Posts Filed Under: 19th century

Historicist: The Telegraph and the Early Career of John Ross Robertson

Early journalistic efforts of the founding publisher of the Telegram.

By Jamie Bradburn Aug. 27th, 12:45 pm

Historicist: The Fighting Words of Black Jack Robinson

For nearly 40 years as editor-in-chief of the Telegram, John R. Robinson aggressively covered local issues, building a loyal readership among Toronto's conservative Protestant working class.

By Jamie Bradburn Jul. 2nd, 1:44 pm

4 Comments

Shaping Toronto: Reusing an Old City Hall

How Toronto and other cities have reused (or plan to readapt) former municipal battlegrounds.

By Jamie Bradburn Sep. 30th, 4:15 pm

2 Comments

Revisiting the Past Lives of St. Lawrence Market

An archaeological assessment reveals earlier incarnations of the north market.

By Jamie Bradburn Sep. 18th, 9:00 am

2 Comments

Vintage Toronto Ads: The Golden Lion

The roar of a Victorian-era retail giant.

By Jamie Bradburn Apr. 8th, 9:30 am

Vintage Toronto Ads: Chang and Eng Bunker

The first brothers to be displayed as "Siamese twins" held a levee at St. Lawrence Hall.

By Jamie Bradburn Apr. 1st, 11:00 am

2 Comments

Historicist: Sir John A. Macdonald’s Last Hurrah

Our first prime minister made his last great speech in Toronto in 1891.

By Jamie Bradburn Mar. 14th, 1:17 pm

Vintage Toronto Ads: Valentine’s Day

A look at valentine trends throughout history that made Toronto swipe right.

By Jamie Bradburn Feb. 11th, 12:15 pm

3 Comments

Historicist: Of Mail and Empire

The second part of a look at the back half of the Globe and Mail's name.

By Jamie Bradburn Dec. 20th, 12:00 pm

Vintage Toronto Ads: Political Decor

Long before the Rob Ford bobblehead doll, you could own a bust of the prime minister or a print of the premier.

By Jamie Bradburn Dec. 17th, 12:00 pm

Historicist: Delivering the Mail

The first of a two-part look at the back half of the Globe and Mail's name.

By Jamie Bradburn Nov. 22nd, 1:00 pm

4 Comments

From Dingman’s Hall to Jilly’s

A short history of the Broadview Hotel.

By Jamie Bradburn May. 13th, 5:38 pm

3 Comments

Historicist: The Supreme Chief Ranger of the IOF

Oronhyatekha built the Independent Order of Foresters and the tallest building in Toronto.

By Jamie Bradburn Apr. 19th, 12:00 pm

3 Comments

Meet a Toronto Mayor: William Holmes Howland

Driven by his strong sense of faith and social conscience, Howland was a leader who helped redefine the mayor's role.

By Jamie Bradburn Apr. 2nd, 9:30 am

3 Comments

Historicist: “Varsity in Ruins”

A fire that destroyed part of University College in the 1890s later proved a blessing in disguise.

By Jamie Bradburn Mar. 15th, 12:00 pm

7 Comments

Toronto Is Born

As the city marks its 180th birthday, a look back at its beginnings and how it got its name.

By Jamie Bradburn Mar. 6th, 2:00 pm

4 Comments

Meet a Toronto Mayor: John George Bowes

Our longest-serving mayor of the 19th century, known for his flamboyant dress, physical prowess, and conflict-of-interest scandal.

By Jamie Bradburn Mar. 4th, 12:35 pm

3 Comments

Meet a Toronto Mayor: George Gurnett

A highly partisan rival of William Lyon Mackenzie who mellowed into a respected administrator.

By Jamie Bradburn Feb. 4th, 9:00 am