Looking northeast along Front St W from York St in the Financial District of downtown Toronto.
The archive photograph features several establishments arranged from left to right, including Herman Hodge (fruit), A and B Store (confectionery), Canadian Wool Company, E. N. Moyer Company (school furnishings), Williams A. R. Machinery Company, the Queen’s Hotel, the Wilson Building, and Gordon, Mackay & Company (whole dry goods).
Also, notice the billboard in the centre background of the vintage photo promoting the 1926 stage play “Oh, Please.” It featured Beatrice Lillie, a Canadian-born British actress renowned for her contributions as a singer and comedic performer.
Today, the Royal York Hotel occupies this stretch of the block. This grand Chateau-style structure was completed in 1929 and has been recognized as the premier establishment within a series of hotels initially owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 100 Front St W
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: Toronto Public Library
- Toronto City Directory courtesy of Toronto Public Library
