culture
A Gardens Gallery
Shoppers join sermons, Shakespeare, singers, and skaters as part of the eclectic history of Maple Leaf Gardens.
Sketch of Maple Leaf Gardens as it was first unveiled in the press. The Telegram, March 5, 1931.
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- Construction of Maple Leaf Gardens began in July 1931 and proceeded rapidly in order to be ready for the 1931/32 hockey season. Over 1,200 labourers, 750,000 bricks, and 77,500 bags of concrete were used to build the arena.
- Sketch of Maple Leaf Gardens as it was first unveiled in the press. The <i>Telegram</i>, March 5, 1931.
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- Sketch of Maple Leaf Gardens as it was first unveiled in the press. The Telegram, March 5, 1931.
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- Over 13,000 people attended opening night on November 12, 1931. Maple Leaf Gardens president J.P. Bickell hoped that the arena would “be regarded as a civic institution, rather than a commercial venture, because its object is to foster and promote the healthy recreation of the people of this British and sport-loving city.” Unfortunately, the Maple Leafs lost to the Chicago Black Hawks 2-1.
- Opening-night ceremonies at Maple Leaf Gardens. The <i>Mail and Empire</i>, November 11, 1931.
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- Opening-night ceremonies at Maple Leaf Gardens. The Mail and Empire, November 11, 1931.
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- Among those who kept offices in the Gardens was <a href="http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=p197502&type=Player&page=bio&list=">Irvine “Ace” Bailey</a>, who was one of the Maple Leafs top forwards until he was nearly killed by a vicious hit from Boston Bruin Eddie Shore in December 1933. Though unable to resume his playing career, Bailey went on serve two stints as the University of Toronto’s hockey coach and worked as a timekeeper at the Gardens until 1984.
- Irvine "Ace" Bailey of the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club, in his office, 1960s. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 2370.
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- Irvine “Ace” Bailey of the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club, in his office, 1960s. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 2370.
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- Seven days after the first hockey game, pro wrestling made its debut at the Gardens. A crowd of over 15,000 watched <a href="http://greekodyssey.typepad.com/my_greek_odyssey/2008/01/jim-londos-the.html">Jim Londos</a> defeat Gino Garibaldi on November 19, 1931. The match was promoted by the Queensbury Athletic Club, who had recently hired <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Tunney">Frank Tunney</a> as their secretary. Within a decade Tunney took over the promotion and would be responsible for most of the venue’s wrestling cards until his death in 1983. One of his most popular draws was East York native <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whipper_Billy_Watson">Whipper Billy Watson</a>, seen here defending the National Wrestling Alliance world title against Dick Hutton in 1956.
- Wrestling match, Whipper Billy Watson versus Dick Hutton, Maple Leaf Gardens, July 5, 1956. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7520.
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- Wrestling match, Whipper Billy Watson versus Dick Hutton, Maple Leaf Gardens, July 5, 1956. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7520.
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- What lengths did organizers go to grab the attention of those attending the numerous war rallies at the Gardens during the Second World War? How about a skater jumping through a flaming hoop?
- Skater jumps through ring of fire at Toronto War Savings Committee youth rally, Maple Leaf Gardens, February 13, 1941. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7068.
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- Skater jumps through ring of fire at Toronto War Savings Committee youth rally, Maple Leaf Gardens, February 13, 1941. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7068.
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- Despite the official ban on Communist Party activities during the Second World War, a front organization conducted pro-war rallies such as this one party leader Tim Buck attended at the Gardens in 1942.
- Communist leader Tim Buck (left) and others, Communist Labour and Total War Committee meeting, Maple Leaf Gardens, October 13, 1942. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7099.
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- Communist leader Tim Buck (left) and others, Communist Labour and Total War Committee meeting, Maple Leaf Gardens, October 13, 1942. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7099.
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- Sports at Maple Leaf Gardens ranged from basketball to tennis. But everyone forgets the brief fad of ice badminton during the 1950s.
- Badminton played on skates in Maple Leaf Gardens ice show, 1950s. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 6709.
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- Badminton played on skates in Maple Leaf Gardens ice show, 1950s. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 6709.
