1950s Toronto

[Mike in TO]

Photo of Toronto in the 1950s:

University & Richmond:

 

[BobBob]

Awesome!

This pic, in particular, amazed me: that corner has exactly the same look and feel 50 years later.

 

[egotrippin]

Awesome!

This pic, in particular, amazed me: that corner has exactly the same look and feel 50 years later.

Completely true, it's amazing how certain areas are so familiar, and so much else has changed drastically. Just looking at the CBD makes me realize how far we've come. At the cost of some spectacular buildings, sadly, but overall this city is getting better and better. All three of these threads are spectacular (despite my voiced lament for the loss of the Reg. building in the '60s).

 

[cruzin4u]

I too have thoroughly enjoyed these threads.

I took notice of that picture as well, mainly because of the 'Slovak Meat Market'. I don't suppose that still exists?

Being that I'm from the former Czechoslovakia, that store struck me as interesting.

 

[adma]

This blows my mind. In the past, I've whimsically suggested that the big orb (the one that's advertised LG et al) on the ad tower NW of Dundas Square needs something more old-school, like the B/A logo (ah, back when gas companies advertised their wares in giant neon all over the place, a la Citgo in Boston)

And it so turns out, that very corner sported a rooftop B/A sign way back when...

 

[CGM]

Great pictures Mike. If it weren't for the Royal York Hotel, I wouldn't have known it was downtown Toronto.
I didn't know the Queens Quay Terminal was that old

 

[adma]

The Terminal Warehouse was built in 1926...

 

[ganjavih]

This blows my mind. In the past, I've whimsically suggested that the big orb (the one that's advertised LG et al) on the ad tower NW of Dundas Square needs something more old-school, like the B/A logo (ah, back when gas companies advertised their wares in giant neon all over the place, a la Citgo in Boston)

And it so turns out, that very corner sported a rooftop B/A sign way back when...

It's sad how much better the quality of signage was back then. The other example of cool signage is the A&A/Sam the Record Man pic in the 60s thread. What happened?

 

[Tewder]

I agree about the signage. I remember Yonge Street in the 70s. It was bright and vibrant at night in a way that is different than today. I also notice the Harbour Commission Building is actually, well on the harbour.

 

[Urban Shocker]

A nice big flashing neon sign or two would certainly bring some zing - and some layering - to the relentless sameness of Yonge-Dundas Square's commercial vulgarity.

 

[Long Island Mike]

Toronto in the 1950s...Good pics!

Mike: Good 50s pics of Toronto! I will mention some:
#1,2-Good Downtown pics-I notice the way the Royal York Hotel stood out along with the original Commerce Court building-I recall reading it once was the tallest building in the British Commonwealth of Nations at one point.
#3-that TFD aerial ladder had a good thought and quite a way to display it!
#8-CPR Steam engine at the old CPR roundhouse-note then-new CPR Budd-built stainless steel cars for their long-distance transcontinental trains-rebuilt and still in VIA service today.
#16-Good TTC Subway outdoor pic.
#17,19-TTC Streetcar pics-which stations are these?
I will also say that the pic mentioned by BobBob is interesting-Where is that location?
Historical pics like these are always good to see! LI MIKE

 

[adma]

I will also say that the pic mentioned by BobBob is interesting-Where is that location?

Queen + Tecumseh/Palmerston