News from the Archives v05-1

News from the Archives v05-1

• Created by: Albert Fulton
• Date: 1996-03-01
• Provenance: Collected by members of Toronto Island Connections group, scanned by Edward English, OCR by Eric Zhelka, PDF by Eric Light
• Notes: v05-1

MARCH 1, 1996
THE CANDYMAN by Margaret Thornton
Marg Burrows (1912-1996) lived at 7 Dacotah 1950 1994.
As I write on a windy in-and-out sun-cloud day in 1980, I watch a young mother across the road infant son of 13 months sits in his stroller Just 25 years ago–an eternity by young standards, a 1lIIJct’;O–Lll.a. same mother was one of gnomes, as my called them, who came to our eyes to wait for a candy from the by the door for all the small
bUSbaIlCI Budd, despite a prestigious career in art, little and film production, was known on the Islands as The Candyman.
In years when the little ones were drawn to our by word of mouth (like the tramps word or sign a certain house that was for a handout), Budd had become their
the 27 years he lived here, until his in 1977. Perhaps it was because he talked to them as if pe()pl,e–llisvem~CI gravely and jokes with them as if they were adults. He never to never treated them like was in all their happenings or (lW.I1.1″,l”” trusted him and they listened to him. He wasn’t a was a playmate–one of only a little bigger. When they came to the back door, not husband and wife relationships, they would ask Budd if his mummy would let him come out to he did with them–all the important charades: down and preteDldmlg to be dead when shot with a wooden and moaning when wrestled to tiny arms and begging to surrender when a wee one sat on his chest. He knew and he knew how to play. The conversations among his small friends were always worth listening to. We loved the two in the early days of TV, arguing the merits of their heroes: “Hopalong Cassidy can’t be kilt –he oney goes dead!” “Lone Ranger shoots– and you’re dead for life!” “Hopalong is the My Daddy said so!”
There was the little girl who in our on her small bike, with a said Budd handing her a couple you do a lot of phoning?” “Yes, II must be a lot of fun.” “No,” she said with a of blonde curls, “it’s very hard” knows where anybody are.” And away leaving Budd with his mouth open.
tplf’nh,nnp in her carrier. HOh,” “”Guess that
h”.,,,.rr “Cause nobody
Then there was the histrionic one who had a big tale to tell, complete with his words tumbling out in a breathless way. “Oh, you should see me ride my new bike! I go than, … ” and his arms gestured in a sweeping movement. “Is that so, Mike? How fast can you go?” “Well, gee Budd, when I came round the corner down there I was so my ear scraped the ground!” Another “Gee I went so fast on my bike today I beat the school “Hows that, bus goes pretty fast!” “Well, I was in of it all the way from the school to the Bridge!”
And there was group of ones who boasted one day about their new acquisitions. “I new red sweater!” “Oh, that’s neat, where did you it?” “My Mummy bought it for me.” [Pre trader’s bench!] lookit my new shoes!” “Boy, bet you can run fast in those.” Superman!” “My Dad bought me new pants!” HI see them–and they’re just like mine!” And one small with new to boast about, looking at finery and his own shabby state, came out desperately with “I My husband gulped and got out the candy jar.
One March 25th a group of friends stood at the back door told them it was his birthday. “Gee,” said one, not looking at Budd but at one “I wunner how old about a hunnert,” said another. “How can you tell?” asked And the small urchin made a his thumb and forefinger spread into two diagonal lines coming down from the corners of his mouth. A observation that my husband understood perfectly (and which we both used through the years as a kind of in joke Funnily enough, a little exchange had happened before at an adult birthday our next door neighbour got off one
famous bon mots. by our neighbour’s little girl how old he was, Budd Ii A hundred!” With that, in a whisper at her father’s ear, she asked, “Daddy, is he really a hundred?” said irrepressible father, looks it!”
Again on the age a funny wistful little story. One of characters was sitting on the ALGONQUIN ISLAND ARCHIVES c/o Albert Fulton 5 Ojibway Ave Toronto M5J 2C9 (416) 203-0921 or 537-5006
munching and watching Budd caulking his boat. “Budd, I guess you’re pretty old, aren’t you?” “You bet I am, and I’m older all the time!’ HAnd I guess pretty old too, eh?” “Oh said Budd, I was within “””””‘-‘” • .., terribly old, so old she can hardly move around anymore.” “Well gee Budd, pretty soon you’re Marg’s going to die, “That’s right, ” said Budd soberly, wondering what the little —-,-J maybe I could move into your house and be one to give candy to the huh?”
The above is an excerpt a 230-page Island written by Marg in 1980. Photos of these youngsters by Budd are the Before left the Island, Marg donated about 500 Budd’s professional-quality black and white photos (mostly 8xlO), negatives, slides, home to the. Archives. didn’t know names of all the kids, and visitors have gradually filling in gaps. Some names are still you one the mystery subjects?
Nineteen-eighty was of The Bridge and Swadron Commission, and Marg delayed publishing book until could add a final chapter to our long political struggle, hopefully as a happy ending. In 1984 she updated the manuscript for publication, but the Robert Sward and Sally Gibson books came out and Marg felt that market for Island books was satiated. Hence she
delayed publishing and eventually up the idea. When she moved to the deposited original the and carbon If you would like to read her fascinating account on the from 1950 to 1984, you may do so at the Archives. This is the third instalment that I’ve included in this newsletter (back issues are available), I read an excerpt at the Story Telling evening last 29. You can look forward to future stories from Marg, once a or so.
