Looking northwest along Richmond St W, from east of Bay St, in the Financial District of Toronto.
According to the 1907/08 Toronto City Directory, a few establishments in the archive photo from right to left include Balley & Oben (plasterers), Golden All-Metal Weather Strip Company and Malcom McBain (mercantile).
The 11-story architectural gem in the background is the Temple Building. Considered Toronto’s first skyscraper, it was designed by George W Gouinlock and opened in 1898. Until 1950, the building was the headquarters for the Independent Order of Foresters (IOF), a fraternal society and life insurance company. In 1970, the Temple Building was demolished; however, a fragment of it can still be found today at the Guild Inn Estate. Since 1972, the 32-story office tower, now known as 390 Bay St, has occupied the northwest corner.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: City of Toronto Archives
- City of Toronto: Maps
- Toronto City Directory courtesy of Toronto Public Library
