Toronto Archives

Black and white photo of workers standing on top of a tall wooden wall propped up by numerous planks. Blankets have been thrown over the top of the framework, probably to protect the concrete inside the form from the frost. In the background, the side of the Don River can be seen in soft focus. Globe and Mail Fonds 1266, Item 7254.

#OnThisDay 100 years ago, workers were building the concrete abutments for the railway bridge near the mouth of the Don River.
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Front cover of a souvenir pamphlet commemorating the opening of the Toronto Free Public Library on March 6, 1884 on the city's semi-centennial day. The old city coat of arms is above. Fonds 1205, Series 2721, File 13.

On this day in 1884, Toronto Public Library officially opened its first Central Library in the old Mechanics' Institute building at Church and Adelaide Streets on the City's 50th anniversary of incorporation.

Card commemorating the opening of the Toronto Free Public Library, March 6, 1884.

Large industrial art deco building under construction and near completion. In the foreground are large piles of wood and construction material. A row of houses are visible in the background. Series 372, Subseries 70, Item 440.

On this day in 1934, a view of the Symes Road incinerator under construction in the year that it opened - the industrial Art Deco landmark of the Stockyards area.

Fading colour photo: Inside a large gymnasium, one wheelchair athlete holding a basketball looks up as if he is about to shoot a basket, while another one reaches out to block him. Two more athletes look on, while an audience watches from the bleachers. Series 720, Subseries 4, File 479, Item 3.

The Torontolympiad in 1976 was the fifth Paralympic Games to be held. Etobicoke's Centennial Gymnasium hosted many of the competitions, including wheelchair basketball.
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Black and white 1920s winter street scene of a three-storey house standing on it's own, with a car parked outside. Fonds 1231, Item 623.

A scene from Bloor Street West's residential past, here is number 92 viewed on this day in 1924. The present-day location is the north-west corner of Bloor and Bellair.

Black and white photo of a Class P-3 streetcar moving east on Howard Park Avenue. It has a Watson fender on the front, with a sign advertising a performance by Douglas Fairbanks. TTC Fonds 16, Series 2285, Item 75.

Fans of vintage transit: we recently digitized Series 2285! It documents streetcars and other vehicles owned by the Toronto Railway Company just before it was incorporated into the newly-formed TTC in 1921.
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Green pamphlet in the shape of a bird with folded wings, produced by Fatal Light Awareness Program. Text: You've come a long way, birdie. Fonds 1683, Series 432, File 382.

Green pamphlet in the shape of a bird with one folded and one outstreched wing, produced by Fatal Light Awareness Program. Text: You've come a long way, birdie... to die at the flick of a switch. Fonds 1683, Series 432, File 382

Green pamphlet in the shape of a bird with outstretched wings, flying over two tall office towers. produced by Fatal Light Awareness Program. Text: FLAP Attraction. Many species of birds, especially the small insect-eaters, migrate at night. Guided in part by the constellations, they are attracted to lights shining from skyscrapers, broadcast towers, lighthouses, monuments and other tall structures. The birds either flutter about the light until they drop from exhaustion, or actually hit the object. Fog, rain or low cloud cover can make the problem worse. Some birds are killed outright. Others are merely stunned and will revive in a couple of hours. Those birds that hit the office towers clustered in a city's downtown core find themselves trapped in a maze of reflective buildings. Their chances of survival are slim. Panicking at the sudden appearance of people, gulls or other animals they will try to take cover in the nearest tree or shrub - whether it's behind a wall of glass or reflected in it. Those birds that do not die upon impact usually go into shock, easily becoming food for scavengers. Fonds 1683, Series 432, File 382.

Twenty years ago, the World Wildlife Fund and Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) launched a campaign to reduce the number of bird collisions by recruiting downtown Toronto buildings to implement 12 steps to eliminate the escape of light from their structures at night.
#WorldWildlifeDay

A man in winter clothes leans over to take a photo of a black squirrel in the snow. High Park, John Boyd photographing squirrel, February 8, 1925. Globe & Mail Fonds 1266, Item 4583.