Marg died in Florida on January 10. obituary pages. and present Islanders the in the packed chapel the home and at the II HoteL An account of her career as writer and fashion editor written by A1 Rae Senior (3 Nottawa) appeared in the 1, 1995 of this newsletter.
BRIDGE
From the Acting Commissioner of Works and the Environment to the City Committee, August
The AlgonqUin Island bridge, constructed in 1914 [actually 1938], spans the boat channel between Wards Island and Algonquin Island and provides the only vehicle and access to Algonquin Island for the 250 residents living on the The has a posted 5 tonne limit which restricts the use to cars and light trucks. The Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) over bridge is to be 50 however, the
cyclist traffic is considerably and ranges 200 and 500 depending on the season. With respect to service and emergency vehicles, small school buses and ambulance vehicles are to cross the bridge, however, larger vehicles such as garbage full size fIre trucks, and hydro service vehicles are restricted from crossing to the heavier gross vehicle which range 17 tonnes to 35 tonnes. Alternate have been made to provide
“”,rVln’.'” which, in case of collection, and bridge using a small pickup Similarly, the Fire Department has stationed a small pumper truck at Station which can cross the and respond to fires. In the event of a serious emergency requiring larger fire fIghting or hydro service vehicles, it would be necessary to use a barge to reach the Island.
A condition survey of the bridge, carried out in 1991, that the superstructure was in to poor condition with areas of signiflcant deterioration on the stringers, steel girders, plank and traverse floor beams. The pile foundation and supporting substructure was determined to be in to good condition with the areas of primary concern being the splits of some the timber cracking of some pile caps severe of some
both at cap beams and timber I should also note that the sustained substantial <1aInlif~e September 21, when a delivery truck a gross of well over 5 ignored the posted signs, through the deck and cracked some of support beams. The driver was charged and the vehicle was stranded on Algonquin Island. The had to be closed temporarily to all vehicular traffic while my Department undertook the necessary (at the cost of the vehicle owner and/or insurance company).
The result of the condition survey and the accident has highlighted the need for the rehabilitation ofthe Further, I have received of the Toronto Toronto Hydro and the Toronto Islands Ke!Sldt~ntl.a1 Community to upgrade this bridge to and emergency vehicles.
munching candy and Budd caulking his boat. “Budd, I guess you’re pretty old, aren’t “You I am, Mark, and I’m growing older all the time.” “And I guess Marg’s pretty old too, eh?N “Oh yes,” said Budd, knowing I was within earshot, “‘she’s terrlDIV old, so old she can just hardly move around anymore …. *Well gee Budd, pretty soon you’re going to and
going to eh?” “That’s Mark,” said Budd what the little monkey was getting at. “Well gee, then maybe I could move your house and the one to the candy to kids, huh?” The above is an from a Island memoir written by Marg in 1980. Photos of many of youngsters by Budd are in the Archives. she Island, donated about 500 of professional-quality black and white photos (mostly 5×7 and 8×10), negatives, .;u …… “‘”, and home movies to Archives. Marg didn’t know the names of all kids, and been gradually filling in the gaps. Some names are still missing–are you one of the mystery subjects?
Nineteen-eighty was the year of The Bridge and The Swadron Commission, and Marg delayed publishing her book until she could add a chapter to our long political struggle, hopefully as a happy ending. 1984 she updated the manuscript for publication, but the Robert Sward and Sally Gibson books came out Marg felt that the for Island books was satiated. she again delayed publishing and eventually gave up idea. When moved to the city, she deposited the copy in Archives and kept the carbon copy. you would to read fascinating account of life on the Island from 1950 to 1984, you so at the Archives. is the third instalment that I’ve included this newsletter (back available), and I an excerpt at
Story evening last December You can look forward to future stories from Marg, once a year or so.
Marg in Florida on January 10. Her obituary appears in these Past present joined the gathering packed chapel of funeral home and later at the Plaza II An account of her career as writer fashion editor written by Rae Senior (3 Nottawa) appeared in March 1, 1995 issue of this newsletter.
