News from the Archives v05-2

Albert Fulton’s News from the Archives Newsletter Collection

News from the Archives v05-2

  • Created by: Albert Fulton
  • Date: 1996-06-01
  • Provenance: Collected by members of Toronto Island Connections group, scanned by Edward English, OCR by Eric Zhelka, PDF by Eric Light
  • Notes: v05-2


Vol 5 No 2 June 1, 1996 One Dollar
A BROADER PURVIEW
month the RCYC will be hosting a reunion for past and present members who have lived on Island. The Archives have been invited to participate, copies of this newsletter win available for the visitors. Hence several In issue are not on the usual Algonquin theme.
THE CHURCH OF ST. ANDREW·BY·THE·LAKE
The underwent extensive renovations in 1983·84 the of architect Macy DuBois. Mr DuBois kindly loaned before-and-after negatives to Graham Mudge, and about 75 of these have been printed and added to the Archives’ church history major maintenance work 1984 is currently underway volunteer labour under Graham’s guidance. If you would like to make a contribution toward the cost of materials (tax deductible, of course), please call Rick Temporale at (416) 203-0804.
was built in 1884 for $2000, with Islander Arthur Denison as architect. faced the lake at 388 Lake Shore, on the corner of Cherokee Ave. The Rectory, next door at 390, was Archbishop Arthur Sweatman’s gingerbread cottage with a tower, which was christened Happy-Go Lucky. It was also by architect Denison, as was the similar Emmanuel Anglican Church at Hanlan’s Point. Photos and descriptions of charming buildings are in Archives. In 1959 St Andrew’s rectory was demolished, and church was cut in two and moved to its present location.
Following is an excerpt a piece written by John Robertson the Evening Telegram shortly after the church was built.
It seems strange that a person should go away from Toronto in order to go to church, and yet that was the writer’s duty in order to place before his readers an authentic description of a church that, while not in the city proper, still has a place among the city churches. On the southern side of the Island, Mead’s and Hanlan’s Point is St. Andrew’s
To this church the on the ferry boat from Church street one Sunday afternoon at o’clock. streets of city were comparatively deserted, but the boats leaving for the Island were crowded as they always are on Sunday.
The people aboard were, so far as one tell their appearance, conversation and manner, of the working some of passengers the little steamer puffed her way to where she arrived ten minutes later. [Mead’s Hotel at Centre Island, with its 1000′ dock extending north through the marsh., was demolished in 1887-88.J Here Roman Catholic got aboard in order to attend vespers in city, the deliberately strolled
the narrow walk to the of persons who had come over with coach and luncheon to spend a day inhaling the pure, fresh lake They were spread out on the grass in regardless of appearances, and yet not a single harmful word or a single wrong action was observed. Officer No. 46 was patrolling that part of the Island, but beyond caution as to crowding and hurrying on the boat had nothing to do.
campers, in tent and cottage, were fully enjoying the beauty of the day, and abandoned themselves to that enjoyment with an enviable freedom. many were about the lagoons, or allowing the boat to it while the rower watched the waters. the upon which a surf was beating, little bare-foot children, and some not so little, were gaily wading and merrily running from the white horses that seemed almost lifelike in their play. Across the waters and rising above the boom of the surf, came the monotonous and doleful ring of the bell from the swaying buoy, just beyond which a little steam launch was pertly along. White wings glistened dearly against the dark blue of the waters out on the and take it altogether it was an day the shore.
little church was at 4 o’clock and a seat in the last pew afforded the writer good vantage ground from which to make observations. The ftrst thing noticeable was the unconventional style of dress characterizing many persons
ALGONQUIN ISLAND ARCHIVES c/o Albert Fultou 5 Ojibway Ave Toronto MSJ 2C9 (416) 203-0921 or 537-5006
the latest fashions were not seen. One lady had on a magnificent black silk tastily and richly decorated; she came late. The others were plainly, but very neatly, and, under the dressed. The young ladies foreswore those villainous that disturb a man’s and in church as well as at the theatre, and wore pretty plain straw low-crowned hats tastily trimmed. The white dresses brought out the brownness of the complexion very dearly; low shoes were the rule. Young men, both in the choir and among the congregation, wore yachting costumes. It was a new and strange sort of surplice, but since “it is the thing to doN let it be done–no matter about the taste. Several geIIUeme:n were there without coats, and they were envied by the writer. Perhaps the most picturesque of the congregation were the little fellows jauntily dressed in sailor’s costume. This of dress, taken with the furnished chapel, the open windows, which breezes came laden with vigour and health, the sound of the surf on the shore and the gay laughter of little playing on the sand made the room pleasant, cool, airy and bright.
The church was well filled; it will seat 210, and 180 were present, counting the children, and there were very many little children–nice, well-behaved children. The choir consisted of a lady organist, four young lady and three young men. The service was the usual Church of which for dignity and beauty and the revival of pure It:t:llll!~ and elevating is only by the SaDIe Catholic service and The people all took part, and the singing and responses were hearty, enjoyable and Three hymns were sung in COImeCU()D
the service, and a twenty-five minutes’ sermon was preached by the Rev. Prof. Boys, of Trinity College, who also had read prayers and lessons …
The building is a rough-coated frame one, built upon piles, in English Gothic and is a neat and attractive structure, though no to any ornamentation of an elaborate character. The gable faces the lake on the south, and a little vestry forms an L on the west. A from the but contains no It is topped with a finial of S1. Andrew’s cross. The roof is painted red, and the outside is stuccoed in block squares. A little porch, COlltaJiIll11g two seats, admits through the only doors; above it is a small Maltese cross. There are five buttresses, painted chocolate colour. Upon the it is a rather building, taln.,.pe!>T'”n{‘pe
Floors are marboleum. There is
to the school as a
has been installed and an “‘H’ …. ‘ … ‘l …
by AI Schoenborn (622 Lakeshore, 13 Ojibway)
FIREBALL
taken shortly after its COInpJle Archives.
The commission unusual clock was awarded to who graduated from Ontario College in 1989. From Ontario Craft, by Deena Waisberg: Peteran designed a clock with cast-bronze, picture-book numbers. Four human faces stand in the 3, 6, 9, and 12 a bell, a candle, a pair of dice, and a are among the characters that fill other positions. The gold-Ieaf-on-aluminum hands are shaped like a lightning bolt a trident. The Mother Goose effect invites you in but, as Peter an says, II once there, it’s fairly evil.” The lightning that crosses the trident represents fire and water in conflict–the arena in do battle. The dice to the chance take with Without resorting to
to destroy human life.
SUNFISH CUT
The channel is about to removed, and if you encounter know their location
markers is presently about 4’ Debris has been au,~,u ….. “. etc on the bottom after a storm) let me TI”1″””’II”” pronto. Please slow, both for the safety
of your motor and so that wake does not wash more sand Certain boaters have been observed creating wake in the lagoon. This erodes and can damage the vessels of the Omaha ~”””””””‘F”. Association and their docks. Please
WESTERN GAP BRIDGE
From the QCYC Clipper, March 1996, by Commodore David Hall:
It appears that the project is a go, and we will have a bridge across the Western gap by the of 1997. An environmental assessment is currently to the start of construction. The Western gap is currently 4O(Y wide. The proposed bridge structure will two fixed portions 140′ wide, one on either gap, and an opening section 120′ wide in the middle. when the bridge is closed will middle is expected to be open 65% of the boating season.
