Daniel Hill, July 9, 1985. Image by Al Dunlop, Toronto Star/Toronto Public Library. |
|
Coming soon - A new plaque featuring a civil rights advocate and our Black heritage |
|
With the commemoration of Emancipation Day earlier this week, Heritage Toronto is pleased to announce a new plaque featuring Dr. Daniel G. Hill (1923-2003). A community advocate, writer, and historian, Hill was the first director of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) and later Ontario’s Ombudsman.
Born in Missouri, Hill studied sociology at the University of Toronto. He married American civil rights activist Donna Bender in 1953, and they had three children including musician Dan Hill and writer Lawrence Hill.
In 1962, Hill was appointed head of the OHRC, the first Canadian government agency created to fight racism. Under his leadership, the Commission took the case of a landlord who refused to rent to Black tenants (Bell vs. Ontario) to the Supreme Court of Canada.
As a historian, Hill published The Freedom Seekers: Blacks in Early Canada in 1981 — one of the first history books about Black people in Canada written for the mainstream market. He also co-founded the Ontario Black History Society in 1978.
From 1984 to 1989, Hill served as Ontario’s ombudsman, advocating for government fairness.
Heritage Toronto will install this new plaque in the renamed Dr. Daniel Hill Park in Don Mills this fall.
|
|
Plaque presentation, Horseshoe Tavern, July 26, 2022. |
|
Dave (Bookie) Bookman (1960-2019) |
|
Location: Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen Street West)
|
|
On July 26, we revealed a new plaque that honours radio and concert host Dave Bookman and his lifetime of work promoting and nurturing Canadian indie-rock.
The moving tribute featured remarks from Josie Dye (Indie88) and Ben Kowalewicz (Billy Talent), and performances from Tim Mech, Dave Clark and Sean Hartwell (the Bookmen), Stephen Stanley (Lowest of the Low), and Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay (July Talk).
|
|
The realization of the plaque was made possible by Bookie's friends and colleagues at Indie88 Toronto.
|
|
Tour participants at the Bathhouse Raids mural, June 5, 2022. |
|
START: Barbara Hall Park (519 Church Street) |
|
The Bathhouse Raids was painted by Brazilian artist Christiano De Araujo as part of the Church Street Mural Project leading up to World Pride in 2014. The mural covers a wall of the former Barn & Stables bar, which operated for more than 30 years at 418 Church Street.
Commemorating the 1981 Bathhouse Raids, referred to as “Canada’s Stonewall”, the mural's location is being considered for redevelopment with a new high-rise condo proposal that does not provide for the preservation of the artwork.
Learn more about efforts to strengthen the Church-Wellesley Village today and build the community for the future on this tour.
|
|
August 6 | 3:00 PM
DONATIONS REQUESTED, LOUDSPEAKER TOUR
|
|
|
Pedalling the Parks tour, September 5, 2021. |
|
START: Marilyn Bell Park tennis courts (1389 Lake Shore Boulevard West) |
|
Get on your bike for this exploration of our city’s waterfront heritage. Enjoy a leisurely cycle along the shoreline – experiencing the parks, beaches, and landmarks that span Toronto’s lakeside trails – while learning how Lake Ontario has shaped our city through major moments in our history. |
|
August 7 | 11:00 AM
DONATIONS REQUESTED, LOUDSPEAKER TOUR
|
|
|
This tour was developed with the support of a generous donation by Andrew and Sharon Himel and the Himel Family. |
|
Jolly Miller and Hogg Brothers shop, Yonge Street, 1954. Image by James Salmon, Toronto Star/Toronto Public Library. |
|
START: Mill Street and Old Yonge Street |
|
In 1836, James Hogg built a tavern and store with a post office beside it, later known as the York Mills Hotel. In 1930, the hotel was taken over by Bill Cox, who turned it into an upscale dining and dancing club with a live orchestra and renamed it the Jolly Miller. A favourite among local residents, it closed in 1997, but was renovated and re-opened as the Miller Tavern in 2004.
Learn more about the building and the history of the Hoggs Hollow neighbourhood on this tour.
|
|
August 10 | 6:00 PM
$20 FEE, HEADSET TOUR
|
|
|
Dr. Alexander Augusta (far left) with colleagues from Howard University, 1869-1870. |
|
Dr. Alexander Augusta, one of the first Black physicians in Canada, completed his medical training at Trinity College in the 1850s. After he graduated, Augusta worked as a physician in Toronto, offering medical care to the poor. Part of abolitionist circles both in Canada and the United States, Augusta served as President of the Association for the Education of Coloured People in Canada, which donated books and school supplies to Black children.
More on his story, including how he became the first Black physician in the United States Army, on this tour.
***Last chance to catch the tour this season!
|
|
August 13 | 3:00 PM
DONATIONS REQUESTED, LOUDSPEAKER TOUR
|
|
|
Garden party at St. Cuthbert's Anglican Church, c. 1920. Image: Toronto Public Library |
|
START: Leaside Memorial Community Gardens (1073 Millwood Road) |
|
Stroll through one of Toronto’s first planned communities, inspired by the Garden City movement. Experience Leaside’s growth through its diverse architecture, from 19th century farmhouses to Gothic Revival churches, from Art Moderne apartment buildings to the city’s first strip mall, and delve into local lore including the tale of the Great Housing Lottery of 1939. |
|
August 14 | 11:00 AM
$20 FEE, HEADSET TOUR
|
|
|
Detention cell, Mercer Reformatory, November 6, 1964. Image: Frank Grant, Toronto Star/Toronto Public Library
|
|
START: 1155 King Street West |
|
In June 1948, inmates at Mercer Reformatory came together to protest the mistreatment of a seventeen-year-old woman who was brought to solitary confinement where she was abused by guards. They were also protesting the larger issue of the prison's mistreatment of its female inmates.
