Bay and Queen/Then and Now

Looking south on Bay towards Queen in the early 1960's. This entire section of Queen would soon be demolished to make room for the new Sheraton Centre.

Click on images for a better view.

From Old City Hall looking west along Queen Street towards the old Broadway Theatre.
This was Toronto's first burlesque house with "Girlie" shows and movies.
In 1935, the manager was murdered in his office and his son-in law, Murray Little took over the management.
The infamous Casino Theatre (The Festival in the top photo) was located five doors west and operated until 1963.
In 1965 to preserve the architectural integrity of the new City Hall, the City expropriated three and a half acres on the south side of Queen Street and all of the buildings were demolished.
In these photos the work has already started.

Looking across the south east intersection of Queen and Bay. . The film playing at the Bay Theatre is "The Small World of Sammy Lee", released in 1963.
The Bay opened in 1919 as The Colonial and the facade was built with material rescued from the demolished Customs House on Front Street.
This block has been replaced by the Simpson's Tower.
Window detail of the Bay Theatre
The same window from the Customs House demolished in 1919
The Colonial Theatre
Another early view of the Colonial (far left) before the second story addition.
Similar views today, looking west from Old City Hall.
Looking east.
Shea's Hippodrome Theatre was demolished for the building of New City hall on the same site.

Adelaide and Bay/Then and Now

This is a repeat od an earlier post but certainly worth another look.
The N/W corner of Bay and Adelaide in the early 1800's, the home and brewery of John Doel.

John Doel.

The N/W corner of Bay and Adelaide in 1827 the home and brewery of John Doel.
Although this photo is labelled 1914 in the archives it has to be earlier as E.S. Willard performed his final North American tour in 1905 and died in 1915. By now the rural family home of Mr. Doel has been converted to commercial space, an employment agency of some sort.
E.S. Willard

The N/W corner of Bay and Adelaide in 1910.
By now the family house has been turned into a discount store and is in a sad state of disrepair.
Suits $15.00-no more, no less!
The Gayety Theatre (billboard) was located on Richmond Street.

Again in 1924 shortly before it's demolition.
A wider shot in 1924 showing the empty lot......

The same corner in 2010.
1910.
2010.
For more information on the life of John Doel please visit the Black Creek Growler.

Adelaide and Bay/Then and Now

The N/W corner of Bay and Adelaide in the early 1800's, the home and brewery of John Doel.

John Doel.

The N/W corner of Bay and Adelaide in 1827 the home and brewery of John Doel.
Although this photo is labelled 1914 in the archives it has to be earlier as E.S. Willard performed his final North American tour in 1905 and died in 1915. By now the rural family home of Mr. Doel has been converted to commercial space, an employment agency of some sort.
E.S. Willard

The N/W corner of Bay and Adelaide in 1910.
By now the family house has been turned into a discount store and is in a sad state of disrepair.
Suits $15.00-no more, no less!
The Gayety Theatre (billboard) was located on Richmond Street.

Again in 1924 shortly before it's demolition.
A wider shot in 1924 showing the empty lot......

The same corner in 2010.
1910.
2010.
For more information on the life of John Doel please visit the Black Creek Growler.

Adelaide and Bay/Then and Now

The N/W corner of Bay and Adelaide, date unknown, the home and brewery of John Doel.

John Doel.

The N/W corner of Bay and Adelaide in 1827 the home and brewery of John Doel.
Although this photo is labelled 1914 in the archives it has to be earlier as E.S. Willard performed his final North american tour in 1905 and died in 1915.
E.S. Willard

The N/W corner of Bay and Adelaide in 1910.
By now the family house has been turnrd into a discount store and is in a sad state of desrepair.
Suits $15.00-no more, no less!
The Gayety Theatre (billboard) was located on Richmond Street.
A similar view in 2010.
1910.
2010.

Demolished Queen Street West

As I mentioned in an earlier post, all of the south side of Queen between Bay and University was demolished after the construction of New City Hall in 1966. Here are some photos.

Click on any image for a better look.

South side of Queen looking east from York Street in 1926 or so.

Looking west towards University in 1953

The S/W corner of Queen and York in 1953The present site of the new Opera House.
Looking east from Bay with the old Lyric Theatre.
The Alexandra Hotel was located on the N/W corner of Queen and Elizabeth Street.
Demolished to make way for Toronto's new City Hall.