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- Religious rallies were a popular draw, such as this one for Toronto Youth for Christ in 1946. Faiths ranging from Roman Catholics to Jehovah’s Witnesses held mass meetings inside the arena. This photo also provides great views of the ceiling clock and the portrait of King George VI that Conn Smythe proudly displayed.
- Toronto Youth for Christ rally, Maple Leaf Gardens, circa 1946. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7111.
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- Toronto Youth for Christ rally, Maple Leaf Gardens, circa 1946. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7111.
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- Mayor Robert Saunders talks to <a href="http://www.templetons.com/charles/memoir/">Charles Templeton</a> (then in the evangelist phase of his life) during the 1946 Toronto Youth for Christ rally. Both spoke at the event, as did Billy Graham.
- Mayor Robert H. Saunders (left) and Charles Templeton (right) at Toronto Youth for Christ rally, Maple Leaf Gardens. 1946. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7114.
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- Mayor Robert H. Saunders (left) and Charles Templeton (right) at Toronto Youth for Christ rally, Maple Leaf Gardens. 1946. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7114.
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- Veteran British performer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Holloway">Stanley Holloway</a> applies his makeup between cigarette puffs before a performance of <em>A Midsummer Night’s Dream</em> by a touring company from the Old Vic in London. <em>Globe and Mail</em> drama critic Herbert Whittaker was disappointed with Holloway’s performance as Bottom. “I expected this prime exponent of earthy humour to be rougher, more simple,” Whittaker wrote in his December 15, 1954, review. “This Bottom is surprisingly modern, betraying his music hall antecedents without whipping us with uproarious burlesque. But he found himself not eclipsed but rather aided when he donned the monster head of an ass which the Ironsides have provided, and which is almost the hit of the production.” Also starring were Moira Shearer (<em>The Red Shoes</em>) as Titania and Patrick Macnee (<em>The Avengers</em>) as Demetrius.
- Stanley Holloway putting on makeup, Old Vic Company's <em>A Midsummer Night's Dream</em>, Maple Leaf Gardens, December 1954. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7342.
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- Stanley Holloway putting on makeup, Old Vic Company’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Maple Leaf Gardens, December 1954. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7342.
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- On occasion, Maple Leaf Gardens became the biggest bingo hall in the city. We think they called O67…
- Bingo players, Maple Leaf Gardens, 1940s. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7368.
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- Bingo players, Maple Leaf Gardens, 1940s. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7368.
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- Cleaning the ice surface, in the pre-Zamboni era.
- Lou Brody at Maple Leaf Gardens, between 1940 and 1960. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 2439A.
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- Lou Brody at Maple Leaf Gardens, between 1940 and 1960. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 2439A.
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- As longtime Gardens publicity director Stan Obodiac described this photo in his book <em>Maple Leaf Gardens: Fifty Years of History</em> (Toronto: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1981), “Liberace exchanged his glittering suit for a straw hat in a 1954 country number.” While this particular song wasn't mentioned, the <em>Star</em> reported in its May 10, 1954, review of the pianist’s show that “every time he ran off to make a change of costume or pull some cute gag, middle-aged women, who looked as though normally they’d be the soul of domestic decorum, got up and rushed after him.”
- Liberace at Maple Leaf Gardens, May 8, 1954. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 3404.
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- Liberace at Maple Leaf Gardens, May 8, 1954. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 3404.
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- Long before journalists earned the wrath of Harold Ballard, reporting from the Gardens had its share of dangers, For one, you could have conducted an airborne interview with Peter Pan before a 1950s edition of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Capades">Ice Capades</a>.
- Performer in Maple Leaf Gardens' Ice Capades rehearsing Peter Pan with journalist, 1950s. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 6776.
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- Performer in Maple Leaf Gardens’ Ice Capades rehearsing Peter Pan with journalist, 1950s. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 6776.
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- It appears this injured Ice Capades performer’s recovery from a broken leg was assisted by Maple Leafs <a href="http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=p197702&type=Player&page=bio&list=ByName">Tim Horton</a>, <a href="http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=12097">Carl Brewer</a>, and <a hreff="http://www.hhof.com/htmlSpotlight/spot_oneononep198502.shtml">Bert Olmstead</a>.
- Performer in Maple Leaf Gardens' Ice Capades with broken leg, with members of Toronto Maple Leafs hockey club, 1950s. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 6757.
