baystreet

From Flickr: “Bay and Louisa streets” by Toronto History

Photographer: William James 1918 City of Toronto Archives Fonds 1244, Item 1002 via Flickr https://flic.kr/p/bXj2Be

From Flickr: “Fire (1904); aftermath of fire, Bay St. east side, looking south from north of Wellington St. W.” by Toronto Public Library Special Collections

On April 19, 1904, fire ripped through downtown Toronto in what is now the Financial District. It started in a tie factory. Wooden exterior fire-escapes and window-sills meant it spread quickly. New-fangled elevators became chimneys. Because of the strong winds and cold, ice congealed on the telegraph wires, the streets Read More →

From Flickr: “Steel Construction (Toronto)” by Toronto Public Library Special Collections

This picture, showing the construction of the Union Bank at the south east corner of Bay and King, appeared in the Toronto Evening Telegram on April 4, 1910. It was drawn by the celebrated Canadian artist Owen Staples. Creator: Staples, Owen, Canadian, 1866-1949 Date: 1910 Identifier: B 9-33a Format: Ephemera Read More →

From Flickr: “Zion Congregational Church (1840-1855), Adelaide St. W., n.e. corner Bay St.” by Toronto Public Library Special Collections

This painting by Martin Henry (1931-1902) depicts the Zion Congregational Church, which stood on the north-east the corner of Bay and Adelaide from 1840 until it burnt down in February of 1855. Bit of bad luck, eh? You can also see their neighbours, the fire hall, on the southeast corner Read More →

From Flickr: “Millen, Robert, house, Bay St., w. side, s. of Albert St.” by Toronto Public Library Special Collections

It’s cold out. When I saw this picture in our Digital Archive (http://ift.tt/1Dn4XI8), I was extra glad that I live in a house with central heating and insulation. This 1890 photo shows Robert Millen’s wooden house, with a central fireplace. Inside, you can just about make out a woman and Read More →