ISIAND IN THE MAGAZINES
From the April issue of Toronto Historical Board: Experts
about the future of Toronto Island and landmarks (April 18) as series that examines development on Toronto’s architectural
about any threats to our talk was actually about the new Island Rollin Stanley and Elyse the audience with a scaled-back “””,.,,’1″ …. slide show which they twice at the AlA Clubhouse last summer and fall. common question afterwards was, “How can I buy one of those cottages?” Great Ideas for the a book produced by Canadian Magazine, offers 4 Third and for front gardens. The June edition of National Geographic contains a 20-page Toronto, including an Island photo and an account a visit with plumber and sculptor Bruce ……. .,. ….. Usually available only by subscription, this can be picked up at local U. ……. F.Q.LLl ……
premier issue Toronto Gardens features beautiful work by the well~known photographer John who also wrote text, in a 4-page piece about whimsical artifacts in a dozen Island last summer. current edition of Canadian Gardening contains an impressive large photo of 4 Each of these can be examined at Archives.
FRANKLAND SCHOOL VISIT
On May 21 Archer brought her Grade 4 to the Island one stop a of neighbourhoods which her students have been investigating. The following folks kindly permitted class to their unique properties answered Gertie Weinhart, Robertson, Sandy Wood & Don Darroch, Ken Randall, Jerry and Marilyn McHugh. The Sesame Street aficionados were especially intrigued by Marilyn’s houseboat, which they toured in groups 6, as Marilyn was visited by Sesame Street team in February and will appear on program October. The Archives attempt to secure a tape.
LAKESIDE TALES, May 24, at the AlA
Once Doreen Hamilton organized an enjoyable evening story feature presentation was a slide show about the history and restoration of the Ned Hanlan conducted by Summers, Curator at the Marine Museum. description of this project appeared in the March 1, 1996 of newsletter. At the conclusion of John’s talk, Bill Roedde presented the Marine Museum with a substantial mast cleat which he had retrieved from the Baltic Belle after
demise, along an by Len Barnett about the history of this ship had appeared in the March 1, 1994 issue of newsletter. After a long career following her construction in Sweden in 1917, the of 44’ lie on the bottom of the lagoon, just west of the Sea Hawks, and can seen on a still day as you canoe over her final resting place.
John opened with a slide of a painting of the Hanlan by John H Matthews which appeared in the annual Marine art exhibition sale summer. It’s a beautiful rendition, but it was not among the 3 prize winners. Second prize was captured by Laurie Jones her “Three Sisters”. This fine painting is owned by collector Klaus who kindly loaned it for display the Snug Bar at QCYC. Several of Laurie’s other paintings of lake freighters were hanging for the story evening, as was an excellent 3~panel display of memorabilia mounted by Adam Adam’s interesting exhibit may be viewed at Archives on Sundays in June if you did not get a chance to “””‘,”UAU’U,,”, it detaiL Please advise Adam if you come across ferry or TIC memorabilia.
Nautical were spun by Kidd, who had arranged for the slide show and who also acted as MC, Joan McDonald, Roedde, and myself, and a musical was provided by Courtney Westcott, playing one of Noy’s hand-crafted baroque wooden flutes, which he had copied from an instrument made in Germany about 1720. Summers was also interested in hearing about
Noy’s hand-crafted wooden iceboat, which copied from century plans. John was instrumental having the iceboat Silver Heels, sailed by Swalwell (10 Hooper, 11 Ojibway), restored and exhibited at the Marine Museum. Courtney used one of flutes in a CD with 5 other musicians November titled ‘Mozart Mannheim’, with cover art by Randall.
Audiotapes of this and the previous evenings are in the Archives.
ARCHIVAL ACTIVITIES
In April 1993 the Archives mounted an 8-day exhibition of photography, the Island quilts, and other memorabilia. Included in the display were about 30 albums binders (a popular magazine photo showed Fred Gaysek with hair!). A flood new materials arrived and immediately after the exhibition, and the has steady then. photo albums have been updated as pictures came in, but the clippings binders have not been added to until As a result
the number of pages more than doubled, and are now ready for
numerous kind folks provided extra materials.
round on Sunday afternoons from at other by
1-“1-“,.,.. ………. ‘……… There is no charge, photocopies are provided a modest fee. Copies of photographs, subject to copyright restrictions, are available, preferably on a basis, but may be purchased. issues of this are available for $1 each.
HELPWANTED
Frequently asked by visitors are, “When was my house built, by whom?” Also: “In this that kid across street one around the I can’t remember their names.” These are to answer if the is on Algonquin, as I compiled a directory from
assessment rolls, voters lists, the Island books, IPS other sources. ‘UHllU’~” who lived in 31 houses floated over the Western in 1938 are also and individual lists occupants for each have been printed. directory is constantly updated as visitors names of children, house sitters, shed dwellers, etc. However,
more people have lived on Ward’s than on Algonquin, I more questions about Ward’s house The telephone books, by TIRA in 1973 are very useful, as are the WIA annual membership but the latter, course, don’t give the names of non-members, the voters lists are What is is someone with and a basic computer (maybe a semi-retiree to use the assessment rolls to a directory for Ward’s, or part of Ward’s, or the It is not a difficult but it is time Dean a list for the Lake homes from #42 to from the assessment roll, and he amleu other sources. very useful list is consulted by
reminiscing about happy days of long ago. Thank you, Peter. anyone else has the and the inclination to help out, I’ll show you how to do it!
RECENT ACQUISITIONS
The Cridlands the Pitchers to deposit copies of QCYC and RCYC which are kept on both Clipper and Kwasind frequently contain interesting historical..,.”‘,,, ….. ,,. Bregman a batch of the mostly Krzyzanowski deposited recent and ephemera. John McLarty dropped a Toronto article from 1944 about the wreck of Toronto near Island lighthouse in 1. John’s friend Howes would like to up what’s left of the Toronto and present it to the Marine Museum. asked the Archives to help locate the ship. clues? Irene Osborn donated 6 local history books, including Ontario, 1969, which contains photography by Paul Rockett (5 Ojibway) and writing by Bruce whose white cottage nestled among poplars by the Eastern History of the Toronto Islands, 1972, an 64-page book produced by the IPS Exploring Toronto, which an Island section by Roger duToit(4 Celebrate 1984, with by Kathleen (14 Nottawa) and Helen (16 Oneida). David Pitcher donated a record of composed and performed by Jones. Lome, wife Patti Perdue and family at 3 Seneca in the Vivian Pitcher photos of the by the docks at taken last winter by and John Key. of tree damage by near the RCYC are also in the Archives. Anyone got a picture of the red fox which has recently been visiting Algonquin? Lu Schoenborn deposited her correspondence with various politicians from the ’60s to the ’80s, and a thick other materials to the long to Save Island Homes. also donated 4 Centre Islander from 1955. Annie Szamosi donated a copy of issue of
10 days it hit the Ruth Tytler donated 3 recent books, including Nonn Abram ~ New by on the TV ()ld House
about the 4-year process which he his wife and built their own home. Ruth asked that this book loaned to anyone who is contemplating building a new Island home. Kay Walker donated proclaiming Island Return Island Homes, and We Saved … .,”u …… Homes, all bearing Ray ubiquitous logo which designed in Earl Wilson …. Ul1Q.L … , …. a Globe Mail photo of 14, 1974 about the fire which destroyed 9 11 Second and badly scorched Earl’s house. fire began the oil heater at #9 blew Adam Zhelka dropped off recent clippings and ephemera, including an excellent 8-page photo article about the development of Harbourfront Canadian Geographic, December 1983. All of materials
appreciated, and they may viewed during the regular Archives open houses on Sunday am~rnC)01JLS. Please let me know if I have omitted any contributio1JlS since March 1.