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- Performer in Maple Leaf Gardens’ Ice Capades with broken leg, with members of Toronto Maple Leafs hockey club, 1950s. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 6757.
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- Time for a refreshment break...
- Maple Leaf Gardens refreshment stand, April 12, 1955. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7422.
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- Maple Leaf Gardens refreshment stand, April 12, 1955. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7422.
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- Publicity director Stan Obodiac claimed that Maple Leaf Gardens was the first North American arena to be equipped with escalators. This picture is from their public debut in 1955.
- Crowds on new escalators, Maple Leaf Gardens, 1955.
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- Crowds on new escalators, Maple Leaf Gardens, 1955.
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- Given its size, Maple Leaf Gardens was an ideal venue for political rallies, especially during election campaigns. Unfortunately for Louis St. Laurent and the Liberals, their rally on June 7, 1957, turned into a nightmare when a teenage heckler attempting to climb onstage <a href="http://torontoist.com/2011/04/historicist_how_not_to_run_a_liberal_election_rally/">fell backwards and hit his head on the concrete floor</a>.
- Prime Minister and Mrs. Louis St. Laurent at Liberal party rally, Maple Leaf Gardens, June 7, 1957. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 4213.
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- Prime Minister and Mrs. Louis St. Laurent at Liberal party rally, Maple Leaf Gardens, June 7, 1957. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 4213.
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- In what was deemed the arena’s first rock 'n' roll show, Bill Haley and his Comets headlined a 12-act bill on April 30, 1956, that also included Bo Diddley, LaVern Baker, Big Joe Turner, the Drifters, the Platters, and Frankie Lymon. “Like natives at a voodoo ritual,” the <em>Star</em> reported the following day, “the crowd writhed and reeled until their pent-up emotions burst the dam of reason and the clambered on to the stage and into the aisles to dance.” The following years, the Gardens was one of three Canadian stops <a href="http://archives.cbc.ca/arts_entertainment/music/clips/495/">Elvis Presley</a> made on his only tour outside of the U.S.
- Bill Haley and the Comets, Maple Leaf Gardens, April 30, 1956. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7213.
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- Bill Haley and the Comets, Maple Leaf Gardens, April 30, 1956. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7213.
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- Britain's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliff_Richard">Cliff Richard</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shadows">Shadows</a> were among the acts featured in the January 1960 edition of the “Biggest Show of Stars” package tour.
- Cliff Richard and the Shadows at the Biggest Show of Stars for 1960. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7220.
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- Cliff Richard and the Shadows at the Biggest Show of Stars for 1960. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7220.
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- A row of screaming fans at the January 1960 edition of the “Biggest Show of Stars.” Testing the limits of their vocal chords would serve them well, especially if any of them went on to see <a href="http://archives.cbc.ca/arts_entertainment/music/clips/6616/">the Beatles</a> at the Gardens four years later.<br /> <br />
- Audience at the Biggest Show of Shows for 1960, Maple Leaf Gardens. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7245.
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- Audience at the Biggest Show of Shows for 1960, Maple Leaf Gardens. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7245.
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- A benefit concert for Easter Seals was an annual staple of the Gardens schedule beginning in the 1950s. Preparing for the 1957 edition are crooner <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perry_Como">Perry Como</a>, “Timmy” Paul Gamble, and Conn Smythe. While Perry and Paul take the photo session in stride, Conn looks a little spooked. While researching this gallery, we discovered this wasn’t an unusual expression for Mr. Smythe. As for the concert, the April 15, 1957, edition of the <em>Globe and Mail</em> observed that “it was the front rows to which Como and every star before him played. Bright-eyed children with crippled legs were the most fortunate: many there had crippled minds as well as bodies, but they too obviously enjoyed every minute and hopped up and down with ecstatic delight.”
- Perry Como and Conn Smythe with "Timmy" in Como's dressing room for Easter Seals show, "Timmy's Easter Parade of Stars", Maple Leaf Gardens, April 14, 1957. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7314.
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- Perry Como and Conn Smythe with “Timmy” in Como’s dressing room for Easter Seals show, “Timmy’s Easter Parade of Stars”, Maple Leaf Gardens, April 14, 1957. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7314.
