Saturday, April 2, 2011

Peter and Richmond/Then and Now Plus

Looking north up Peter Street across Richmond in the summer of 1949 before the street was widened.
Again in 2010.
A composite of the two.

Diamond in the Rough/Chinatown

This Victorian on Huron Street has clearly seen better days. Despite the ravages of time and some poor modifications it's still very appealing.
It even has some of the original "cresting" above the front window.

Favourite Parkdale House/Now

This is one of my favourite houses in Parkdale. Located on O'Hara it appears to be quite original including the double hung windows. There are very few wood frame houses left in Toronto and with it's close proximity to the original O'Hara estate it's possible that this was built for a family member of Colonel Walter O'Hara in the 1860's or so.
O'Hara's estate was called West Lodge and was situated north of Queen on what is now West Lodge Avenue. The house was demolished by the City of Toronto (then owners) in 1959.

Customized Honda 305 Dream

A nice looking 305 Dream currently for sale on Kijiji.
A similar bike to the Honda 305 Superhawk.
With the Dream both pistons move together, with the Superhawk, they alternate.
A 1967 Honda 305 Superhawk.

Dowling Ave/Then and Now

Dowling Ave. 1910. Postcard courtesy of Chuckman. Note the absence of cars.
Again, this one is difficult to place exactly but here's a modern shot of Dowling looking south towards the lake.

Howard Park/Then and Now

Another vintage postcard from Chuckman's. Howard Park looking west from Roncesvalles circa 1912.
A current view.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Roncesvalles and Ritchie /Then and Now

Another postcard from Chuckman's. I can't seen to place this church on Roncesvalles...
This could be the now shot looking south down Roncesvalles past Ritchie Street in 2010.
This photo dated 2000 is from the OMDC site and could be the demolished church.
There's a good series of the Church (St. Judes Anglican Church and Parish Hall) as it was being demolished here. Thanks to Mark and Mike for their help.
The corner stone......

Roncesvalles and Grenadier/Then and Now

An early postcard of the S/E corner of Roncesvalles and Grenadier.
2010 and the construction continues to this day!!

Friday, March 25, 2011

A Silly Photo/1936

What is there to say....
This young lady is promoting fishing licences along the Lakeshore sometime in the 1930's.

Carlaw and Danforth/Then and Now

A very detailed photo from 1934. Looking north across the S/E corner of Carlaw and Danforth.
The Sunkist fruit Market, which I believe, was still there a few years ago...
2010.

Carlaw and Queen/Then and Now

Looking north on Carlaw north of Queen in 1948 prior to the street being widened.
2010.

Carlaw and Gerrard/Then and Now

Looking north on Carlaw towards Gerrard in 1930.
A similar view in 2010.
A composite.

Pape and Gerrard/Then and Now


Pape and Danforth/Then and Now

The N/W corner of Pape and Danforth in 1919.
2010 and this building's managed to survive.


Pape and Dundas/Then and Now

The S/W corner of Pape and Dundas in 1951 prior to the widening of the street.
2010 and the corner store is gone as well as half of the semi to the south.

The Simcoe Hotel/Then and Now

The old Simcoe Hotel on Eastern Ave at Eastern and Morse.
2011 and the old hotel has been re-purposed as a townhouse complex.
A composite.

Halfway House Inn/Then and Now


Half Way House Inn 1849
Original Location: Scarborough, Ontario (Kingston Road and Midland Ave.)

This Georgian, two storey building is equipped with a single storey kitchen tail and shed extension. Alexander Thompson built the Half Way House in the years 1847 - 1848. The building is representative of pre-confederation taverns that were known in Southern Ontario. The Half Way House originally served as a resting place for stage coach passengers making the trip between Dunbarton, Pickering and Toronto. Over the years the Half Way House served as a hotel, an apartment building and later as a store. In 1966 this frame built Ontario classic was moved to Black Creek Pioneer Village. The building required extensive restoration and reconstruction back to its original function and form. The kitchen was reconstructed based on structural evidence and archival documents. A modern restaurant facility was introduced to the basement.
The restored Halfway House now relocated to Blackcreek Pioneer Village.


Thursday, March 24, 2011

Avenue and Davenport/Then and Now

The S/W corner of Avenue Road and Davenport in the early 1960's. A good example of a converted house and corner drug store. Note the Loblaws to the left.
2010 and not too much has changed.
This recent photo reveals the painted over Tamblyn sign on the north face of the building as well as the filled in round windows.
The west side a little further south.
2010.

KIng Street West/Then and Now

From 1925, this elegant apartment building is under construction on King Street at Beaty Avenue. At the time living in an apartment was considered quite grand.
2010.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Tasty Restaurant on Eastern Ave.

The Tasty Restaurant at Eastern and Booth has been closed for as long as I can remember. But the old sign remains along with some very valuable Coke discs..
These Coke button signs sell for $700-$800 depending on condition.