n order to fully understand the history of Fantasy Farm let us take a trip back in time to the post-war era. Charles Sauriol (1904 -1995) was a founder of the early Don Valley Conservation movement. As a child Charles developed a passion and respect for the outdoors which eventually lead to the formation of The Don Valley Conservation Association (DVCA) in the early 1950's.

The official plans of the DVCA were launched at Fantasy Farm October 19, 1953. The plans recommended that the Valley floodplains be cleared, trunk sewers be laid to carry effluent to Lake Ontario and regular patrolling be instituted to prevent vandalism in the valley. It also recommended that the beauty of the valley be recognized and preserved for future generations.

One year later Hurricane Hazel caused severe damage to Fantasy Farm which resulted in the implementation of many of the DVCA's recommendations.

The building now known as Fantasy Farm was originally called the Skinner home. In 1944, Rand Freeland, a Toronto Businessman purchased the property from the Davies family. Freeland was an avid horseman who nursed an injured horse named Silky back to health on the property. He later named his property Fantasy Farm and soon it was a popular location for weddings, banquets and meetings.

In the mid- 1950's a new building was constructed to accommodate the increased number of events. Rand Freeland was an active member of the Don Valley Conservation Association. He frequently donated the use of Fantasy Farm to the Association for its events and celebrations. Fantasy Farm, with over 66 years of history, has come to be one of Toronto's Premier Celebration Places.

*Source: The Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre