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Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 11h

A greengrocer on the southwest corner of Logan Avenue and the Danforth on this day in 1934. It appears that you could buy two kinds of vegetables there: potatoes and rutabagas. ow.ly/KMM050ZQiBl

Black and white photo showing the side of a corner shop with an awning. Wooden 4L produce baskets are piled on a stand in front of the window and on the ground. A grocer in a white apron bends over a tray of rutabagas. Series 372, Subseries 58, Item 1365.

061

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 14/10/2026

From the City Engineer's album, a wooden sidewalk somewhere in old Toronto, possibly the Annex, on this day 125 years ago. ow.ly/5jBC50ZACXM

Black and white photo of a sidewalk made of wooden boards on a tree-lined street. At left are brick houses with stone foundations and bay windows. Series 376, File 3, Item 33.

080

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 14/10/2026

Ask an Archivist Day! What does an Archivist do? At the City, archivists work across many roles to preserve & provide access to Toronto’s history. We appraise, arrange, describe, & preserve records from the City & donors that document the people, places, & stories that have shaped our city.

Series 1476, Item 22. Central Records, New City Hall basement, 1973.

Series 1476, Item 211. Reading room, New City Hall basement, ca. 1973.

0162

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 13/10/2026

Today, the northwest corner of King Street West and John Street is home to the TIFF Lightbox theatre, but on this day in 1982 it was a car wash. ow.ly/WslJ50ZOpp0

Photo taken from the opposite corner of the street showing a low white building with a garage door and large red signage reading Farb's Car Wash. Photo by Harvey Naylor. Fonds 1526, File 67, Item 39.

0193

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 09/10/2026

Workers completing Varsity Arena at the University of Toronto in October, 1926. The arena would open on December 17th. ow.ly/9EVh50ZACLP

Black and white photo of workmen and a truck from the 1920s on the floor of an arena. the walls and the concrete steps for the seating are complete, as are the rafters. Parts of the roof are not yet finished, letting light into the space. Globe and Mail Fonds 1266, Item 9033.

091

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 09/10/2026

Did you know you can search all City of Toronto By-laws online? There are over 200,000! ow.ly/Oius50ZTJuE This by-law, the city’s first (An Act For The Preventing And Extinguishing Of Fires) was passed on May 5, 1834. Find out more here: ow.ly/yxNN50ZTJyX

"An Act for the preventing & extinguishing of Fires. Be it enacted by the Mayor, Aldermen
and Commonalty of the City of Toronto, in
Common Council assembled.

1. That all stove-pipes which may be carried through any Partition of Wood, or of Wood and Lime, or through any Floor in any House, or Building shall in every Case pass through stove pipe Stones, or Bricks, and shall be kept at least three Inches from any part of the Wood of the Partition or Floor; and at least eight Inches from the beam or Ceiling of any Room – through which the said stove Pipes may be conveyed. And they shall also be –
safely and properly secured to the Beams
or Ceiling with Wire, Chain, or Iron."

063

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 08/10/2026

The ever-changing waterfront. These views provide a snapshot of the changes taking place near the foot of Spadina in the mid-1980s as Marina Quay West was under construction, now adjacent to the Toronto Music Garden. Spadina Quay aerials: ow.ly/N0ea50ZTy6v

Oblique aerial view of the downtown Toronto waterfront as a new pier is being constructed in the foreground. The CN Tower and a few skyscrapers are in the distance, mid-1980s. Series 1300, Subseries 2, File 152.

Oblique aerial view of the downtown Toronto waterfront as a new pier and marina are being constructed in the foreground. The CN Tower and a few skyscrapers are in the distance, mid-1980s. Series 1300, Subseries 2, File 152.

Oblique aerial view of a new marina on the Toronto waterfront, mid-1980s. The Canada Malting Silos are visible and a freight ship is moving through the harbour. Series 1300, Subseries 2, File 152.

