Model Cars and Slot Cars/ Then

Back when I was young building model cars and slot car racing was a big deal. There were several good hobby shops around the city including Rigby's, originally near Six-points he later moved to Bloor West and finally on Dundas at the foot of Prince Edward. This issue 0f
Model Car Science is from September 1964.

Remember, click on any image for a better look.
Model Car and Track, December 1965.
This Giant Frankenstein Model was originally issued by Aurora in the mid 1960's.
Now reproduced my Moebius.
An advert for "Big Frankie"
A photo of a hobby shop circa 1965.
Big Frankie is on the top shelf to the left.

Just For Fun-Crime Comics from the 50's

A great cover from Crime Must Pay the Penalty issue 27. Having worked (briefly) in the printing business and having friends that do work in the field, it's a nice bit of nostalgia.

Old Store Fronts-Toronto

The old Chinese bun shop on Baldwin Street

Bitindo's Pizza,
The BEST $2.50 slice, on Clinton Street in Little Italy

Tony's Barber Shop on Queen East.

A collection of old store fronts around town.
More to follow.

Yonge and Dundas/ Then and Now

Looking west along Dundas across Yonge Street in the 1930's

2010
Another angle looking north up Yonge St. across Dundas in 1927.
The United Cigar store is on the right.
A similar view in 2010.

Toronto Diners/Part2

This is the Quality Inn on Dundas. I don't think it's open any longer but I did take a few photos before the owner's daughter chased me away...

Roncesvalles and Howard Park/ Then and Now

Looking south down Roncesvalles from Howard Park during a snowstorm in the winter of 1925.
Howard Park is named after John Howard and was a road that lead to his property now known as High Park.

The same view in 2010

Skyline Restaurant / Parkdale

The Skyline Restaurant in Parkdale is one of my favourite "Diners" in the city.

It has a great neon sign, the interior has lots of period details and it's kept spotless.

Highly recommended: cheeseburger and onion rings (the best in the city) or

open face roast beef sandwich (Mat's favourite).

Even the back room is nice...for a private party.

Dundas and Sorauren/ Then and Now

Dundas Street West looking west across to top of Sorauren Avenue in the
the 1930's. At this time the streetcar tracks had a dedicated side of the bridge as
seen on the left hand side of the photo.A similar view in 1969.
2010.
From the foot of the Dundas bridge looking west across the top of Sorauren in 1936.
A similar vantage point in 2010.
Have you noticed how many ads there are for Sweet Caporal Tobacco?

Cool Motorcycles Around Town

Honda 550/4 from the mid 1970's.

A Honda 550/Four done up as a cafe racer.

Dundas and Landsdowne/Then and Now

Looking east along Dundas Street West from Lansdowne Avenue in 1923.

The old Firehall on the right is long gone and replaced by a small parkette. On the left
St. Helen's Church is waiting for the steeple to be completed.

2010.

Dundas and Lansdowne/Then and Now

Looking west on Dundas Street West across Lansdowne Avenue 1923.

The same view today.