Six Points Mystery Mansion

Looking east on Bloor towards Kipling. This grand home was demolished to build the plaza seen below. Thanks to Anonymous for locating this photo.
2010.

More Six Points/Then and Now

More shots from 1956 before Dundas was widened and the Six Points interchange was built (1960)

Six Points/Apache Burger/Then and Now

Another shot from 1956. Mello Ice Cream on the North side of Dundas would soon transform into an Etobicoke institution, Apache Burger.
Today. The original building still stands behind the newer facade.

Six Points Plaza/Then and Now

Six Points Plaza at Kipling in 1956 prior to the widening of Dundas Street. Note how attractive all the signs are.A contemporary view.

Novelty Signs/Kingston Road

This chip wagon is located on Kingston Road east of Whites Road in Pickering. Before the 401 was built, Kingston Road (Hwy 2) was the main thoroughfare travelling east from Toronto.

A shot from the archives circa 1908. Kingston Road.

Queen and University/Then and Now

This is a repeat of an older post but is worth looking at.

Looking north up University from Richmond in the winter of 1935 shortly after University had been extended south of Queen.

2010.
Looking south to Queen in 1927 when University ended here.
Again.
Looking S/E across Queen, 1925.
Looking west along Queen past University 1924.
The area in red reveals the extant that Queen, Richmond, Adelaide, Pearl, King and Wellington were cleared for the extension.
Queen looking west. The cleared area can be seen to the right. Even the buildings that were spared wouldn't last much longer.
2010. The new Opera House.
The south side of Queen between Simcoe and University, 1931.
2010.
And finally, the north side of Queen between Simcoe and University, 1926.
A closer look at this photo reveals the hotel on the right is called the Rex.
The Rex still exists one block west at St. Patrick.
2010 and now home of the Campbell House.

Mike the Headless Chicken

You have to check this one out...

http://www.howtobearetronaut.com/2011/07/mike-the-headless-chicken/

Fabulous Flying Pigeon Vintage Bicycle

A new addition to the fleet. This is a late 1950's Flying Pigeon built in China and according to the previous owner, was purchased at Eaton's in 1958 or 1959. The bike is totally original and virtually unmolested. It weighs close to 100 pounds and has drum brakes. It's more like a small motorcycle than a big bike. It even has the original Flying Pigeon tires.

The original generator still works.

Rod and lever brakes.
Hand pin striped as well.
Still on the lookout for a fender ornament.
For more information on the Flying Pigeon and other Chinese bicycles please visit:
http://www.flyingpigeonproject.org/
New Flying Pigeons are still available and are shipped ready for final assembly.

Route 66 Motel by Josh Heisie

An original painting for a TV Movie by Josh Heisie.

Steeplechase Park, Coney Island

This iconic image (similar to Mad's Alfred E. Neuman) was seen throughout Coney Island's Steeplechase park from 1897 until it was demolished by Donald trump's father in 1964.

For more information click here.

Great Photo/1939 Gordonton, North Carolina

July 1939. Gordonton, North Carolina. 4x5 nitrate negative by Dorothea Lange for the Farm Security Administration.

Colourized by Hillie.

Church and King/Then and Now

This is Why the Sixties Were Cool.

The Clairtone Project G console stereo. Using the inflation calculator, the price today would be approx. $12,000.00. For more information on the Clairetone G series please visit
clairtone.ca

Vintage Signs

A couple of images from an excellent blog about vintage signs, Retro Sign blog.