From the beginnings of its infamous operations, women confined at Mercer Reformatory were harshly disciplined for small offenses such as bad language and disobedience, which often resulted in increased isolation, and physical, sexual and verbal abuse by the guards. This abuse occurred for years until the prison closed in 1969.
Learn more about these women on this tour.
|
|
August 17 | 6:00 PM
$20 FEE, HEADSET TOUR
|
|
|
This tour was developed with the support of a generous donation by Alex Pike. |
|
Mayor True Davidson with fireman, December 22, 1970. Image by Dave Norris, Toronto Star/Toronto Public Library |
|
START: 387 Donlands Avenue |
|
Gertrude “True” Davidson was the first woman to be elected reeve of East York. Throughout the 1960s, she was staunchly opposed to amalgamation with Toronto, a popular sentiment among East York residents. But East York did merge with Leaside to form the Borough of East York in 1966. Davidson found herself vying for the top job with Beth Nealson, Leaside's first female reeve, and quipped: “The men didn’t want so many women running around in politics and decided to get rid of one lady mayor."
Learn the result of the battle for mayor, and more about Davidson and the history of this Toronto neighbourhood on our tour.
|
|
August 20 | 3:00 PM
DONATIONS REQUESTED, LOUDSPEAKER TOUR
|
|
|
September 7 | 6:00 PM
$20 FEE, HEADSET TOUR
|
|
|
Tour participants at The Ring, July 23, 2022. Image: Ashley Duffus |
|
The Ring, a sculpture designed by Indigenous-owned and operated firm Two Row Architect, is located on Toronto Metropolitan University’s campus. The weathered steel is decorated with perforations depicting animal symbols that represent the Seven Grandparent teachings, which guide behaviour and relationships. The Ring's opening faces east, representing creation and new beginnings; and west, representing knowledge and wisdom.
Learn more about this artwork celebrating Indigenous heritage and community, and others on our new public art tour of Yonge Street.
|
|
August 21 | 11:00 AM
DONATIONS REQUESTED, LOUDSPEAKER TOUR
|
|
|
Tour participants, St. Irene Chrysovalantou Greek Orthodox Church, July 16, 2022. Image: Ashley Duffus |
|
Greektown on the Danforth |
|
START: Pape Subway Station (743 Pape Avenue) |
|
Established in 1975, the unique design of St. Irene Chrysovalantou Greek Orthodox Church is explained by the fact that the building was originally an automobile repair shop. It is the only Greek Orthodox church located in Greektown.
Join us on this tour to learn more about the history of the Greek community along the Danforth during the postwar years.
***Last chance to catch the tour this season!
|
|
August 24 | 6:00 PM
$20 FEE, HEADSET TOUR
|
|
|
Tour participants, Newtonbrook Creek, June 11, 2022. Image: Mike Portt |
|
START: Finch Avenue East and Bayview Avenue |
|
Are you wilting under this summer heat? Here's a thought: a mature tree canopy reduces air temperatures by about 2 to 4%. Join us on this hike where we can both cool down and experience the important natural heritage of a shady Willowdale ravine.
***Last chance to catch the tour this season!
|
|
August 27 | 3:00 PM
$20 FEE, HEADSET TOUR
|
|
|
Tour participants, St. James Cathedral, December 11, 2021. |
|
START: South end of Market Lane Park |
|
Explore the hidden gems of the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood, once the Old Town of York, and connect today’s bustling city with remnants from the past. This walk provides a great introduction to the city for newcomers, with little-known stories for those who already call Toronto home. |
|
August 28 | 11:00 AM
DONATIONS REQUESTED, LOUDSPEAKER TOUR
|
|
|
Tour participants in Chinatown East, July 17, 2022. Image: Ashley Duffus |
|
START: 346 Spadina Avenue |
|
Learn about the Chinatown West neighbourhood – created by the westward relocation of Chinese residents and businesses in the 1960s – by exploring the shops, laneways, and public spaces that have anchored the Chinese community on Spadina Avenue. Now facing intense redevelopment, this walk will trace the countless stories of advocacy reflected in this built landscape, shaped by migration and displacement, and the renewed activism to preserve its cultural heritage.
***Last chance to catch the tour this season!
|
|
August 31 | 6:00 PM
$20 FEE, HEADSET TOUR
|
|
|
This tour was developed and will be led by historian and architecture professor Erica Allen-Kim. |
|
Tour participants near Humber Bay Bridge Arch, July 3, 2022. Image: Ashley Duffus |
|
START: Humber Bridge Parking Lot (1998 Lake Shore Boulevard West) |
|
Join us for a discussion on the Indigenous heritage of T’karonto and Turtle Island, and learn about the inherent rights and intimate relationships of First Nations peoples to these ecosystems. This land-based educational session will be led by a critical Indigenous perspective on the impact of colonialism. |
|
September 3 | 3:00 PM
$20 FEE, HEADSET TOUR
|
|
|
Our 2022 Tours season was made possible by our Presenting Sponsor:
|
|
Celebrate your old home and help it shine! |
|
From the street, does your old home seem to shimmer or shrink under the intense summer heat to passersby? Let it shine by adding instant curb appeal with our Century House Plaque, which brings grand stature to any 100+ year old home.
This elegant address marker also makes a great gift and supports our charity and its work to celebrate the diverse heritage of our city.
|
|
The Oculus, a public washroom structure built in a Toronto park in 1959 was in a serious state of disrepair and in danger of being demolished when fans stepped in to save it - and plaque it. (Globe and Mail) |
|
For Emancipation Day, a quick list of heritage sites that tell the story of the Underground Railroad and Black history in the province. (toronto.com)
|
|
Three Caribbean artists share their insights on the history rooted in this annual celebration. (CBC News)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