THE BRIDGE
From the Acting Commissioner of Public Works and Environment to the Services Committee, 2, 1995:
The Algonquin Island bridge, constructed in 1914 [actually spans the boat channel between Wards Island and AUl:OD<]WD Island and provides only vehicle and pedestrian access to Island for the approximately 250 residents on the Island. The bridge has a 5 tonne limit which the vehicle use to cars and light trucks. The Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) over the is estimated to be 50 vehicles, however, the daily pedestrian and traffic is considerably and ranges between 200 and 500 on season. With to service and emergency small school and vehicles are permitted to cross the vehicles such as trucks, full size fire and hydro vehicles are restricted from due to the heavier gross weights which range from 17 tonnes to 35 tonnes. Alternate arrangements have been made to provide these services which, in the case of garbage collection, involves collecting and transporting across the using a small truck. Similarly, the Fire has a small pumper truck at Wards Island Station which can cross the bridge and respond to fires. In the event of a emergency reqwnng or service ',",LOA"''''''. it would necessary to use a barge service to reach the Island. A condition survey of the bridge, carried out in 1991, determined that the superstructure was in to poor condition with areas of deterioration on the stringers, timber decking and traverse floor beams. The pile and supporting substructure Was determined to in fair to condition with the areas primary concern the end splits of some of timber piles, cracking of some caps and severe rotting of some timber members both at the cap beams and timber piles. I should also note that the bridge substantial damage on :Sel)telnbl~r 21, 1994, a delivery truck with a gross weight of well over 5 ignored the signs, broke th .. nnr.h the deck and cracked some of the beams. The driver was and the was stranded on Algonquin Island. The bridge bad to be closed temporarily to vehicular while my Department undertook the necessary (at the cost of the vehicle owner and/or insurance company). The result of the condition survey and the accident has highlighted the need for the rehabilitation of the Further, I have of the City of Toronto Fire Toronto Hydro and Toronto Islands Residential this to accommodate larger and emergency vehicles. Rehahilitation Alternatives: (i) 1) Completely remove superstructure and pile caps; 2) Test the foundation to ensure adequate load 3) 6 deteriorated and additional piles from this load and 4) Provide new pile caps and a new Upgrading the structure to carry highway loading of 35 tonnes will allow all emergency and service vehicles to cross the bridge and will also extend the lifetime of the bridge for a further 25 to 40 years with only minor maintenance required. The cost of this upgrade is estimated to be $430,000 mCluamg engineering), however, due to the condition of the foundation, the cost may increase to $590,000 (including This work is for 50% Ministry of subsidy, reducing net cost to $295,000 subject to sufficient monies being to the City of Toronto by the Provincial Ministry of Transportation (MTO). (ii) Rehabilitation to Existing 5 Tonne Limit: 1) Replace split wooden stringers; Partial replacement planking and railing; Clean and paint steel beams and and 4) Replace 6 deteriorated piles. the structure to carry the 5 tonne limit for a further 5 to 10 year lifetime is estimated to cost $170,000 (including however, I that further major rehabilitation work will be beyond 10 year lifetime to maintain the structure's 5 tonne load limit. the Ministry will not subsidize the 5 tonne rehabilitation work due to the limited use which the bridge provides. I have contacted Toronto Hydro and requested a $100,000 contribution towards the cost of upgrading the bridge to full highway loading. However, Toronto Hydro, by letter dated February 17, 1995, has indicated that financing bridge improvements is not within its mandate and has declined the request. .. I believe that, subject to the availability of MTO subsidy for this upgrading the bridge to full highway loading is the long term solution ... I propose, therefore, to request an amount of $295,000 net and $590,000 . gross in my Department's 1996 Capital Budget which, subject to receipt of the Ministry's subsidy, would allow the bridge to be improved for full highway loading. If, however, the MTO subsidy is not approved, I believe the full highway load nncrr"rlf' cost of $590,000 cannot be justified as a and the bridge should be rehabilitated to a 5 tonne load limit at a cost of $170,000, the for a further 10 to 15 years. mE TRADER'S BENCH by Sandy Krzyzanowski practice of stuff on the bench by the bridge seems to have been started by Marg Daski (18 Omaha) about 20 years ago. She left books there. Later on Gertie Weinhart coUected clothing from the washed and folded it, and Cathy Henderson took it to the Salvation Cathy gave me about bench: it is a study in something that governs itself, it is a metaphor of Island values, and it has a life of its own. More than anyone else, Vivian Pitcher has inspired me to teU this story, because of our ongoing conversations about the life of the bench. The bench has a few and fairies keeping a watchful eye on it. Vivian and others are good at distributing bench to people who will fmd them useful. Peter McLaughlin encourages and advertises the bench to Ward's are weeded out if have been there too long, and certain items are removed if they are ril!1r101',rOII«: children. It is reassembled neatly to provide a seating space at one which is what benches are sometimes used for. Things are occasionaUy covered before a rain or dried afterwards by spreading them out. At one time collectors and Parks were probably of bench stuff, but they have been instructed to leave it alone. Any student of marketing should look at the bench. It's in a high traffic and it's and accessible. It's a great place for people to meet and converse while they are looking at things on display, and it has a tremendous turnover. The bench makes it easy to break your attachments to personal possessions. For