Looking southwest towards the corner of Bay St at Elm St in downtown Toronto.
The archive photo shows the corner building when it was home to the Elm-Bay Restaurant and the New Asia House Hotel, while the neighbouring residence housed Off-Track Betting Services. In the upper left background of the old photo, the Elgin Motors Company’s Used Car Division can also be seen.
This corner building is historically significant as it served as the location for Christ’s Mission Hall and a Dental Institute run by Dr John Adams from 1897 to 1899, when the city closed the institute due to non-payment of taxes. Dr. Adams was a strong advocate for preventive dental health education, promoting dental checkups in public schools and providing free dental treatment for underprivileged children. In 1911, his recommendations were implemented, marking the start of dental checkups in Toronto schools.
The three-storey building, along with several of the adjacent houses, were constructed between 1888 and 1891 and are listed on the city’s heritage registe.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 53 Elm St
- Heritage Toronto: Dr. John G.C. Adams (1839-1922) plaque
- Vintage Photo: City of Toronto Archives
- City of Toronto: Maps
- Toronto City Directory courtesy of Toronto Public Library