0337

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 07/10/2026

You get an expressway, and you get an expressway, and YOU get an expressway! In 1943 the Toronto Planning Board foresaw not only the Gardiner and the 401, but also superhighways along Bloor Street, Queen, Christie/Strachan and Coxwell. ow.ly/7CW450ZOrXG

A fold-out map showing the former City of Toronto in 1943. Parts of the map are coloured to represent different zoning areas. The map is criss-crossed by thick black lines representing superhighways. Series 40, File 221.

1253

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 06/10/2026

TFW you dropped a peanut but you're not wearing your glasses and you can't find it. This Atlas can be found on the Hockey Hall of Fame, facing Front Street. In 1958, when this photo was taken, the building was still a Bank of Montreal. ow.ly/mZtp50ZJBEA

Photo of a pilaster with a semi-nude bearded figure on the side of a building with banded rustication. Instead of holding the building up like Atlas, the figure's hands are at chest level and his elbows are spread wide. He is peering downwards. Photo by Harvey Naylor. Fonds 1526, File 52, Item 2.

A close-up of the Atlas figure from the previous photo. Photo by Harvey Naylor, Fonds 1526, File 52, Item 2.

0101

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 06/10/2026

In early October 1912, Arena Gardens opened on Mutual Street with a musical spectacle drawing a crowd of over 5,000. Later that year, the site was home to Ontario’s first artificial ice rink. Find out more in the William J. Dixon collection of Mutual Street Arena records: ow.ly/IsbY50ZU2Ia

Exterior of the Arena Gardens with people and cars gathered outside on a busy street in 1912. Fonds 550, File 45.

Two pages from the 1912 Goad's fire insurance map with a focus Arena Gardens at the intersection of Shuter an Mutual streets. Fonds 2, Series 2421, File 21, Item 16.

Exterior of the Mutual Street Arena with cars on a snow-covered street, ca. 1920s. Fonds 550, File 57.

0104

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 05/10/2026

On this day in 2013, a shot of Ai Weiwei's forever bicycles sculpture outside Toronto City Hall - the centerpiece of Nuit Blanche festival that year. Photograph by Steven Rowe.

Ai Weiwei's forever bicycles sculpture outside Toronto City Hall. A large outdoor piece of art made from stacked metal bicycles. Photograph by Steven Rowe. Fonds 582, Item 24.

0252

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 05/10/2026

Nowadays, the Esplanade is several blocks from the edge of Lake Ontario, but in 1914 parts of it were right on the waterfront. This is the Toronto Electric Light Company at the bottom of Scott Street, just east of Yonge. ow.ly/bI7f50ZGbp5

Black and white photo: a long brick building with two chimneys and a tower is built at the edge of an inlet of the lake. A small boat is pulled up under its windows. Fonds 1231, Item 910.

0254

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 02/10/2026

Twenty years of Nuit Blanche! Here's a throwback to the very first night in 2006, where the opening reception was held in Trinity Bellwoods Park. Enjoy the weekend, Toronto: ow.ly/EqY050ZR6bX

Night Swim by Christie Pearson in Trinity Community Recreation Centre pool. Nuit Blanche 2006. Series 2311, File 2240, Item 134.

Confinement of the Intellect by Thom Sokoloski in Trinity Bellwoods Park. Nuit Blanche, 2006.
Fonds 219, Series 2311, File 2240, Item 163.

Electronic Sky by David Warne and Kevin Krivel, in Trinity Bellwoods Park. Nuit Blanche, 2006. Fonds 219, Series 2311, File 2240, Item 185.

2215

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 02/10/2026

Four shots of Mount Pleasant Road taken on this day in 1951, 75 years ago. You can see many more images like these in our current exhibition, Subseries 58: Department of Public Works, Roadway Photographs. ow.ly/yryb50ZQihu

A view of the southwest corner of Mount Pleasant Avenue and Hillsdale Avenue, looking south. A sign for Esso gas hangs from a light standard on the corner. Across a small parking lot is a building with the name Mount Pleasant Motors painted on it. Series 372, Subseries 58, Item 2200.

A view of the west side of Mount Pleasant Road, looking north from Manor Road East. A corner hardware store has a sign on the awning over the door reading, "Elecrical Goods". Other hanging signs on the street read, "O-P-W Paints: Manor Hardware", "Chrysler Plymouth" and "Alexander's: Gifts China". Series 372, Subseries 58, Item 2201.

A view of the west side of Mount Pleasant Road, looking south from Manor Road East. A corner store has a sign that reads, "Patterson Foundry & Machine Co., Manufaturers of Satisfactory Machiner[y] for the Process Industr[y]". Series 372, Subseries 58, Item 2202.

A view of the west side of Mount Pleasant Road, looking north from Penrose Road. A corner store has a sign reading, "Star Service Stores". Another sign in the window reads, "Cleaners and Dyers". Series 372, Subseries 58, Item 2203.

0221

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 01/10/2026

The southeast corner of Avenue Road and Davenport on this day in 1930. Today the corner building still holds a TD Bank, a descendant of the Dominion Bank. ow.ly/Nq5750ZR27c

Black and white photo of a street corner. A white three-storey building with a gable has a sign saying, "The Dominion Bank" painted on the side and lace curtains in the upstairs windows. Next to it, is a one-storey shop called Stop and Shop has large windows and an awning. A sign on the roof parapet reads, "Home of 8¢ Bread". Series 372, Subseries 3, Item 983.

0125

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 01/10/2026

Have you had your coffee today? We're looking back at coffee billboards and commercials for International Coffee Day.

Billboard advertising Blue Ribbon Coffee. The ad includes a smiling man in military uniform holding a coffee cup, with the slogan 'It must be Blue Ribbon Coffee - save the coupons'.

Blue Ribbon Coffee, between 1939 and 1941.
Fonds 1488, Series 1230, Item 5377

Billboard advertising Mother Parker's Tea and Coffee. The ad includes an elderly woman and a large cup reading 'More cups to the coupon'.

Mother Parker's Tea and Coffee, between 1942 and 1944.
Fonds 1488, Series 1230, Item 6524

Billboard advertising Instant Maxwell House coffee, mounted above the Glendale Theatre at 1661 Avenue Road. The ad includes a large coffee jar and coffee cup, with the slogan 'Good to the last drop!'.

Maxwell House Instant Coffee, 1962.
Fonds 1488, Series 1230, Item 9719

Four women in coats, dresses and heels reach for a tall tower of coffee tins, with stacked cases of coffee nearby and film equipment in the background.

Peterson Productions filming advertisement for Nescafe Instant Coffee, between 1950 and 1970.
Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7746

0234

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 29/09/2026

An ALRV streetcar on Queen Street West near John Street on this day in 2004. ALRV stands for Articulated Light Rail Vehicle. This fleet of streetcars was in service from 1988 to 2019. ow.ly/GQ0k50ZQAZ9

A view looking east on Queen Street West towards the intersection of John Street and the CityTV building. Streetcar 4210 is heading east. Its route sign reads, "501 Long Branch". Photo by Jose San Juan. Series 2311, File 1922, Item 495.

1174

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 29/09/2026

Opened in 1999, the Toronto Music Garden is a fascinating waterfront space inspired by the music of Bach, in collaboration with renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Each dance movement within Bach’s First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello corresponds to a different section in the garden.

Aerial view looking north over Marina Quay West, west of Spadina, ca. late 1990s. A garden and adjacent buildings next to the marina are under construction. Series 1465, File 145, Item 37.

Aerial view looking north of Marina Quay West, west of Spadina. The marina is filled with boats, and a landscaped park runs adjacent to the water. Several tall condo buildings and the SkyDome are in the background. Series 2311, File 3084, Item 366.

Tri-fold brochure detailing the Toronto Music Garden project with images, descriptions, and park design plans. Text "About the Music Garden" reads: Fronting on Toronto's inner harbour, the 20+ acre Toronto Music Garden is scheduled to open in the spring of 1999. The City of Toronto park is the latest addition to the proposed 40-acre Harbourfront Parks System. The creation of the Music Garden is the results of a unique collaboration between Julie Moir Messervy and landscape architects from the City's Parks and Recreation Division. The park design is inspired by Bach's First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello, with each dance movement within the suite corresponding to a different section in the garden.