It's World Wildlife Day! They may not always be this ready to pose for a close-up, but what's your favourite place to spot wildlife in the city?

People write their signatures on a large steel beam marked "Dominion Bridge Frankel Steel". A sign next to the beam reads "With this beam the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower will be "Topped Off" on Thursday, April 14, 1966". A second sign reads "Do you want your signature preserved for posterity in the Commonwealth tallest building? Sign anywhere on the beam with an ordinary lead pencil." Fonds 124, File 2, Item 1.

From March 1966, the last girder of the Toronto Dominion Bank tower. A sign invited people to write their signature on the beam for posterity before the building was "topped off" a month later at 56-storeys.

#OnThisDay 100 years ago, a slow speed head-on collision between two freight trains caused some impressive wreckage in the Don Valley near Todmorden Mills.
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A group of girls in a skating race on ice in a residential neighbourhood park. Series 372, Subseries 52, Item 492.

A group of girls in a tug of war match on ice in a residential neighbourhood park. Series 372, Subseries 52, Item 492.Series 372, Subseries 52, Item 496.

Scenes from Moss Park on this day in 1915, showing the skating championships and tug of war (on ice!)

Excavation and tunnel construction in Willowvale Park (Christie Pits Park). City of Toronto Archives/TTC Fonds 16, Series 2161, File 388 (Bloor Subway, construction near Christie Station – November 26, 1963).

On this day in 1966, the Bloor-Danforth subway opened.

Construction began in June 1962, with the original route running between Keele and Woodbine. Further extensions to Warden and Islington would be open a couple of years later in 1968, and by 1980, the full line ran from Kennedy to Kipling.

A fabulous photo of calypso royalty Macomere Fifi, found in the new Jayson Perez fonds, Fonds 658. Coming soon to our database! #ArchivesBlackHistory

Two women in winter coats and hats walking along the sidewalk among a crowd of people who are taking part in a strike. Fonds 1266, Item 23261.

A large crowd of men and women in winter coats and hats, gathered on a sidewalk outside the Fashion Building as they take part in a strike. Fonds 1266, Item 23262.

A large crowd of men and women in winter coats and hats, gathered on a sidewalk outside the Labor Lyceum building as they take part in a strike. Fonds 1266, Item 23260.

A large crowd of men and women in winter coats and hats, gathered on a sidewalk as they take part in a strike. Visible storefronts include Caplan's restaurant and a barber shop. Fonds 1266, Item 23263.

At 10am on February 25, 1931, members of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union (ILGWU) walked off the job. Highlighting poor working conditions, long hours, and low wages, hundreds of women continued their strike for two and a half months.

Eleven year-old Allen, wearing a bowler hat and a wool coat, and his sister Jannie, wearing a plush coat and a knitted hat, smile and jointly hold a large book as Allen signs it. Globe and Mail fonds 1266, Item 26283.

Child star Allen Clayton Hoskins and his sister Jannie Hoskins were in Toronto to sign autographs and promote the Our Gang series of short films in February, 1932. This image is one of the newly-scanned Globe newspaper photos now available on our online database.
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Coming soon, Jayson Perez fonds! Perez was a musician, composer, educator, & the first calypsonian to win a Juno award in 1991. Come listen!🎶💿 #TOHistory #BHM #Calypso

Have you ever been so happy to see the bus that you just want to dance? We think this photo, taken #OnThisDay 100 years ago, may have been a promotion for the musical Three Little Maids.
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A woman and girl stand outside a small garage in an open field. Building materials and excavated earth are visible in front of and beside the garage. Garage is home until house is built, Sheppard Avenue East, Lansing. October 3, 1922. Fonds 1244, Item 2300.

Did you know? In generations past, it was not uncommon for families to start with a garage or shack to live in while they built a permanent house.

All homes have stories - join our FREE House History Workshop on March 13 to find out yours!
More info: https://ow.ly/gUPM50Yf9wB

Black and white photo of a road stretching to the horizon through rural countryside. The photographer is standing on the tracks of the Toronto and York Radial Railway, which run next to left-hand side of the road. On the left is an orchard, with a church steeple behind it. Photo by Alexander Galbraith. Fonds 1568, Item 162.

Yonge Street looking south from half a mile south of Finch's Corner, 1918. The Cummer Burial Grounds are just out of sight on the left.
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William Peyton Hubbard, Toronto's first Black elected official, sits in a wooden chair with his head resting on his hand, facing the camera. William P. Hubbard, 1896. Fonds 1267, Series 1398, Item 61.

Sepia photo of a group of men on top of Old City Hall tower. Some are suspended in a box draped with a flag. William Peyton Hubbard is at rear right of the group in the suspended box. Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands are visible in the distance. Mayor John Shaw, Mrs. Shaw and Board of Control members being hoisted to top of Old City Hall, 1898. Fonds 1268, Series 1317, Item 215.

Black and white portrait of William Peyton Hubbard, wearing a suit and tie and facing the camera, at age 89. W.P. Hubbard, 660 Broadview Avenue, 89 years old, portrait. Globe & Mail Fonds 1266, Item 22965.

Meet William Peyton Hubbard: baker, inventor, livery driver, and Toronto's first Black elected official. An eloquent speaker & fierce fighter for causes he believed in, including public ownership of water and hydro-electric power, he served on Council from 1894-1908, with one final term in 1913.

A poster for the Black History in Verse event featuring portraits of Lillian Allan and Shahaddah Jack. Text reads "City of Toronto FREE EVENT 6:30 to 8:30. Celebrate Black History Month with a free night of poetry featuring Toronto Poet Laureate Lillian Allan and Toronto Youth Poet Laureate Shaddah Jack joined by special guest poets who will read, recite and rejoice."

Join Toronto Poet Laureate Lillian Allen, Youth Poet Laureate Shahaddah Jack and guests on February 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 to celebrate Black History Month at the Archives!
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Black and white photo of white men in suits sitting in the council chamber of Old City Hall. The room has a good deal of wood carving, a carpet with a heavy brocade pattern, and paintings in gilt frames. Series 1057, Item 1223.

This is what City Council, and the council chamber at Old City Hall, looked like #OnThisDay 75 years ago.
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A male figure skater wearing a long-sleeved black top and trousers, glides on one leg with his arms outstretched. Fonds 639, Series 3003, File 28.

A female figure skater wearing a long-sleeved dress, glides on one leg with her arms outstretched. Fonds 639, Series 3002, File 3.

A female figure skater wearing a long-sleeved dress, glides on one leg and holds her other leg in the air. Fonds 1266, Item 111702.

A female figure skater wearing a sparkly bodysuit, poses on the ice in mid-jump with her arms outstretched. Fonds 70, Series 306, Subseries 5, File 44

Team Canada at the Winter Olympics! Here are some of the former champions on the world stage:

Toller Cranston, 1976. Bronze, figure skating
Petra Burka, 1964. Bronze, figure skating.
Suzanne Morrow Francis, 1948. Bronze, figure skating pairs.
Elizabeth Manley, 1988. Silver, figure skating.

Black and white photo: Joseph Fleming, wearing a jacket with brass buttons and a uniform cap, holds the bridles of two horses harnessed to a wagon. Mickey, a chestnut with a large white blaze, has turned his ears backwards, while Prince, a dark horse with a bony face, in nuzzling Mickey. Globe and Mail fonds 1266, Item 23463.

It's the Year of the Fire Horse! Toronto's last two fire horses--of a slightly different kind--were named Mickey and Prince. They were sold when their driver, Joseph Fleming, retired in 1931.
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Mayor Mel Lastman grins broadly while holding up two red fans. On either side of him are Chinese dance lions with gold faces and red manes. Series 2311, file 3338, Item 421.

