Looking southeast towards McMaster Hall, today The Royal Conservatory of Music, at 273 Bloor St W in the University of Toronto – St George Campus in downtown Toronto.
Opening in 1881 as the Toronto Baptist College, the school was commonly referred to as McMaster Hall in honour of its founder, Senator William McMaster. Architects Langley, Langley & Burke designed the building in the High Victorian style. In the period leading up to his death in 1887, Senator McMaster developed plans to expand the college’s academic programs to prevent its annexation by the increasingly prominent University of Toronto. He left most of his estate for the establishment of McMaster University, which utilized McMaster Hall until 1930 when it moved to Hamilton.
The U of T acquired the building, and since 1963, it has served as the home of The Royal Conservatory of Music, a highly regarded institution for music education, whose alums include Oscar Peterson and Sarah McLachlan. The building is also a National Historic Site of Canada. It is rumoured to be haunted by the lingering spirit of its founder. Click for the Ghosts of the University of Toronto.
The extension in the centre left foreground of the present-day photo is called Castle Memorial Hall and was completed in 1901. The pillars to its left are the Alexandra Gates, which mark the north entrance to Philosopher’s Walk.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 273 Bloor St W
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: Toronto Public Library
- Toronto City Directory courtesy of Toronto Public Library
