UrbanToronto has partnered with Heritage Toronto to capture a moment in Toronto's past. On a weekly basis, we will both be highlighting a historic photo of the city's people, places and events, and will be telling the stories behind them.

Many thanks to Derek Boles, of the Toronto Railway Heritage Centre and one of Heritage Toronto's board members, for putting together the photo and research. This week's photo: 

Great Western Station, Image courtesy of Dereck Boles

GREAT WESTERN STATION - 1882 Some books have dated this image from 1866. Judging by the clothing, the bicycle, the street paved with cobblestones, and the fact that cameras and film at that time were simply not capable of capturing the couple in motion strolling down Yonge Street, that date is incorrect. It was probably photographed around the turn of the 20th century and shows the north end of the Great Western station, which before the passenger trains were transferred to Union Station in 1882, included separate waiting rooms for men and women, a telegraph office and a refreshment room. Sources City Toronto Directories, 4th Floor, Toronto Reference Library