Text

Born in nearby Enniskillen, McLaughlin apprenticed in his father's Oshawa carriage-works when he was sixteen. Convinced of the potential for growth of the automobile industry, he established in 1907 the McLaughlin Motor Car Company, the first major automobile manufacturer in Canada. This company became part of General Motors in 1918 with McLaughlin as president of the Canadian company and a vice-president of the American corporation. A noted philanthropist, he provided funds to build the McLaughlin Planetarium at Toronto, erect buildings at Queen's University, Kingston, and endow a medical foundation. His mansion, "Parkwood", begun in 1916, was designed by the Toronto architectural firm of Darling and Pearson. This notable house and distinguished gardens were bequeathed to the Oshawa General Hospital in 1972.

Photos by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted November, 2010

Plaque Location

The Region of Durham
The City of Oshawa
To the right of his former home of his former home
on Simcoe Street North just north of Adelaide Street

Coordinates: N 43 54.286 W 78 52.052

Plaque Text

A rare surviving example of the grand estates of the inter-war years, Parkwood consists of a richly decorated house set in 5 ha of grounds. The house, originally constructed in 1916-1917 to the designs of the Toronto firm of Darling and Pearson, was the home of Colonel Robert Samuel McLaughlin, President of General Motors of Canada. His wife, Adelaide, took a particular interest in the gardens designed by H.B. and L.A. Dunington-Grubb in the 1920s and in the magnificent formal garden constructed in 1935-1936 to the designs of John Lyle.

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Posted May 17, 2010
he was such a great person!

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