Sad Day at Yonge and Gould/Then and Now

The S/E corner of Yonge and Gould in 1950 when this building (1888) was the Edison Hotel.
Formerly known as the Empress Hotel.
Before the wall collapse.
After the collapse.

By 2010 the building was empty due to a collapse of the north wall a year earlier. Although designated a historical site no repairs were made.
On January 2, 2011 a devastating fire that started early in the morning destroyed what was left of the structure and now there is absolutely no chance to restore this Designated Historical Site..
A convenient way to get around a demolition permit.
Jane Jacobs would be very disappointed....
Jane Jacobs.

Queen and Peter/Then and Now

Looking south on Peter from Queen in 1949. Note the restaurant on the left is the Peter Pan Lunch.

2011 and the Peter Pan is still there. Could this be Toronto's oldest restaurant?
The Senator on Victoria since 1948 claims to be the oldest.

Bladerunner/Then and Now

Bladerunner predicted this future in 1980.

The Future has arrived.
Dundas Square 2011

Yonge and Dundas/Then, Then and Now

The S/W corner of Yonge and Dundas 1952.

The same corner in the mid 1970's before the entire block(s) was demolished.
A similar view in 2011.

Yonge and Dundas/Then

Looking at the S/W corner of Yonge and Dundas in 1952 during subway construction. Everything you see in this photo is gone and replaced by the Eaton Centre.

The N/E corner in front of the Brown Derby. The subway entrance is under construction and the Bank in the background can be seen in the previous post.The curved facade of the bank is the only piece of this entire intersection that remains.

Yonge and Edward 1950

Continuing up the west side of Yonge at Edward in 1950.

The block north of Edward.
The full block. Click on image to see better.

Yonge and Dundas 1950

Yonge Street looking north from Dundas in 1951.
The N/W corner.
The west side block of Yonge from Dundas to Edwards.
Click on image for a better view.
Prior to the construction of the Yonge subway line the city photographed the stores along Yonge to asses any damage claims that might be caused from the build.
This photo has been stitched together form several in the archive.
I wonder what clothes were sold at Coward Clothes...yellow perhaps?

Dundas and Roncesvalles/Then and Now

Looking north on Roncesvalles as it meets Dundas around 1910.
One hundred years later.

Silver Rail Revisited

The Silver Rail Tavern and Restaurant was located at the N/E corner of Yonge and Shuter and closed in 1997.

Another postcard from Chuckman's collection showing the restaurant that was located in the basement. There are several other postings on this site about the Silver Rail. Use the search box to find.

I was there the night it closed and was one of the last to leave. I also managed to buy two of the wall sconces the next week at the fixture sale.
1980's.

Yonge Street in the 70's

We can date these photos by the films that are playing at the theatres.
At the Downtown, Dr. Phibes Rises Again starring Vincent Price, 1972.
This theatre was built 1n 1948 and closed in 1972. The Dundas Square building now occupies the site.

The Godfather, 1972. This was the last film to be shown at the Imperial before it was converted to a Multiplex.

The Elgin's marquee says closed for renovations.....
There's an excellent article on the Yonge Street strip here at Silent Toronto.
A great postcard from Chuckman's showing the strip at night. Chuckman's Postcard Collection is a fantastic online resourse.
Another great postcard from Chuckman's, Yonge looking south from Gould, late 60's.
This block opposite Shuter will soon be demolished to make room for the new Eaton Center.
That's the Mason Riech Building in the center.
An ad from 1914.
An ad for the Imperial from 1945.
Lauren Bacall was only 17 when she made this film.

Spadina and Dundas/Then and Now

The N/W corner of Spadina and Dundas as seen in Feb. 1911. At this time, this portion of Dundas Street was called St. Patrick Street.

One hundred years later.......
On this fire insurance map (1910) you can see St. Patrick Street labeled.

Bay and Edwards/Then and Now

The S/E corner of Bay and Edwards in 1923.
Note the billboard for Sellers Gough Furs. This company is still in business with a shop in Yorkville.

A few changes here....

Yonge and Edward/Then and Now

Looking west along Edward from Yonge 1952. The Olympia Bowling alley is now the World's Biggest Book Store. The Moffat stove on the billboard is the same stove we have in our house.
2010.
Built to last.