Looking west along Queen St W from west of Bathurst St, in the West Queen West and Trinity-Bellwoods neighbourhoods of Toronto.
The archive photo captures the streetscape with people on the sidewalk and in the phone booths. Those phone booths are now a thing of the past, and the wall has been transformed with a vibrant mural created by artist Alley Catz for FoodRama Taqueria Bar, which is currently located in the building. In the old image, the Barn Restaurant sign at 598 Queen St W can be seen, whereas today, Alpha’s Shawarma occupies the storefront.
Also, notice the marquee for the Golden Dragon Theatre at 600 Queen St W in the background of the archive photo. This theatre operated from 1983 to 1987, but prior to that, it was known as the Rosemary Theatre for a few years. Originally, the building was home to the Orpheum Theatre, which opened in the mid-1940s and operated until 1977. Currently, the former theatre houses Home Craft Decor and Toronto Alliance Church. Interestingly, the marquee above the entrance remains intact.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: City of Toronto Archives
- Toronto City Directory courtesy of Toronto Public Library
