Looking south on Leader Ln from Colborne Ln towards Wellington St E and Front St E, in the St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto.
The archive photo shows Graf Bobby Café Restaurant Tavern, which specialized in Austrian cuisine, in the building in the left foreground. Constructed in 1855, this heritage-designated building at 36-40 Wellington St E was designed by architect John G. Howard. Today, it is home to Playa Cabana.
The vintage photo also shows part of the Perkins Block, built circa 1860, in the centre, and the St Lawrence Centre for the Arts on the right. Both of these buildings stand today. The parking lot visible in the right foreground has since been replaced by an office tower.
Leader Lane was named after The Leader newspaper that was once located in a building at the southwest corner of King St E and Leader Lane.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 43 Front St E
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 36-40 Wellington St E
- 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
