Evocative Images of Lost Toronto

[J T CUNNINGHAM]

That little Gothic gem didn't take long to start to turn "coal", black!

Regards,
J T

 

[LowPolygon]

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:

very interesting to see the evolution of this site! its kind of a neglected story i think--over the years, the tale of Eaton's (and its Centre) has been much more of a focal point

i'm just so thankful that the old Simpson's building still exists...and seems to be almost thriving at the moment...

 

[LowPolygon]

.

 

[J T CUNNINGHAM]

Can we say that the above pic was taken on a Sunday, 2:26 PM?

(Minimal traffic + pedestrians, also note the windows of the Simpson's store

are with drapes closed.)

Regards,
J T

 

[chriskayTO]

Can we say that the above pic was taken on a Sunday, 2:26 PM?

(Minimal traffic + pedestrians, also note the windows of the Simpson's store

are with drapes closed.)

Regards,
J T

Great observation! I'm surprised the photographer wasn't arrested for doing anything either than going to church or having quiet contemplation at home on the Lord's Day.

 

[W. K. Lis]

Can we say that the above pic was taken on a Sunday, 2:26 PM?

(Minimal traffic + pedestrians, also note the windows of the Simpson's store

are with drapes closed.)

Regards,
J T

Everything was closed on Sunday, back then. Even the swings and slides in the city playgrounds.

 

[seemsartless]

You youngsters and your fancy modern photographs... the City of Toronto Archive goes even further back for that general area, to a sketch of Doel's Homestead and Brewery, in 1827:

 

[Felix07Richerd]

I have only one work for this wonderful thread.........Great.

 

[thecharioteer]

You youngsters and your fancy modern photographs... the City of Toronto Archive goes even further back for that general area, to a sketch of Doel's Homestead and Brewery, in 1827:

True, but photos do show you the passage of time, even for charming homesteads:

 

[wwwebster]

There’s a fairly narrow timeframe within which this image could have been taken. The new Simpson’s store had only been open about 3 months when it was destroyed by fire on March 03, 1895, taking the spire of Knox’s Church with it:

http://digital.library.mcgill.ca/cab/Volume 8/Issue 4/v8n4p54.gif

 

[thecharioteer]

There’s a fairly narrow timeframe within which this image could have been taken. The new Simpson’s store had only been open about 3 months when it was destroyed by fire on March 03, 1895, taking the spire of Knox’s Church with it:

http://digital.library.mcgill.ca/cab/Volume 8/Issue 4/v8n4p54.gif

And it would seem the original Simpson's store on Queen as well, still visible in the photo.

 

[seemsartless]

True, but photos do show you the passage of time, even for charming homesteads:

Ah! I read that the building survived until 1915 or so, but didn't make the connection! Thanks for pointing that out. May be time to fire up The Gimp and try another Then-and-Now...

 

[thecharioteer]

Another view of the Simpson's block, showing that short-lived Gothic building at Bay and Richmond:

 

[wwwebster]

...that short-lived Gothic building at Bay and Richmond:

St. Charles Hotel:

http://www.archive.org/stream/constructionjour08macduoft#page/328/mode/2up

 

[thecharioteer]

St. Charles Hotel:

http://www.archive.org/stream/constructionjour08macduoft#page/328/mode/2up

Thanks, wwwebster!

Beautiful exterior but not so good on the inside, particularly the Bar (perhaps reflecting Toronto's attitude to drinking?)