It's Lunar New Year and Mardi Gras, and this evening Ramadan begins, all on the same day! Whether you're feasting or fasting, may you greet this day with the enthusiasm of Mayor Mel Lastman at a lion dance in 2001.
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Front page of a commemorative pamphlet titled "The Final Game", for the February 13, 1999 hockey game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Chicago Blackhawks. Centre illustration of Maple Leaf Gardens. Fonds 2, Series 1099, Item 745.

On this day in 1999, Toronto Maple Leafs played their final game at Maple Leaf Gardens (losing 1-6 to Chicago Blackhawks). The site had been the team's home since 1931, where the opening game was also against Chicago.
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A 1920s black and white photograph of a street corner with a large sign for Olympia Bowling Club, located at Yonge and Gerrard streets. Several cars are parked along the street, and a small group of people are standing on a corner of the intersection. Fonds 1488, Series 1230, Item 3179.

Black and white photograph of Honeydew Grill Restaurant at night, taken between 1939 and 1941. The scene is illuminated by the large neon signage with the restaurant name, and bright interior lights. Fonds 1488, Series 1230, Item 5492.

Interior view of Lime Rickey's diner. Fifties-style interior with raised stools lining a bar, and dark green booths. Neon blue and purple throughout. Image is taken between 1987 and 1988. Fonds 520, Series 2332, File 51, Item 1.

Black and white photograph of the exterior of The Revue cinema in Roncesvalles. Theatre marquee is advertising "One More Spring" starring Warner Baxter. A group of teenage boys are standing by the entrace. Image is taken between 1935 and 1937. Fonds 1488, Series 1230, Item 1111.

What's the vibe for a date spot in the city this weekend?

A figure skater wearing a shirt and tie, jumper, and trousers. He is mid-jump, on an ice rink by a residential street. Fonds 1266, Item 23100.

Montgomery Wilson and his sister Constance Wilson-Samuel on the ice in a synchronized skating pose with one arm and one leg outstretched. Fonds 1266, Item 23028.

A figure skater with one leg and arm outstretched as he glides in a turn. Fonds 1266, Item 23027.

A figure skater wearing a shirt and tie, jumper, and trousers. He is mid-jump, on an ice rink by a residential street. Fonds 1266, Item 23098.

Action shots of three-time Olympian Montgomery 'Bud' Wilson from Toronto. He also skated in pairs, often with his sister Constance Wilson-Samuel, and won nine Canadian Championship titles over his career in the 1920s and 30s.

Pamphlet announcing new Human Rights Consulting Service, Daniel G. Hill and Associates. Text reads: Daniel G. Hill has a unique background of 20 years' experience and service in private agencies, universities, and government. His work has encompassed university teaching, planning and supervising of research and extensive administrative experience. In 1962 Dr. Hill was named Director of the Ontario Human Rights Commission. His broad responsibility included setting up administrative machinery for handling formal and informal complaints of discrimination as well as planning educational and research projects. During this period he was called upon by the federal and eight provincial governments to assist in establishing their human rights legislation and programs. Daniel Hill became Chairman of the Ontario Human Rights Commission in 1971. In every field of endeavour, Dr. Hill has always maintained extensive contacts with labour, business, ethnic, religious and community groups. He is the author of a number of articles dealing with human rights issues. In 1960 Daniel Hill received his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in sociology, completing a doctoral thesis on racial and cultural minorities. He is a member of the Canadian Sociology and Anthropology Association, a former executive member and Canadian representative, International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies; and a founding member of the Canadian Association of Statutory Human Rights Agencies. He has consulted frequently with the British Race Relations Board and has represented Canada at International and United Nations Conferences dealing with discrimination. Dr. Hill is Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, where he teaches a course on the Canadian Human Rights Movement.

1975 pamphlet announcing a new human rights consulting firm, Daniel G. Hill & Associates. In 1962 Daniel Hill became the first director of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and in 1978 he was one of the co-founders of the Ontario Black History Society.
#BlackHistoryMonth
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Who's taken a dip in the lake this winter?

Here's American swimmer Norman Ross diving in for a short swim on this day in 1929. He trained in cold water to prepare for the CNE marathon swim.

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