Browse Items (122 total)

The 1939 visit of King George and Queen Elizabeth was the first visit to Canada of a reigning monarch -- and Toronto did it up in style. This shot of Yonge Street, looking south from Queen shows the Union Jack proudly on display in preparation for…

Weary shoppers could stop in at the Little Blue Tea Rooms, 97 Yonge Street, for a cup of tea, and a visit with friends. The Little Blue Tea Room claimed "We Bring Home Into Town" as their slogan -- a welcome oasis for visitors to the big…

Upper Canada did not issue official currency, and in the early years a variety of currency circulated in York (Toronto) -- chiefly American, Spanish, French and English. But during the War of 1812, even this currency was rare.

Businessmen such…

Gone are the days when you would announce that you would be going away for a holiday... and leaving your house empty! The offices of Life were at 65 Yonge Street.

Courtesy of Toronto Public Library

A forerunner to Kmart, S. S. Kresge was one of the 20th century's best known retail stores.

Although most of our time was spent south of Bloor, there were some memorable places just north (and we also spent a lot of time in Yorkville and at the Embassy Tavern).
There was Britnell's Bookstore just north of Bloor, which is now Starbucks. It…

Yonge and Eglinton Post Office, near Keewatin Ave.

Courtesy of Toronto Public Library

Joe Smolij was a legend of the local chess players at Yonge and Gould. "Kill As You Go Gambit" was his tag line. A real performer

My stamp business is located on the second floor of 211 Yonge Street in the heart of downtown Toronto. Hardly a day goes by in this busy area that you don't see a film crew, a parade, or some musical event taking place within walking distance. On…

It was in the late 70's early 80's, men were wearing searsucker suits and shoes with big heels, and big hair. Women were wearing pant suits or as my grandmother used to say panty suits, for the most part women were at home, raising children,…