Fonds 1047, Series 1822, File 395.

1196

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 28/09/2026

On this day in 1921, a view of the CNE Coliseum under construction. Formerly known as the Live Stock Arena, it was built in time for the inaugural Royal Winter Fair in 1922.

Large brick building under construction with workers visible on scaffolding. Fonds 1172, Series 1021, Item 21.

Blueprint for Live stock show building for the City of Toronto Exhibition Park, dated June 1921 . Fonds 200, Series 2347, Item 19

050

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 28/09/2026

A classic example of a worker's cottage, photographed at 165 Sherbourne Street on this day 100 years ago. You can still find homes with this design in several older parts of the city. ow.ly/vYHU50ZACGu

Black and white photo of a single-storey house with a gable over the front door and a window on either side of it. Series 372, Subseries 33b, Item 277.

0246

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 25/09/2026

Today is Glenn Gould Day, celebrating one of the most famous classical pianists of the 20th century. He's photographed here around the time of his revolutionary 1955 recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, which brought him international recognition and remains closely associated with his career.

Glenn Gould sits at a grand piano, in a photograph commissioned by Time Inc. January 14, 1955. Fonds 1653, Series 975, File 4533.

Pianist Glenn Gould receives a watch from Mayor Nathan Phillips in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 1956. Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 3070.

0102

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 24/09/2026

Canada's largest book & magazine festival, Word on the Street, returns this weekend, celebrating Canadian authors, books, magazines, and literacy. Since 1990 it has been held variously at Queen West, Queen’s Park, and Harbourfront Centre - this year you'll find it at David Pecaut Square!

People browsing and buying books at an outdoor book stall. Word on the Street Festival, Queen Street West, September 2002. Series 2311, File 1506, Item 72.

White rectangular button with two abstract faces and the text "The Word on the Street" in stylized font. Word on the Street festival button, 1990s. Fonds 2, Series 112, File 458.

Colourful, whimsical characters including clowns, animals, and a unicorn above the word Imagination. Word on the Street postcard, ca. 1995. Fonds 2, Series 112, File 449.

Crowd of people at an outdoor book festival on a closed Queen Street West in 2002. Series 2311, File 1506, Item 56.

0144

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 23/09/2026

On The Esplanade looking west to St. Lawrence Market and downtown ca. mid-1970s. 7078.sydneyplus.com/archive/fina...

Buses, including Ontario Northland and Gray Coach, next to a busy parking lot by the St. Lawrence Market. St. James Cathedral is visible to the right, and First Canadian Place is in the centre of the image. Series 1465, File 734, Item 16.

0194

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 23/09/2026

Who wants to go back to 2003 and take a course from the Office of Emergency Management just to play with their model town? ow.ly/NEyk50ZOhYL

061

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 22/09/2026

Happy first day of Autumn! Here's some archival inspiration for sweater weather.

Young man in a V-neck cable-knit sweater.

Tennis player C.W. Leslie, portrait, 1931.
Globe & Mail Fonds 1266, Item 23820

Two young boys with serious expressions, wearing V-neck sweaters over collared shirts.

Billie and George Vaughan, aged 9 and 7, 60 Carlaw Avenue, ice floe rescue, 1933.
Globe & Mail Fonds 1266, Item 29202

Young woman with a maple leaf baseball sweater posing in an alleyway between wooden fences.

Billie Hallam, Miss Toronto 1937.
Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 1469

A young boy in a sweater and bow tie holding a small pet rabbit.

Rotary Club Christmas party, Bobby Johnston, 2557 Dundas West, rabbit, 1932.
Globe & Mail Fonds 1266, Item 28838

0103

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 21/09/2026

A view of Gerrard Street East at Greenwood Avenue in 1914. ow.ly/5zf650ZPC7w

A muddy intersection with streetcar tracks, lined with utility poles and buildings under construction. Fonds 1244, Item 692.

1121

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 21/09/2026

In September 1948, Alderman Allan Lamport commissioned a series of photographs along Yonge Street documenting existing conditions as the city considered widening the street, providing a fascinating snapshot of the streetscape pre-subway. Read more about it here: ow.ly/sQuq50ZOLy5

Photograph taken from the south east looking north from Edward Street on the west side of Yonge Street. Fonds 1303, Series 978, File 1, Item 5.

Photograph taken from the south west looking north from Gerrard Street on the east side of Yonge Street. Fonds 1303, Series 978, File 1, Item 9.

Photograph taken from the south west looking north from Gould Street on the east side of Yonge Street. Fonds 1303, Series 978, File 1, Item 6.

Photograph taken from the south-west looking north from Terauley Street (just south of Dundas Street) on the east side of Yonge Street. Photograph shows The Downtown theatre which is scheduled to open soon according to the sign on the building. Other businesses shown include: Yolles Furniture Co., Continental Clothes, Biltmore Theatre, Silver Grill, and the Edison Hotel.
Fonds 1303, Series 978, File 1, Item 2.

1184

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 18/09/2026

An aerial view of East York's Thorncliffe Park neighbourhood on this day in 2010. A terrific new set of aerial photos by City photographer Jose San Juan is now available on our database in Series 2311, File 3084. ow.ly/Fq4F50ZMKl1

Oblique aerial photo looking northwest-ish along Thorncliffe Park Drive, showing the towers and the neighbourhood to the north of them. The Leaside Bridge is visible at top left. Photo by Jose San Juan. Series 2311, File 3084, Item 459.

0142

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 18/09/2026

Coming soon! Fonds 678, Art Zone fonds documents sisters Jane and Kathryn Irwin’s stained glass studio, which operated from 1987–2019. Explore sketches, photographs, & portfolios showcasing their innovative stained glass work across Toronto and beyond! #TOHistory #TorontoArt #TorontoArchives

Hallway with slate tile flooring, wooden paneling, and a wooden door featuring colorful stained glass windows. Series 3094, file 5.

Square stained glass panel featuring textured clear, amber, and red glass pieces arranged in abstract geometric patterns. Series 3094, file 8.

0152

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 17/09/2026

The former St. Clair Cinema, just east of St. Clair and Dufferin. In the 1960s, the theatre began screening Italian films, reflecting the community of the area. ow.ly/sIp750ZMHBW

Empty interior of a theatre with rows of pink seats facing a screen covered with gold curtains and ornately decorated walls. Fonds 122, Series 881, File 258.

Exterior of Cinema St. Clair, with Italian movie titles showing on two screens displayed on a marquee above the entrance. Films are: L'onorata società and Le cinque giornate.
Fonds 122, Series 881, File 258.

Empty theatre lobby with red patterned carpet, decorative carpet, and movie posters on the wall. Fonds 122, Series 881, File 258.

Concession stand within a theatre lobby, selling popcorn, cigarettes, and drinks. Fonds 122, Series 881, File 258.

0231

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 17/09/2026

Look out for the Toronto Archives at Saturday's Leslie Barns Complex Open House! There'll be a display of early TTC token records — did you know a collector of transportation tokens is called a vecturist? www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Updates/J…

Four 1960s TTC token holders, each with capacity to hold five, six, or seven transit tokens. Two advertise Gray Coach Lines, and two have printed information messages from the TTC.

0173

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 16/09/2026

Looking north up Dufferin Street from the south side of King Street on this day in 1951. ow.ly/1RkJ50ZMJhS

Dufferin Street looking north from south side King Street. Street car track crisscross over the intersection. Fonds 200, Series 372, Subseries 58, Item 2152.

062

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 16/09/2026

Another remarkable view of the Port Lands, highlighting the incredible transformation of the area into Ookwemin Minising. The huge white Atlas Crane still stands - but now it's surrounded by trails and parklands. Find more digitized 1970-1994 aerial views here: ow.ly/3zw850ZMyZH

Aerial view looking north over the Port Industrial Lands where a large freight ship is docked. Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 386, Item 33.

0307

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 15/09/2026

Photograph taken on this day in 1947. This small building opened in October 1946, one of the first schools built after World War II. It still exists, tucked inside sprawling additions to Centennial Road Junior Public School.

Children playing outside a small school building with a tall chimney, surrounded by an open grassy area. Fonds 1266, Item 118669.

0193

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 15/09/2026

Did you know the first Cineplex opened in the Eaton Centre in 1979? It was then the largest cinema complex in the world with 18 auditoriums, designed by prolific theatre architect Mandel Sprachman. ow.ly/ohWh50ZMIOm

4438

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 14/09/2026

On Saturday, former Canadian Boxing Heavyweight Champion, George Chuvalo died. Famous for his two bouts against Muhammed Ali, Chuvalo was never knocked down in any of his 93 fights. The image is of a young Chuvalo, possibly taken in 1955, a year before he turned professional at the age of 18.

Photograph of George Chuvalo posing with fists raised. Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 2470.

0102

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 14/09/2026

September, 1932, when changing you university course selections meant you had to put on a three-piece suit and line up at a counter in a physical office. ow.ly/ZYi150ZCrgt

Black and white photo: a woman in a suit dress stands behind a long wooden counter with many drawers for filing cards on her side. Opposite her, young men in suits, vests and neckties fill out forms, study open books, and appear to be reading notices posted on the wall behind the photographer. Globe and Mail Fonds 1266, Item 28201.

1110

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 14/09/2026

Wandering through the TD Centre courtyard downtown leds you to "The Pasture". These seven life-sized bronze cows have been resting in the field among the skyscraper complex since 1985, created by Canadian sculptor Joe Fafard.

A life-sized bronze cow sculpture in a grass square surrounded by skyscrapers.
Financial District, The Pasture by Joe Fafard, Economic Development city-wide "beauty shots", 2008, Fonds 219, Series 2311, File 2623, Item 332.

People relaxing on an open grassy area among seven life-sized bronze cow sculptures.
Toronto-Dominion Centre, "The Pasture" by Joe Fafard (1985), between 2006 and 2012, Fonds 330, Series 2574, Item 12.

A life-sized bronze cow sculpture in a grass square surrounded by skyscrapers.
Joe Fafard sculpture The Pasture in courtyard of TD Centre, between 1984 and 1990. Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 416, Item 19.

Colour transparency of a life-sized bronze cow sculpture in a grass square surrounded by skyscrapers. People look on from a path.
The Pasture, bronze sculpture, TD Centre 77 King Street West, 1990. Fonds 669, Series 3058, Item 294.

0213

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 11/09/2026

Hey, students! Want to hear some wild stories? Ask your elders what they saw at the Brunny during Frosh Week in the nineties. Photo of Bloor Street and Brunswick Avenue circa 1998 by Rudi Christl. ow.ly/EaRj50ZHm0J

A view looking east along the south side of Bloor Street at Brunswick Avenue. An entertainer poses on the southwest corner, smiling and holding juggling rings as a small crowd applauds. Across the street is a three-storey brick building with a sign on it that reads, "Ye Olde Brunswick House." Photo by Rudi Christl. Series 1813, Item 42.

1140

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 11/09/2026

Streetcars in the east end by River Street ca. 1977. Taken by photographer Rudi Christl for his book "Toronto in Pictures and Word".

A busy road with cars and streetcars, and power lines running overhead. Pale yellow light suffuses the scene. Fonds 330, Series 2486, Item 13

0194

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 10/09/2026

From the files of the Parks Department, here's a fun activity for children from 1920: pole fighting! What could possibly go wrong? ow.ly/QnBV50ZIlG4

Black and white photo of two boys standing on barrels placed about three metres apart. They are each holding a long pole in both hands. The boy on the left is about to fall off his barrel. A ring of other boys sit on the grass and watch. the backdrop appears to be the Exhibition grounds. Series 372, Subseries 52, Item 501.