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- Ageless goalie <a href="http://torontoist.com/2007/12/have_yourself_a/">Johnny Bower</a> guards the net for the Maple Leafs against Chicago Black Hawks forwards <a href="http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=13807">Ron Murphy</a> (10) and <a href="http://blackhawkslegends.blogspot.com/2006/05/eric-nesterenko.html">Eric Nesterenko</a> (15).
- Toronto Maple Leafs versus Chicago Black Hawks at Maple Leaf Gardens, late 1950s or early 1960s. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7529.
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- Toronto Maple Leafs versus Chicago Black Hawks at Maple Leaf Gardens, late 1950s or early 1960s. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7529.
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- In this early 1960s match against the Bruins, the Leafs’ <a href="http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=p199103&type=Player&page=bio&list=">Bob Pulford</a> (20) has his stick primed while team captain <a href="http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=p197501&type=Player&page=bio&list=">George Armstrong</a> attempts to help. Among the Bruins trying to prevent a Leaf goal are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Stapleton_%28ice_hockey%29">Pat Stapleton</a> (4), <a href="http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=14664">Ed Westfall</a> (18), and <a href="http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=P198601&type=Player&page=bio&list=ByName">Leo Boivin</a> (20).
- Toronto Maple Leafs versus Boston Bruins, between 1961 and 1963. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7527
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- Toronto Maple Leafs versus Boston Bruins, between 1961 and 1963. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7527
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- A clubhouse motto erected by Conn Smythe to inspire the Maple Leafs. The City of Toronto Archives does not identify the two gentlemen pointing at the inspirational words, but we think they may be forward <a href="http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=14376">Sid Smith</a> and goalie <a href="http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=P198001&type=Player&page=bio&list=ByName">Harry Lumley</a>.
- Two men in Maple Leaf Gardens dressing room, pointing to painted Toronto Maple Leafs sign, 1950s. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7447.
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- Two men in Maple Leaf Gardens dressing room, pointing to painted Toronto Maple Leafs sign, 1950s. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 7447.
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- Harold Ballard’s association with Maple Leaf Gardens began during the 1930s when the future Maple Leafs owner was involved with a number of local amateur hockey teams. This picture, featuring "Pal Hal" with American television personality Sonny Fox, was taken long before he became one of Toronto's most controversial personalities.
- Sonny Fox with Harold Ballard at Maple Leaf Gardens, 1950s. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 3038.
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- Sonny Fox with Harold Ballard at Maple Leaf Gardens, 1950s. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 3038.
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- <a href="http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=p195802&type=Player&page=bio&list=ByName">Francis “King” Clancy</a> was the sunny face of the Maple Leafs, whether it was as a player in 1930s or a team executive from the 1950s until his death in 1986. In his biography of Harold Ballard, sportswriter William Houston compared Clancy to a leprechaun. “Clancy usually has a big smile, a twinkle in his eye to go along with his high-pitched voice. He has an amiable personality and offends no one…He is full of stories from his hockey past and can be a delightful companion.”
- Greg Crombie at Maple Leaf Gardens with King Clancy, 1978. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 8859.
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- Greg Crombie at Maple Leaf Gardens with King Clancy, 1978. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 8859.
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- One of the last chances the public had to stroll around the Gardens occurred during Nuit Blanche in October 2008. While there were art installations on the floor, the real magic that evening was hearing visitors tell stories about their Maple Leaf Gardens experiences.
- A relic left behind when the Maple Leafs vacated the premises, which was still hanging during Nuit Blanche in 2008. Photo by Jamie Bradburn/Torontoist.
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- A relic left behind when the Maple Leafs vacated the premises, which was still hanging during Nuit Blanche in 2008. Photo by Jamie Bradburn/Torontoist.
Where pucks once flew 15 feet or more on the ice, shoppers will stare at a 15-foot wall of cheese.
Today’s grand opening of the new flagship Loblaws store at Maple Leaf Gardens is a long-awaited step in the repurposing of a Toronto landmark. Along with Ryerson University’s Peter Gilgan Athletic Centre at the Gardens, which is scheduled to open in spring 2012, the supermarket adds another chapter to the rich history of the building. Built upon Conn Smythe’s vision of a classy entertainment venue 80 years ago, the Gardens have witnessed everything from political rallies to Shakespearian theatre. And a few hockey games…
