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In 1882, the Ontario Free Libraries Act established public libraries in the province, the first act of its kind in the country. By the turn of the 20th century, several small branches existed in Toronto. In 1903, New York's Carnegie Corporation donated $350,000 for the building of a central reference library as well as three branches in Toronto. A site for the new central library was earmarked for the northwest corner of St. George and College Streets, an important location that was near the University of Toronto and several public structures.

A design competition launched in 1905 was won by well known architect Alfred Chapman in association with architects Wickson and Gregg. Opening in 1909, the new library was designed in the monumental Beaux Arts style. Marked by a grand entrance, large windows, pediments, and several other decorative features, this structure remains one of the great examples of the Beaux Arts style in Toronto. After several major renovations and a heritage designation, the library closed in 1977, succeeded by a new Reference Library at Bloor and Yonge designed by Raymond Moriyama.

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Our photo exhibition of Toronto's industrial buildings has been extended through the month of April!

For more information click here and to learn more about the artists and see additional photographs, visit www.buildingstoreys.com. 

Photo of the Toronto Island Water Filtration Plant by Rick Harris and photo of the R.L. Hearn Generating Station by Olena Sullivan. 

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Born in 1837 in Toronto, Dr. Anderson Ruffin Abbott holds the title of the first Canadian-born black doctor.

The son of wealthy black landowner Wilson Ruffin Abbott, Abbott attended a number of prestigious public and private schools including Ohio's Oberlin College. Not yet twenty, Abbott enrolled at the University of Toronto pursuing Medicine, and at the same time studied under noted black doctor, Alexander Thomas Augusta. Abbott obtained his Bachelor of Medicine in 1857 from the University of Toronto and only three years later obtained a license to practice Medicine from the Medical Board of Upper Canada. In 1863, Abbott was appointed one of just eight black doctors to serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Abbott was one of precious few to stand vigil at the bedside of the dying President Abraham Lincoln. He was later honoured by Mary Todd Lincoln, former wife of the President, with the presentation of a shawl once worn by the President.

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In 1901, the Margaret Eaton School of Expression was established by University of Toronto teacher, Emma Scott Raff. Over the years, this women's academy would gain renown, giving rise to talented women in the dramatic arts and physical education. Early courses included literature, drama, physical culture and rhetoric. Raff's teaching philosophy soon drew the attention of Margaret Eaton, wife of retail magnate, Timothy Eaton. Margaret Eaton financially supported the erection of a home for the newly renamed Margaret Eaton School of Literature and Expression. Built in 1905, the new school building on today's Bay Street soon became a landmark in Toronto. Designed by WR Mead, it resembled a Greek temple, with a short stepped entrance and columns facing the street. In this photo dated shortly after the building's opening, young students stand proudly outside, sporting the uniforms of the day.

During the reconfiguration of Bay Street, the building was demolished. Over the years, the school changed locations, vision and names, eventually amalgamating with the University of Toronto in the early 1940's.

Research by Maya Bilbao

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Located at 700 Queen Street East in Riverdale and was open from 1931-1933. The theatre had one screen and could sit 625 people.

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At Victoria Park Forest School in July 1913.

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Boys cycling across Lakeshore Road bridge at Mimico.

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Early in the last century, athletic and social clubs were established to offer recreational opportunities to Toronto's Jewish young people. In 1919, a number of these clubs joined to form umbrella organizations that developed by 1936 into the Young Men's-Young Women's Hebrew Association (YM-YWHA).

After first decidicated to sport, the YM-YWHA expanded to offer cultural programs and community services, and to serve children and adults as well. Larger facilities were constructed at Bloor and Spadina in 1953 and in North York in 1961. The "Y' was renamed the Jewish Community Centre (JCC) in 1978.

Although primarily a Jewish association, the YM-YWJA weclomed people of all faiths and cultural traditions. Now encompassing the Miles Nadal JCC, the Prosserman JCC (Bathurst-Sheppard area) and the Schwartz-Reisman Centre (York Region), the JCC continues to offer vital centres of community, support, and recreation for all. 

Heritage Toronto will be presenting a plaque on December 3 honouring the YM-YWHA and their legacy.