Detail of the first photo, showing two boys with poles standing on wooden barrels, and the boy on the left about to fall off . A line of adults stand at a fence behind them. Series 372, Subseries 52, Item 501.

082

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 10/09/2026

Double take... In 1937, The Globe and Mail held a “movie doubles” contest at the CNE, with fourteen categories including Ginger Rogers, Joan Crawford, and Claudette Colbert. Each category was a chance to win $100, with the winner from each round competing in a grand final for $600.

A woman wearing a floral dress and headscarf poses with one arm raised. Frances Blackburn of Rochester, N.Y., in the Janet Gaynor contest. Fonds 1266, Item 45901.

Nine women posing as a group, contestants in a Joan Crawford lookalike competition. Fonds 1266, Item 46616.

A crowd seated and watching the movie doubles contest at the Canadian National Exhibition. Fonds 1266, Item 46439.

A woman with short curly hair wearing a patterned blouse is seated, resting one arm on a chair and posing for the camera. Kathlyn Evans of Galt, in the Claudette Colbert contest. Fonds 1266, Item 46640.

0100

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 09/09/2026

Before the towers: looking northeast towards the southeast corner of Yonge and Bloor Streets on this day 100 years ago. ow.ly/x1yi50ZHlfy

Black and white photo taken from a second-floor height showing a row of small shops on a street corner. A three-storey brick building near the corner has very tall windows on the second and third floors. Four more shops next to it have elaborate dormer windows on their third floors. Awnings and signs read Wiancko Bros.; Laura Secord; Tamblyn Drugs; and Robins Haberdashery. Series 372, Subseries 3, Item 646.

0132

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 09/09/2026

We hope all the students are having a great first week back! On this day in 1947, these kids in Wexford made the news due to parent concerns about their long walk to school without sidewalks or school bus provision, so we hope your journey is easier. ow.ly/lgK050ZwJUE

Black and white photo of a group of children walking with school bags on a rural dirt road.

Wexford, kids walking to school, September 9, 1947.
Globe and Mail Fonds 1266, Item 118555

062

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 08/09/2026

Row of stores on the north side Bloor Street West between Spadina Road and Madison Avenue, as viewed fifty years ago in 1976. ow.ly/zabG50ZCvaX

A row of storefronts including Varsity Restaurant, a supermarket, Varsity Books, Pizza Pizza, and The Jean Store. Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 8660.

0203

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 08/09/2026

This rail car contained a portable classroom and a small lending library. It was sent to remote communities north of Sudbury in 1926. ow.ly/6Gnw50ZG7FL

Black and white photo of a Canadian National passenger car sitting on a railway siding. A banner pinned to the side reads, "Ontario Department of Education: Canada's National Railway School Car for Northern Ontario." Globe and Mail Fonds 1266, Item 9248.

0141

Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 04/09/2026

All dressed up for an end-of-summer corn roast, 1926. ow.ly/rsuJ50ZJob9 A reminder that the City of Toronto Archives will be closed for Labour Day on Monday, September 7.

Black and white photo of eleven young adults of both sexes wearing neckties, collared shirts and sweaters sitting on a picnic table. They are illuminated by a camera flash in what appears to be a park at night. Globe and Mail fonds 1266, Item 8586.

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Toronto Archives @torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca · 04/09/2026

The first Toronto Star’s Lake Ontario Dog Derby was held at the CNE regatta course Sept 5-6, 1933. Over 150 dogs entered. Timmy, a Sheppard, won completing the 400-metre course in under 6 mins. What started as an amusing idea in the Star became reality with $500 for trophies and cash prizes. #CNE

People standing on a wooden dock at the start of a "dog derby", with dogs in mid-jump as splash into the lake. Two men in a rowing boat are stationed nearby. Fonds 1266, Item 31081.

1933 Canadian National Exhibition Souvenir Catalog and Program. Page is open to the sport section, outlining the details of Toronto Star's Lake Ontario Dog Derby, with a list of categories and prizes, as well as the rules and conditions. Fonds 70, Series 756, File 39.

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