Evocative Images of Lost Toronto

[J T CUNNINGHAM]

"i didn't know that the Simpson's store initially only went halfway down the block to Richmond..." QUOTE. thedeepend.

My question is: Does HUDSON'S BAY STORE continue to pay the church rent for this site?

Regards,
J T

 

[LowPolygon]

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[thecharioteer]

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The restoration of Massey Hall should definitely be top priority in any future "infrastructure" programme (pity it missed the last round).

 

[yonderbean]

i didn't know that the Simpson's store initially only went halfway down the block to Richmond...

I admire the Simpson's store's south facade, with its subtle relief of arches and pilasters. Such walls are typically so unconsidered despite often being highly visible. It's little touches like these which lent pre-war streetscapes such grace and charm. Now we just slap up gigantic billboards and other schlock.

 

[thecharioteer]

Simpson's

 

[LowPolygon]

Simpson's

its quite a handsome building at that scale. what is that church visible on far left? i assume that's Queen st...

 

[LowPolygon]

.

 

[wwwebster]

what is that church...

Knox Presbyterian:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/Knox_Presbyterian,_Original,_Toronto.PNG

 

[LowPolygon]

Knox Presbyterian:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/Knox_Presbyterian,_Original,_Toronto.PNG

thank you!

 

[Goldie]

Another view of Simpsons - as it expanded to the south in 1908.

And the early store of George Burton in Green River (now Pickering) - 1882
A son, Charles L. Burton joined Simpsons in 1912 and became President in 1929.

 

[thecharioteer]

Another view of Simpsons - as it expanded to the south in 1908.

I think this pic is actually showing Simpson's extending to the west, along Richmond. That looks like Confed Life to the right.

 

[Goldie]

OOPS! I believe you're right - thanks.

 

[LowPolygon]

1898: You can the clock tower of City Hall still under construction in this shot. It was completed the following year. Just a little southwest of there you can see the Temple Building. I believe that the tower visible to the south east belongs to the Confederation Life building. You can see the roof of the Armory Building on University Ave; i assume that building directly to the south is Union Station...

 

[Goldie]

That's a tremendous one-hundred-twelve-year-old view of our city!
I was, at first, startled by the vast space between the Armoury and City Hall - now Nathan Phillips Square.
But in reality, it is a vast tract.

 

[thecharioteer]

A few more pics of the Simpson's block, particularly the NE corner of Bay & Richmond:

1911: buildings probably dating back to the mid 19thC:

In the 20's an exquisite little Gothic Revival building emerges (one of my all-time favourite pics of Toronto):

Until it is replaced by the present building, part of the Simpson's complex in 1928 (showing it under construction):

1930: