Geogblog
New Member
Those City Hall gargoyles are still in place. They fell off in 1921.
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Evocative Images of Lost Toronto
- Thread starter LowPolygon
- Start date
Goldie
Senior Member
My information is that ..."in 1938, a 500-lb. chunk of one of the gargoyles fell off, tearing a hole in the roof and landing in the attic. Soon after that, all four gargoyles were removed in the interest of public safety.
Replica gargoyles were installed in 2002."
This info from: http://www.traditionalproductreports.com/roofing-copper.html
Replica gargoyles were installed in 2002."
This info from: http://www.traditionalproductreports.com/roofing-copper.html
Goldie
Senior Member
Gooderham and Worts distillery main building, containing mill, Mashing and Fermenting departments 1918 CTA
Geogblog
New Member
I think the gargoyle drop was in 1921:
A gargoyle is removed from City Hall after dropping its jaw through the city hall roof. Photo of the gargoyle being installed 20 years ago. Head weighs 500 lbs. Jaw dropped 100 ft through the attic and almost killed a city hall worker in the Works Department draughting room. The city architect wants the dozens of gargoyles to be removed now. It was the gargoyle at the NE corner of the tower which fell yesterday. This gargoyle made of New Brunswick sandstone. These seem to be crumbling in the city air. This gargoyle was 250 ft above ground level, one of 4 around the tower (Toronto Star 9 Mar 1921 p. 1).
The Property Commissioner reports that repairs to the stonework are proceeding. The stonework on the gargoyles was very defective and the stone needs to be removed. Recommended for urgent removal by the City Architect and the stone masons consulted. Scott Bros., stone masons reports that the gargoyle on the SW corner is in fair condition, the others on the other corners are in poor shape. Head, neck, paws of gargoyles to be cut away. George Oakley & Son stonemasons finds the gargoyles dangerous, weather worn and liable to fall at any time, danger of loose pieces falling (Toronto City Council Minutes 1921 Appendix A Property #7 8 Apr 1921 p. 530-531).
The city hall gargoyles are in dangerous condition and are to be cut away. Heads and necks are to go, and perhaps the rest (Toronto Star 8 Apr 1921 p. 14).
Goldie
Senior Member
Halfway House - Kingston Rd, at Midland, NW corner, 1910
Update (July 2):
After some restorations, it was moved to Black Creek Pioneer Village in 1966.
Replaced on Kingston Rd. by a brick Post Office which then became a "fitness" centre by 2011.
Update (July 2):
After some restorations, it was moved to Black Creek Pioneer Village in 1966.
Replaced on Kingston Rd. by a brick Post Office which then became a "fitness" centre by 2011.
Last edited:
adma
Superstar
If it was in *that* shape by then, I wonder how it managed to last another 50 years before being moved to Pioneer Village (unless it underwent some kind of rehab/proto-restoration in the interim)
lenaitch
Senior Member
It looks to me that a lot of what is seen is either lens or film distortion. It does seem to sage across its width, which is not uncommon in older buildings because of overspan/undersized beams and joists and inadequate foundation support, but the ridgeline looks flat. Our former 1890s farmhouse sagged to the centre until we put jackposts in, but that didn't mean it wasn't solid.
adma
Superstar
The windows definitely look more "distorted" than they really need to be, which suggests it might be a lens/film thing.
Its 50s state can be seen in some of the photos here--porch gone, and a "new"-looking roof.
Its 50s state can be seen in some of the photos here--porch gone, and a "new"-looking roof.
Goldie
Senior Member
Parlament St. Methodist (United) Church?... This photo may be the church's Ruskin Literary Debating Society TPL
DSC
Superstar
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I note that females were, apparently, not seen to be up to debating (or maybe were all busily making sandwiches while the 'boys' had their photo taken.)
Geogblog
New Member
The Ruskin Debating Society was active in 1904, and possibly at other times. These clubs were rather masculine, and favoured by churches which frowned on alcohol and theatres.
Goldie
Senior Member
Danforth RR Station, at Main St. 1953, now a GO Station
Ex-Montreal Girl
Active Member
And women's equality?
Goldie
Senior Member
Rhodes Ave. Presbyterian (United) Church, (construction of annex) N-W corner Gerrard St. E. at Rhodes Ave. 1909 TPL
nostalgic
Active Member
What a clever idea to have them hold the tools of their trade. Why are so many wearing shirt and tie? Is that what they wore for construction work? Did they dress up for photo day? Maybe it was taken one Sunday after church and they put their overalls and aprons on over their good clothes. Such an interesting photo with creative direction!