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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 both Gary Switzer of MOD Developements and Maya Bilbao for putting together the photos and research.
This week's photo:
Toronto Street
In the 19th century, Toronto Street was among the most prestigious streets in the city. Stretching from King to Adelaide, Toronto Street's importance developed partly due to its unique location. It was adjacent to the elegant shopping district on King Street East and near the commercial and financial district that blossomed around the then city hall at Front and Jarvis. At the north end of Toronto Street were law courts at 57 Adelaide. The first building that we see on the left side is the Seventh Post Office. It was built in 1851-1853 by architects Frederic Cumberland and Thomas Ridout. It was designed in the fashionable Neo-classical style, resembling a Greek temple and featuring Ionic columns, corner piers and an entablature topped with the Royal Arms of England. The building acted as a post office until 1873 and was later occupied by government offices until 1937. Much later it was renovated by Argus Corporation Limited. Next door, with people strolling by, is a unique looking structure known as the Masonic Hall, demolished by 1965. Interestingly, this building was erected as a concert hall by famed piano makers A and S Nordheimer. The architect, William Kauffman designed the structure in the 1850's in a style that he referred to as “Modern Munich.” The exterior featured pronounced vertical lines and a stepped roof that was different from other styles at the time. Soon, the building was home to a variety of Masonic lodges that used the fourth floor assembly rooms as well as a number of reception rooms and vestibules. This building also featured a number of offices and shops on the first, second and third floors. Next door to the Masonic Hall stood the Union Loan and Savings Company building. It was designed in 1876-8 by Langley, Langley & Burke in a High Victorian Gothic style, with features reminiscent of some of Langley's designs for churches. Perhaps its most distinguishable feature was the tower, that was intended to give the building and the company importance on the streetscape. It, too, was demolished in 1914. Barely in view here is the Toronto Union Block built in 1873 as the original home of the Union Loan and Savings Company. At the summit of Toronto Street was the General Post Office, technically Toronto's 8th Post Office. It was designed by Henry Langley in 1873 in the Second Empire style and, for a time, was one of the most renowned structures in the city. It was highly ornate, standing three stories with arched windows, dentils, a clock, and pediment. The front entrance featured columns crowned with the royal arms that are just in view in this photograph. Before it was demolished in 1958, it acted as the main federal office building in the city, and then became known as the Adelaide Street Postal Station.
Sources: http://torontohistory.org/Pages_STU/Toronto_Post_Office.html