CORRECTION
In March 1 Robert Sward’s e-mail address was incorrectly stated. It is [email protected] and his Internet is http://www.cruzio.com/..”.scva/rsward/html. Robert is revising his 1983 book The Toronto Islands for a new printing, and he would to hear from interested Islanders.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
Herb Harbourfront, June noon till 6. Krzyzanowski will be back at booth will a talk demo1JlStration of her natural dye techniques. She will also be conducting workshops at Omaha on June 21,22,23. Sandy recently work on CIUT-FM; an audiotape is Archives.
Kilbourn Memorial Lecture, Winter Garden Theatre, June 12, 7 pm. Robert Fulford (formerly of 10 Lakeshore) will the speaker at the first lecture memory of William Kilbourn (formerly of 1 and 9 Andrew’s). The topic: Invention Toronto–A Defined by
. Tickets are free and can be obtained from the Toronto Historical Board at 205 Yonge St. Davey & Regis 15 St St (west Yonge, south Bloor), until 15. M-F 9-5, 11-4. Exhibition of painting and sculpture by Michael Davey, Dudley Davey, and Delwyn
The Governor’s Canoe. “Relive history while to paddle Governor’s a 34′ replica Montreal Canoe Canada’s trade. You will explore the history, customs, folklore and the voyageurs while paddling through Toronto’s island archipelago with your guide Elliott. Twilight paddle includes a hearty voyageur dinner.” canoe departs from the Harbourfront Nautical Centre at 10, 5:30 on Prices are $ to $35 depending on time meal. will the canoe to the Island for private charters. He can be through Harbourfront at 203-2277 or by at 336-0218.
Toronto Historical Board, Thursday noontime lectures,
July 11: The Story: 75 of Public Transit, by
August 1: The Freemaso1JlS of Toronto, by Ed Ralph, Masonic Historian. Charles & Moon (15 have recently taken over Masonic Temple at Yonge Davenport they have opened the rooms for public events. Photos these exotic enclaves are in Archives. Moo1JlS will holding a sale of contents at within next couple of weeks. Ask or watch the newspapers time of Charles’ grandfather, John Moon, was in the Island Athletic Association at Centre and chairman of Island Social Club. A complete list of THB noon topics, as as schedules the THB ROM tours, are available the
USTER ~D NINA WARD: From ~ Centre Is~, August 30, 1946:
u,ed to iceboat commercial1\’, ‘j’u- pve h’ 1m t e h cartage and contract-I
!”I·llto was celeiJrated for ii, icc- . b ‘ I I 2 I” .atlll,.:’ alld he hacl tllree or f(‘llr wi usmess. n 94 Frank,E, died , and Bus and his wife and mother
boat”. the “Yankee Dooelle” h” illl-! car~icd (‘n until the fall of 1943.
the laqo(e”t on the Bay, He charged Mrs. Frank E. Ward managrci t L,.’
25c.: a sail. rooms, while Bus and his wife ran J:~
When \Villiam Ward die.1 hi, the refreshments-the store was a
estate sold his Ward’s lsla.nd prUjI- separate entity, under a differeut
erty to the City. He had owned I lease from the ‘ City. Leases ran
from the hotel to Willow Avenue ‘ for three years and were by tender,
a,ncl frolll the b~wling green to the / In 1943 when the City refused to
I ,ay – I he howhng green was the I renovate the building, Bus “pulled
appl e orchard. Frank E .. rented the 1/ out-:-we couldn’t make any money
hotel frulII th,e City in 1937, while I .. .. and we Jtill can’t I”
13u” was. vartously, a lifeguard at I They dickered with Mrs. Watt
t~le old Free Bathing Station at the !or her coffee ‘hop and purchased
Eastern Gap (the old “Luella” lI:.”;’:~’ ,··Unplanned” vis and his crew and on Friday
. He’ ;cbarged that ‘ Metro’Sj nights it was Tommy Hunter
and his crew.” par~. ‘pevelopme~t was “~n.
