Looking southeast towards the corner of King St E and Church St, in the Old Town, St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto.
The archive photo features the beautiful 3½-storey building once at the corner. According to a newspaper article, the building dated back to the 1850s. The Victorian-era building had a mansard roof with iron cresting, along with arched and triangular pediments above the windows, which had open, stepped bases. It was home to various businesses throughout its years, including James H. Rogers, a hatter & furrier; Gallagher & Co. fruits; A. Clubb & Sons Ltd. cigars; and finally, Darrigo Bros. grocery and fruit.
By 1970, there were calls to demolish the historic buildings along this stretch. Despite protests to save the structure, the corner building was torn down in 1971. In 1973, the neighbouring buildings along King St E were added to the city’s inaugural heritage register.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register
- Heritage Toronto
- Ontario Heritage Trust
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: City of Toronto Archives
- City of Toronto: Maps
- Toronto City Directory courtesy of Toronto Public Library