some people, including myself, this is very difficult. But, the bench, you don't have to cart your castoffs to the If no one takes your you can take it back, and you have the chance to see your used and by people, which is different from them the sea unknown on the other the harbour. I feel good about shopping at the bench because I know I can easily return stuff for a full refund. This is not available at most stores, or even at yard sales, in which cases you're stuck with it, paying for it. And the bench items are There are often things that would be very difficult to justify spending money on. For the past two Christmases I've had lovely red and green outfits from the bench which I never would have bought. The price is right for kids also, who shop at the bench on their own, without their It's different for kids. For Tristan it's for Stewart it's books, and for Amara it's clothes and brides and Two brothers learned a lesson parking bikes at the bridge one night. Next morning they were gone. Their mother put up notices all over the place and got them back in the nick of time -- they were on their way to the Adventure Playground in the for other kids to use. According to a visitor wasn't so lucky. While playing he made the of his jacket on the bench, went back to get it, and it was gone! The bench is unpredictable and full of surprises. You never know what you will or if even worth the trip. It's not as carefully supervised as a store, and anonymity can result in surprises -- you pick up something and say to yourself, "Who would have this???" Now for some of the quality merchandise from La Benche: You can get your housewares -- furniture, chairs, beds, woodstoves, vacuum TVs, even a kitchen sink now and I have a collection Yorker covers decorating my walls. For personal use, are scarves, bags, sports equipment Wonderful footwear -- Doc Martens, Aerosoles, Rockports, Roots, Eddie Bauer, and cowboy boots made in Italy. And the clothing! Men's, women's, children's, infants', All colours, fabrics, Brand new, older, Work clothes, clothes, clothes, clothes. The variety is incredible. People say, "How could anyone this away?" "I got beautiful I'm It "I got a down jacket." "I a leather jacket." I gave my sister a of Jou Jou -- she had been for that brand in New York! Other labels I've noticed are Anne Runaway Bay, Hechter, Norma Kamali, Jack Malqueen, Ralph Lauren, United Colors of Benetton, Gap, Kettle Le Chateau, Southern Comfort, B. Scene by Brenda Beddome, Quabog, Esprit, Ms Emma, Sarab Harry Rosen, Beaver Canoe, Just Jeans, The Room. I can't afford clothes even when they're on sale! Island too -- Mai Aru, Sheila McCusker, Sundown, Ann Buffery, Island that end up in the Archives! I up a Take Back The Night and a few days later my friend Suzanne came by on her way to a Take Back The Night rally. I was able to say, "Hey, I've something for you!" The is a slightly edited transcript of a told by Sandy on December 29 in the comfortable former living and dining rooms of the House (aka The Rectory). lead-off songs by guitar-strumming Bob Bigwood, accompanied by Simon on electric guitar, other tales were spun by Roedde, Jeffrey Bourdeau, Joanna Andy Taylor, and Marg (read by me). Other anecdotes were related members of the audience. The program was efficiently emceed by Angie Gladstone, and we are indebted to Doreen Hamilton for once a most enjoyable evening. audiotape the is in Archives. Sandy ended her story emptying a large bag clothing from the and off some of her favorite acquisitions. Others spoke later their happy bench experiences. first TTPP7"". up, Brooke Gibson envied the on the lagoon, but she had no skates. Coming across the bridge at night, she noticed a white skates on the bench, gleaming in the moonlight, and they were exactly her Vivian needed a square cushion to a wooden stool which hubby had made, and found one in a good colour on the bench exactly the right In January, Marion loaned me a copy of Master and Maid, a book about one of the two Massey brothers who the double summer mansion at 276 Lake Shore. Charles Albert Massey (known as Bert) met his demise in 1915 after being by his (justifiably, according to the jury). I had just finished this juicy and, photos the Massey House had recently been donated to Archives, the Masseys were on my mind. On my next to the bench, I was astounded to a copy absolutely mint condition (including the dust jacket), not damp or snowed upon, When I Young, written by Massey's cousin Raymond, complete with many photos of Masseys their mansions! you've had a similar serendipitous experience, please tell Sandy so that she can include it the next she the story of The Bench. A If you are about to of books, via blue box or traders bench, please, PLEASE call me first. I will even supply the cartons and haul them away to save you trip to the bench. Many of the old books contain interesting inscriptions by former Algonquin residents, and subject matter often relates to their occupations or special interests. they are of no archival interest, I will transfer them to the bench for you, under plastic to protect them from the elements. TORONTO ISLAND FERRIES ferries were operated by the Toronto Ferry Company from 1890 to by from to 1961, then Metro Parks. Adam Zhelka has plumbed the depths of the various local archival collections during his research into the history of ferry fleet, and he loaned a thick file to the Archives to photocopy. This contains some interesting primary source materials, e.g. copies of correspondence between the principals involved in aspects the ferry Language seemed to be more colourful days gone by, and I include an from a letter July 31, 1922 from Solman, Managing of the Toronto Company, to E Cousins, Chief Manager of Harbour Commission: You know, the ferry if you are looking for a profit, is a thing of the past, and if I had a Ball Park in the City, I would only run the according to the City Bylaw, if my memory serves me is about one each hour. You know very well that the from the city dock means additional expense and this with the combination of railroad crossing and rotten bad docks, and no for storing coal etc., we are right up against it. You