pl&JUJed.” ) , ‘ ,’ . :,
Bus & Nina’s home at 8 Omaha, the first house on Algonquin, was featured in a Globe & Mail article of April 12, 1938:
Algonquin Island, known for years as the uninhabited Sunfish Island, will this summer be the locale of a thriving new colony. Restrictions on the island have now been lifted, and among the first settlers will be the Hanlan’s Point residents who were forced to give up their homesites in order to make way for the Island airport development. The Hanlan’s Point cottages will be transported to the new colony on a scow provided for the settlers by the Board of Control. Left, shows the first cottage leaving yesterday for Algonquin Island. Frank Ward Sr. of Ward’s Island and two helpers are shown at right as they loaded the cottage on the scow [using a hand
cranked winch with two handles 1.
Nina’s customers from the CBC were occupying the former elegant Pierce-Arrow showroom at Y onge and Marlborough. Its latest incarnation is a garish new outlet for the Business Depot. The house at 168 Cibola became the Philpot home where Julie Philpot Whitfield (5 Third) spent her early years.
Alan Wood, who wrote the Centre Islander article, and his wife Vera lived at 232 Lake Shore, next door to his uncle Percy Robertson at 234. Mr Wood was an insurance agent in his uncle’s business, and Peggy Russell (262 Lake Shore) was Mr Wood’s bookkeeper and later secretary-treasurer of the Percy Robertson Company. Peggy and her husband Fred later moved to 4 Oneida and then to 31 Seneca, where Peggy lived until 1993.
IN MEMORIAM
WARD, Nina Sandra – (Former owner of Ward’s CoHee Shop on Centre Island, Toronto, and Ward’s Restaurant, 1116 yonge St., Toronto) Peacefully In her 88th year at the Versa Care Centre, Toronto on Thursday, March 7, 1996. NIna, dearly loved wife of the late Earl (Buster) Ward. Cherished mother and mother·ln-Iaw of sandra Barnes and Frank and his wife Corolyn Ward. Dear grandmother of Laura, Karen, Amy, and great-9randmother of Michelle, I
Emily, Chris line, . Rylan, and Nolan . . Great-9randmother to Stefan. Sadly missed by her i sister Olive Richmond. Friends may coli at the : TRULL FUNERAL HOME • “EAST TORONTO , CHAPEL”, 1111 Danforth Ave. (one block east of : Donlands subway) on saturday from 2-.4 and 7·9
p.m. Complete Service In the Chapel on Sunday at 1 o’clock. Private cremation. By request, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario in memory of Nina and Buster.
McCRONE, Eric John – Died in his home on
April 1, 1996. Beloved life partner of Paula
Mae Ponesse; son of Lorraine McCrone;
brother of Sharon and Sandra; and uncle of
the Velke boys. A friend and colleague to
many–deeply loved and highly respected by
all who knew him. Predeceased by father,
John Lesley McCrone and grandparents
Joseph John and Annie Harrod. Service at St.
Andrew-by-the-Lake on Toronto Island on • FOWL/E, John Edwin – At his home on-TUesday,~April 3 at 1700 followed by a celebration of ‘ April 2, 1996, John Edwin Fowlle, aged 67 years: Eric’s life atthe Algonquin Island Association I ,Beloved .husband of Jill Fowlle. Dear father ~IClubhouse at 1800. Walking procession . Janice, Jennifer, James, Jeremy, Jock, Mark a I commencing at 1620 at the Algonquin Island I Brenda. Loving grandfather of Jeremy, Joel, Kat II and Isaac. Dear brother of Lillian Leggatl bridge. Ferries leaving at the foot of Bay ‘Visitation at THE NORTHCUn ELLlOq! Street at 1400 and 1600, water taxi i FUNERAL HOME, 53 Division SI. N~ available at 203-TAXI. In memorium, practice I Bowmanville, 7.9 p.m. Thursday. Private famllt random acts of kindness and senseless acts i service In our chapel Friday. Cremation. MemorlQl of beauty. Donations as desired to the cause donations may be made to the Victorian Order df of your choice. Nurses or c

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