The Toronto Arcade/Then and Now

The Toronto Arcade , the first in Canada was built in 1883 on the east side of Yonge Street at the intersection of Temperence Street. As seen in the 1920's.By the 1950's it was no longer fashionable and was demolished in 1955.The same view in 2010, and now this building's coming down.An interior view from 1888.

A collection of period ads.

This is the Manning Arcade, designed by E.J. Lennox and built in 1882 on the north side of King just west of Yonge Street.

Old Gas Stations

Simcoe and Adelaide/Then and Now

Bishop's Block on the N/E corner of Adelaide and Simcoe circa 1890. Built in 1833.
According to Patricia McHugh in her excellent book "Toronto Architecture-A City Guide"
"These two brick and stucco row houses are Toronto's oldest example of the genre. though now sadly bereft of their three original sisters and most of their Georgian dignity as well. Joseph Bishop was a butcher who built these houses for speculation."

Bishop's Block some time in the late 1960's when it operated as the Pretzel Bell Tavern.
The remaining houses of the block shortly before demolition.

Sadly, since the book was written, the remaining two houses were torn down last year to make way for more condos. The developers are supposed to re-build the original facades and incorporate them into the new structure.
The city did conduct an extensive archeological dig at the site.
Details can be found here.

When demolition started I was lucky enough to spot this old hand painted sign that had been covered up for years and managed to liberate it...
Bishop's Block as seen in 1856.