should also remember that our evening trade is all gone now. I could go on showing reasons why people will not go the the Island--but what's use, is too short. You should see me if only for half an hour. I know you are a busy man, but I really think I am to some consideration you. all, the public would if boats did not run and you represent the masses, you know. "Lol" Solman (1867-1931), entrepreneur (Hanlan's Point Park, Sunnyside, Royal Alexandra etc) did get his baseball park, Maple at the foot of Bathurst St, which opened in 1926. Mr Solman had the added distinction of being the owner of the charming sunset cottage at 11 West Island which was moved to Omaha in 1938, and will possibly not us much longer. Adam is a collector of TIC memorabilia in general and ferry materials in particular. Please him off if you come across any of these goodies. THE NED Work is condition. She should be back water power of her coal and steam "'u~".u .. "'. from the Malting elevators. An interpretive centre planned for the opening for the summer of 1997. The Hanlan was built by the Toronto Dock Company and her powerplant was provided by John Inglis Company of Toronto. Among her many duties, she faithfully conveyed Islanders back forth to the city the winter. She was the most comfortable and most reliable of the fleet and hence the most popular. Many photos of the Hanlan in service by Budd and others the Archives' photo Since being on display in the lot next to the Marine Museum. Board has just over $2 million for restoration of the and the of the centre. $1.5 million obtained through Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Works The remaining are being private If you have fond of the good old reliable or if you would like to help out, the THB would be delighted to accept your donation. You may pick up a UV'Jru,,,~ describing project at THB headquarters at 205 Y onge S1. On cover is a beautiful rendition of Hanlan, painted by John Matthews for the annual art exhibition at Marine Museum last summer. A file on history of the Hanlan is the Archives. WILLIAM KILBOURN of February, Kilbourn (3 Wyandot) a memorial exhibition to her late at Yorkville Public Bill Kilbourn on January 4, 1995. gathered about 300 photographs and memorabilia ~(llJ.JUll15 to father's prrneSiSlonal family Most prominent in the display were 2 large l-'''-'UU"''aiJi mother and one of author holding 2 of wood by Bill's Rosemary Kilbourn RCA, were also on display. In Bill's words, from the "'A.l.uu~ My earliest memories of Toronto are of summers, lying awake in the late evening listening to the of the lake waves roaring, the bell buoy crying, and human; and dark, waking to the terrible harrumph umph of horn, a crouched monster. Every summer in my childhood we took off from the ferry docks near the foot Street for Centre Island. In our cottage at 9 St. Andrew's Avenue I lived two two uncles, two cousins, two grandparents one great-grandfather, our tribal chieftain. When next batch of young COU:SlnS. bid fair to burst the tribe pulled our stuff in big carts up to 1 St. Andrew's. Home footage of the family life on Filtration and site of the new Island school, appear she produced in 1994. Descriptions video and of 1, 1995 newsletter. at seams, haH east of the which the March During on February a visitor dropped a 12-page summary of Dr Kilbourn's amazing career as professor, historian, writer, performer, politician and community worker. A copy is in the as are Hilary's photos of several Hilary's paintings, a of her father'S books, a copious file on the life of William Morley Kilbourn (1926-1995). SHADOWLAND PHOTOS The blew its 1996 photo acquisition budget on 1 from slides by Gera Dillon over the 1985-95 period participation the Caribana Parade. Luckily Gera from the and throughout, both of preparations on Island and old AlA building is revisited in the photos, we were treated to a slide show new AlA last October. Many colourful Island characters are especially dazzling in these close-up if you can figure out who they are! Shadowland productions were titled Island to Island, 1985; Water Blues, 1986; Stone Wars Apocalypso, 1987; Free Up, 1988; 'R' Us, 1989; For the 1990; Down to 1991; Our Power, Money Talks, Bare Bones, 1994; Witch 1995. ISLAND GARDENING Have you Grahame garden patio .......... L ..... you on the cover Canadian Gardening as you browse the rack? The current features 8 Island gardens and/or gardeners provides us with a preview of weather. The photos were taken during the summer of 1994, also the summer of our Island tours. Twenty-three were open to the public on one or more Sunday afternoons in and some of most interesting were the secret gardens which we don't normally to see. If any gardeners are m reviving the tours during the please or myself so that the advertising can submitted to Toronto From the The Islander, written by Woolford (9 Nottawa): Algonquin is to look good these Several islanders have at work with paint and the Garden Club have really been putting backs to it. Some odd that might otherwise be an eyesore have been turned into beds. Mrs. Carol Hogg [6 Omaha] has brightened up the lagoon edge opposite home with a splash of geraniums. Fred Headworth [1 WyandotJ is ensuring that the will become gardeners too. His Junior Garden Club is the kids Sunday to check on the seeds and the weeds didn't. As an able assistant to Mrs. McQueen [4 to run the club 22 4 to 14. The children have which at one of they per cent of the flowers and trees. SAYONARA SOYA TOWER Those BOOMs you heard at 8 am on the Sunday and on Sunday, February were the second attempts to topple the tower at the south end of demolished Victory Soya Mills. American blasting expert Eric Kelly was somewhat embarrased his first dynamite blast dropped the 230' tower 10' and caused it to lean in right direction, it refused to fall over. second attempt was and fortunately a NW wind blew thick dust cloud away from expressway and the boom for slumberers. Photos of 11 operation, from the bow of the Rapids Queen are in Archives, thanks to who alerted Seven Mills taken by Robert appear in the current photography exhibition at the Market Gallery. Have you noticed the huge red and yellow crowing rooster painted near the top of the adjacent tower? How did they do that? For details, ask Harriet at 30 Omaha. Those Canada Malting silos, just east of the former Soya silos, are defunct but not yet scheduled for demolition. RECENT ACQUISITIONS Carl Bregman kindly dropped off recent clippings. Ian Brock donated a panoramic photo of an unidentified men's group at Ward's (oldtimers please help?) and a large group photo, mostly children, taken on the Ward's Common in 1973. Brooke Gibson added the best pictures yet to the Archives' collection of photos and paintings of the Massey House. Brooke's step~mother, the former Carolyn Massey, is a granddaughter of Arthur Massey, one of the two brothers who shared the double summer mansion at 276 Lake Shore (not the one who was shot by his maid). Brooke also loaned for copying a panoramic scene which is strikingly different from the Shadowland photos. Sixteen folks are clad in Elizabethan garb, and the photo, superior both quality and subject matter, was taken by well-known photographer Thaddeus Howlonia during the Renaissance Fair held at Ward's in May 1977. An exhibition of Mr Howlonia's photographs of vintage autos is currently on display at the CN Tower's revolving restaurant. Mary Hay, who appears in the Fair photo, donated a batch of Island clippings, including an excellent 2-page spread from The Sun of colour photos of the famous Island Follies of 1984. Sandy Krzyzanowski donated a bunch of recent Island ephemera. Gail Labonte-Smith dropped off some recent clippings, including a picture article about the restoration of the tug Hanlan which appeared in the 7 issue of The Muskoka Sun. Paulette Pelletier Keny and Bm Freeman deposited a heavy carton of papers from their terms on the TIRA executive. Bill served in 1987-1991 and Paulette in 1992-1994. We continue to be blessed with dedicated volunteers who devote so much time and effort to the survival and evolution of our special community. ViVian Pitcher donated photos which she took of the picturesque parade of almost 200 sailboats the harbour toward the Eastern Gap on their way to the world championship races for the 470 Class, hosted last August by the RCYC. Irina Schestakowich donated materials pertaining to a book of art and poetry produced by Robert Sward and herself in 1978. Kate Shepherd donated a copy of The Centre Islander of September 10, 1948, found during renovations at 9 Nottawa. Gertie Weinhart donated a ISLAND HOMES T-shirt with the Island on the front and a Churchill quotation on the back which one!). Adam Zhelka deposited a batch of recent ephemera, plus a William Lyon Mackenzie Fireboat crew-member T-shirt. to an attribution in the December 1 Charlotte Mudge is the blessed soul who obtained from England for the Archives a copy of author Len Barnett's superb book, BURSLEM SATURDAY. Sorry, Charlotte! The above much appreciated items can be examined at the Archives during the regular open house hours of every Sunday afternoon. WILLIAM RONALD Have you ever noticed traces of bright colour on the interior walls of the Rectory when you nick the paint or pull out a thumbtack? These colours are remnants of a mural painted on the walls and ceiling by artist William Ronald in 1965. During a bout of his friend Father Paul Hopkins of St Andrew-by-the-Lake invited Mr Ronald to live with him at the Rectory, and Mr Ronald's therapy project became the execution of the 100' mural. He was assisted by several young Islanders, and he modestly valued the completed work at $100,000. Colour photos of the and its creation, and the story of its political ramifications and its controversial demise, are in the Archives. Hopkins, who sported black leather and made his rounds on a motorcycle, was very popular with Island teenagers. He died of a heart attack in 1966 at age 39. An exhibition of William Ronald's recent work is currently running at the Christopher Cutts Gallery (23 Morrow Ave), but you have to move fast--its last day is tomorrow, March 2. However, if you would like to buy a Ronald painting and donate it to the Rectory, I'm sure that Mr Cutts would provide a special viewing. A photo of Mr Ronald in 1968, with some of his work similar to the Rectory mural in the background, appears in the current photography exhibition at the Market Gallery. LUNCH-TIME LECTURES AT THE TORONTO HISTORICAL BOARD After the welcome gardening topics during February, the March and April lectures and slide-shows return to the more usual architectural theme; e.g. March 21: Gooderham & Worts development, discussed by architect David Dennis (another architect working on the project is Roger du Toit, formerly of 4 Nottawa); April 4: Fort York environs; April 11: John St Roundhouse. On April 18, the topic is the slide show which entertained us twice last fall when city planner Rollin Stanley described the new Island zoning by-law. From the THB: "Planning solutions for preserving Island heritage." The Toronto Islands have a distinct character that has come under threat time and time again. Elyse Parker of the City of Toronto Planning & Development Department will discuss some of the issues facing the islands and some of the proposed solutions. The lectures are held on Thursdays between noon and 1 pm at the THB headquarters at 205 Yonge St. Admission is $4. If you have not yet visited the beautifully restored bank building (opposite the Eaton Centre), just being there is worth the price of admission. A complete schedule of topics is available at the Archives. RICHARD CLARKE From The Toronto Star, February 16: "She's doing all of this with He's named for his grandfa thers who died at sea, his father was an Olympic yachtsman and his sisters are sailors, so it's no exaggeration . when Toronto'f Richard Clarke says, "I've got sailing in the blood." In the same way that many Canadian kids are put on skates not long after they learn to walk, Clarke was put at the helm of his own little boat on a Toronto Island lagoon when he was 3lh years old by his father, Dr. John Clarke. "1 was basically tossed in the boat like a swim-or-sink type thing," Richard Clarke recalled this week He didn't sink In fact, he not only developed a talent