James Victor Salmon, Toronto photographer, 1911-1958

[Lone Primate]

Photo taken in 1960, about at year and a half after the death of James V. Salmon, by his friend Ted Chirnside, another hero of mid-20th century Toronto photography who deserves to be celebrated by us. If I remember correctly, Mrs. Chirnside is the brunette second from the left. James Salmon's daughters and widow are the first, third, and fourth figures. The photo was taken at Black Creek Pioneer Village around the time of its inauguration.

 

[thecharioteer]

Any pics of Mr. Salmon himself?

 

[Lone Primate]

Any pics of Mr. Salmon himself?

Funny you should ask that...

James V. Salmon, from the endpiece of his book.

And, for good measure, the aforementioned Mr. Edward "Ted" S. Chirnside, friend and photographic peer of James Salmon, and also a great benefactor of us via his contribution to the Toronto Public Library.

 

[thecharioteer]

Moss Park Skating Rink, south side of Shuter, east of George, 1955:

Equity Chambers, NE corner Victoria and Adelaide, 1955:

Registry Office, Albert St. between Elizabeth and Chestnut, 1955:

Salvation Army Headquarters, NE corner of Albert and James, 1953, (about to be demolished for Peter Dickinson's now-demolished Headquarters):

Dickinson's building 1956-1998 (pic not by Salmon):

 

[thecharioteer]

Mr. Salmon returned a few times to Adelaide East and the Post Office (Equity Chambers to the left). This shot from 1955 has sunlight illuminating the front facade:

Wellington, west of Yonge, 1955:



The 1845 Commercial Bank of the Midland District:



In BCE Place:

 

[Mustapha]

Thanks to all the contributors to this thread. A great read and resource.

 

[thecharioteer]

Thanks, Mustapha!

An early pic by Mr. Salmon of the 1891 Upper Canada College on Lonsdale, taken in 1939:

And during its demolition in 1958:

 

[Lone Primate]

In BCE Place:

View attachment 12515

Whoa! I'd never realized BCE Place enclosed a street! Astonishing contrast of photos!

 

[thecharioteer]

Whoa! I'd never realized BCE Place enclosed a street! Astonishing contrast of photos!

It didn't. The facade was moved off of Wellington into the Galleria.

 

[RocketAppliances]

Damn. I've been mulling over starting a thread about James Salmon for a while now. I've been a literal follower of his work for years now. Some of the photos here celebrate his work downtown but I think the real glory he left us is the work he did in the north end of town, on the cusp of transition from rural to suburb. These are views that would have been utterly lost to anyone born after about 1950 without his work.

Thanks LP! Great work!

 

[Lone Primate]

It didn't. The facade was moved off of Wellington into the Galleria.

Slightly less astonishing but still pretty cool.

 

[Lone Primate]

Thanks LP! Great work!

Thank YOU, Ricky!

 

[Mustapha]

Thanks LP! Great work!

+1

 

[thecharioteer]

Mr. Salmon was fascinated not only by old buildings but by trains, trucks and all kinds of emergency vehicles. His interests combined in the disastrous fire of St. George the Martyr Anglican Church, on the NE corner of John and Stephanie Streets, just south of Grange Park.

Prologue 1851:

1909:



The fire, 1955:



















Postscript 1956:

 

[k10ery]

You can also see St George the Martyr in the 1856 Panorama: