Toronto Reference Library Blog

On March 6th, 2014 the City of Toronto celebrates the 180th anniversary of its incorporation. Why not take a peek at how our city looked in its infancy. 

Here are a few images from the Canadian Historical Picture Collection in the Marilyn & Charles Baillie Special Collections Centre at the Toronto Reference Library.

Pen and ink drawing by Owen Staples (1866-1949)

Front Street West

 Pen and ink drawing attributed to Owen Staples (1866-1949)

The original watercolour by John George Howard (1803-1890) hung in the City Hall, Toronto.

  Photograph of watercolour painted by John George Howard (1803-1890)  

Maps of early Toronto have been digitized and can be viewed online or in person at the newly opened Marilyn & Charles Baillie Special Collections Centre on the 5th floor of the Toronto Reference Library.

Government second sale of lots in the city of Toronto, May 1834

  Lithographed map drawn by Henry James Castle

Toronto in 1834

 Map drawn from Alpheus Todd's own measurements when he was 13 years old. Alpheus Todd (1821-1884)

City of Toronto and Liberties

 Manuscript map drawn by James Grant Chewett (1793-1862), dated 24th June 1834

City of Toronto

   Manuscript map drawn by James Grant Chewett (1793-1862), 1834

Toronto Public Library has a virtual exhibit on the history of Toronto. Share your memories of Toronto by participating in the Your Yonge Street project.