for keeping his boat afloat, but get ting it from point A to point B quicker than his peers, winning his first national title before he was 8. His finest moment to date, though, came when he recently knocked off two-time world champion Hank Lammens of Brockville for Canada's lone berth in the Finn class at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Clarke . was certainly no 'louch entering the Olympic tri als, having been ranked in the top five in the world· the past three years, but Lammens was considered· the faVorite. , While be considered his own chances at better than 50-50, Clarke doesn't gloat now that he's begun to emerge from Lammens' shadow. He's too busy laying the groundwork for the ultimate prize - Canada's first gold medal ever in Olympic sailing. "I'm just not happy with go ing or just winning a medal," said Clarke, 27. "I'm looking for the gold. I'm doing everything it takes right now for me to win a gold medal. "It's something I know I can do and people in the sailing world know I can do." Richard Alan Spence Clarke certainly has strong sailing bloodlines. ClirkEi;s father, a dentist, went to the 1972 Summer Olym pics with big ambitions but came home bitterly disappoint ed after finishing 20th. One of his grandfathers, Alan Clarke, was lost at sea during World War II, while his grandfa· ther on his mother's side, Peter Spence, died of a heart attack during a sailboat race. After Clarke's parents split when he was 10 years old, be was raised by his mother, Dr. Aileen Clarke. While it was his father who originally fueled his Olympic dream, his role model is his mother. Aileen Clarke is the vice president in charge of statistics and epidemiology for the Ontar io Cancer Research and Treat ment Foundation. Under the Bob Rae government, she was the cancer co-ordinator for the ministry of health. She also put three kidS through university and has always provided her son with moral and financial support multiple sclerosis, as well," said Richard. "If I can be half the person that she is when I grow up, I'll be pretty happy." Like most Canadian Olympi ans, Clarke's race to get ready for Atlanta is a costly one. He's $40,000 in debt personally from expenses during the four-year build-up and figures he will need to raise $74,000 in order to meet equipment and training costs over the crucial lead-up period to the Games. Clarke has got a definite game plan. For one thing, he doesn't plan to stay in the ath letes village in Atlanta because he believes it will distract from his focus. He also wants to have his personal coach, Andrew Clendinning, in· the coach boat during his races instead of na tional team coach Ken 0001 Clarke said he admires the single-minded approach of biathlete Myrlam Bedard and, like the double Olympic gold medalist from Quebec, he's not afraid to ruffle a few feathers. John & Aileen Clarke, and children Philippa, Felicity and Richard, lived at 14 Oneida from 1963 to 1974 and then rented to a series of tenants until 1992. The Island has been well represented at the Olympics over the years, and the Archives maintain a file on our local Olympians. If you can help, please check this file for missing entries. FRANK \GAMBLE (1929·1995) Frank & Joan Gamble and sons Ted & Jeff lived at 5 Ojibway after buying the house from Jim Isobel in 1964. Joan sold to Fultons in September 1980. Frank, a floor trader, was active such Island activities as the summer 'Supervision' program for father son fishing derby, men's winter sports at AlA, the Island baseball league, and he was always ready to play ball hockey with the took over as editor of the Algonquin Islander, a pithy newsletter started by Jake Banky (15 Oneida) in 1967. A complete set (I think) of this legendary publication is in the Archives, of the articles and poems are hilarious. The chief claim to fame, especially with their immediate neighbours, was breeding. They started with Basenjis (fortunately a dog, but they reportedly had 12 at one time), and then progressed to Whippets and Akidas (a huge Japanese dog). Several of their neighbours have told us tales about these famous dogs. According to Wayne Fraser, Joan presently lives in Esquimalt, BC, Ted is nearby in Victoria, and Jeff lives New York City. INMEMORlAM Doris Ruskin (21 Seneca) died North Bay November. I a pleasant oral history taping session with Doris on occasion of her 90th birthday in August 1994, and her story appeared September 1, 1994 issue of this newsletter. Our sympathies are extended to Marilyn McHugh, who recently lost both her mother and stepfather, Diana & Sydney Ezrin. GAMBLE, Franklyn Edward - On December 5, 1995 in Toronfo. Frank. survived bv his two sons Ted and Jeffrey. Loving brother of Kellard, Dorald, Patricia. Anne and lhe late Claire. Franky wlll be sadly missed by Joon Lancaster·Gamble and close friend Monico Dolton. Friends will be reteiv~ a1 the Chapel of Boles & Dodds Funeral Servlce~ "Sandford Chapel", 931 Queen SI. West (corner Of Strachan Ave.) 416-703-0681, on Friday, Detember 8 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. No service will be held. Cremotion. In lieu of flowers, donations made .to Covenant House, 20 Gerrard 51. East, Toronto MSB 2P3 (416-593-4i9) would be greally appretialed by thefamUy. In Ufe there is sometimes darkness, Bul in death Ihere is only light. The sun must set before il can rise again. We too must part before we can meet again. And meeting again Is ceria in for those who are friends. BURROWS, Mal1(oLJnee lJIOmton) - On Wednesday, January 10, 1996, near Sebastlon. Florldo, as Q result of an automobile occident. Wife of the late (Budd) Arthur Burrows. Prede<:eased by brother Dr. Gerald Thornton, sister Marion Kennedy, and nephew Ted Thornton. She Is survived by sister Anne RU$SO, and brothers Philip,. Robert, Donald and Hugh. Matriarch of both the. Thornton and Kennedy families. but with no children. she will be deeply mourned os the beloved aunt of Brian, Keith. Gall, Unda. Dan, Carol, Vicki. Philip, EriC: David,.· Geraldine,· Andrew,' Andrea, Dione, Ian and Robbie. A warm and vital person, Morg was Interested In everyone and everything. As on accomplished wrller and patron of the arts. she began her WO/'t1ng career os a kindergarten teocher, but moved on to the T. Eaton Co. advertising department, and soon became !heir principal fashions writer. She was for a time fashion writer for Cho1eloine magazine and subsequently became fashion editor for Canodian Home Journal. This WQ$ followed by a stint with Cortould's In Monfreal. Followint this vast exPerience Marg became a senior account executive with Ronalds Advertlsint. After a few years of successful freelancint, she concluded her exciting and varied career os a senior writer for Canadian Tire's advertisfnt department Marg will be sorely missed by legions of friends, close associates, grand-fliete5 and grond-nepilews. A Memorial Service will be held in the Cooch House Chapei of the Rosar -Morrison Funeral Home, 467 Sherbourne SI., Toronto on WednesdaV, January 17, 1996, at 11 a.m. In. lieu of flowers, a dooo1lon 10 Sf. Hilda's Towers or the charilY of one/~ choice wouldbe ~eciated by Marg's family. .. EZRIN, Sydney B.A. LLB. - On MondaY December 75, 1m 01 the Saverest Hospital. SYdneY Enin dearly beloved husband of Diona and dear brother of Dr. Calvin Emn of Los Angeles and Dr. Roslyn Herst. A coring father, grondfather, great-grandfather, a favorite uncle and friend to many. A sweet, gentle mon, one who will not be forgotten. AI the Beth David Synagogue, 55 Yeomans Rd. for service on Tuesday. December26 01 2 p.m. Inferment Grand Order of Israel sectioo of Paraes Shalom Memorial Park. Shiva. 425 l';ttoo Blvd. \lntH FridaY, [)e(ember 29. If desirei, dooolions may be mOde io til:: Boycresf Centre. EZRIN, Diona _. (II; Monday, January IS, 1996 at Branson Hospital. 0101,0, beloved wife of the lale Sydney Elrin. Loving Ololhe: of Marilyn McHugh and Pamela Dov:e. Lear sister of Violet Wolf. Predeteased by Denis, .~iml, and Stanley. She will be sodly missed by he\'lix grandchildren and six. reno At Benlomin', Park Steeles Ave. W. (one block' west of Dufferin) for service on Thursday, January I 18 at 11:00 a.m. Interment Beth David SYl'10909ue Settion of Dawes Rood Cemetery. Shiva 24 Elise TemKe ThursdaY and Friday only. If desired, memorial donations may be mode fo fhe f(ehabilitation Unit of Beycrest. ROBERT SWARD The Archives recently recent books by Robert Sward Authors Autobiographical Series . .... .,IILI 1980s. He will return to Toronto Following is an excerpt Born on the Jewish North Side of bar (Cornell. lege). newspaper editor, food husband to four has been described and winding road." In 1975. Toronto's Coach House Press two.-week for Col Santa Cruz. California containing donations of 2 autobiographical sketch from The Contemporary Irina and family lived at 3 Wyandot in the early readings from his new novel. A Much-Married Man. sketch: stove, which sometimes set the house on fire. I was living in Penny's house in 1980 when Swiss Ursula Heller arrived on assignment for Neue Zurcher Zeitung, a German-language newspa- ' per published in Zurich. Ursula invited me to inter resid.ents of the community for a feature story. My interviews were trans lated into German and published-with Ursula's Valentine's Day, 1981. Meanwhile. publisher of Soft Press. and as of a poetry reading series at and at the University of Victoria, I had or more Coach House authors: Douglas man. Gerry Gilbert. Dorothy Livesay. David lis Webb. David Young. and others. I had getting a book of my own published. a novel called The Jurassic Shales. In I dreamed of to Toronto-Canada's answer to New York and the Coach House workshop was an to check it out. One day. Coach House Press editor Victor Coleman invited me to a Victor lived in a community of about seven hundred on the Toronto Islands. a downtown Toronto. Cars are not allowed on the Islands. and the main mode of is the bicycle. The a painters. musicians, workers in business and entertainment industry, all commuted to the city together on a boat. A number of American expatriates live on the with people from England, France, and Switzerland. The Coach House Press went on late into the night. It was two I back to Toronto and, by that I had made up my mind to move to the and to live in the Island community. Canadian invited me to rent her house while she wintered in South America. house featured a staircase made out of tree branches suspended Overly ener tended to crash into walls or against a HU1,.,.,n"r< a traveling exhibition of my poems and Toronto Island interviews, accompanied by Ursula's in Toronto City Hall. Specially typeset, mounted on large, transportable The Islanders exhibit was subsequently seen more than thousand people. A year later, I received a Canada Council Grant to develop the interviews and to a book, The Toronto Islands: An Illustrated History. I spent weeks in the Toronto Archives diaries from the eighteenth and nineteenth including accounts of the invasion of the Toronto Islands, and the burning of American troops in the War of 1812. The Toronto Star published numerous sections of The Toronto Islands. David Crombie. former mayor of Toronto and a member of Parliament. contributed an intro duction and, in 1983, Dreadnaught Press published the book. Torontonians generally support the community. But Metro Council and suburban politicians were mounting their forces at that time, as they had off and on for thirty years, to tear down the Islanders' homes and destroy the "Bohemian" enclave. In Canada. the Islanders have established a reputation for themselves as people who enjoy life. In cold climates. Iy, the enjoyment of life is sometimes persecution. When the book appeared, I was invited to appear on numerous radio and TV shows. I shared what I learned about the history of the Islands and talked about the controversy. Dreadnaught Press seized the opportunity to sponsor a publication which was attended by several hundred a TV crew. I became. by Canadian author. Victor Coleman is Kemp lived at 14 Fourth. Her book of poetry, Clearing, 1977, is of Robert's 80-page The Toronto Islands Heller'S 128-page Village Robert plans to publish suggestions. http://www.cruzio.com/ his revised book. one of the 8 'villages' featured in book. of his Island book, and he invites comments and his IS This site includes a link to