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ROCK ON:
IN THE HEART OF MUSIC CITY
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Working in partnership with the Downtown Yonge BIA, Heritage Toronto has produced historical plaques for the Friar's Tavern and the Le Coq d'Or, which will be unveiled at a special event at the Yonge Space pop-up gallery, 389 Yonge St., on July 24 (5-7 p.m., remarks at 5:30).
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Friar's Tavern (1960s/70s), The Canadian Encyclopedia
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In the 1960s and 70s, Yonge Street was the beating heart of Toronto's music scene. It rocked to the wild sounds of Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, David Clayton-Thomas and the Shays, Bo Diddley, the Kinks, and countless others.
The Friar's Tavern, located on the south side of Yonge-Dundas Square, was where in 1965 Bob Dylan famously recruited Levon and the Hawks to back him on his first electric world tour. Post-Dylan, the Hawks went on to international fame as the Band. Rock groups such as Robbie Lane and the Disciples, Jon Lee and the Checkmates, Bill Haley and the Comets, and the Silhouettes played at the Friar's before the building became the Hard Rock Cafe in the 1970s.
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Y
onge Street scene with Coq d'Or on the left. Image: York University Library, Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections, Toronto Telegram fonds
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Just up the street, the raucous Le Coq d'Or was home to Ronnie Hawkins and his band, the Hawks, who were regular performers there. Above the Le Coq d'Or was a teenage venue called the Hawk's Nest. Hawkins also had a lavish private space in the building that included a sauna and a boxing ring. The Sparrows (later Steppenwolf), the Kinks, and the pioneering transgender soul singer Jackie Shane played the Le Coq d'Or and the Hawk's Nest.
The plaque event coincides with an exhibition in the same space of portrait photography by the world renowned Armenian-Canadian artist,
Yousuf Karsh. A recipient of the Order of Canada, Karsh has been described as one of the greatest portrait photographers of the 20th century.
Shelton Chen Presents Karsh opens at the Yonge Space gallery (289 Yonge St.) July 19.
Downtown Yonge BIA has worked tirelessly to recognize the rich musical legacy of Yonge Street, and recently opened
Friar's Music Museum, a boutique exhibition space at 279 Yonge Street, the location of the former Friar's Tavern. The initial exhibit provides an overview of Yonge Street's music history, with an interactive digital timeline and artifacts ranging from photos and handbills to record-store ephemera. Read The Globe and Mail article for more information: Shoppers Drug Mart dedicates museum to Yonge Street's music history.
In 2016, Heritage Toronto and the BIA unveiled plaques for the Town Tavern and Club Bluenote, two other important Yonge St. music venues. The Friar's Tavern and Le Coq d'Or plaques are a continuation of this project, which recognizes the music history of Yonge St. with commemorative plaques.
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HISTORICAL PLAQUES PROGRAM
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Thurday, July 19 | 5:30 PM
CARLETON RACE COURSE
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Tremaine's map of the County of York, 1860
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Join us as we celebrate the plaque unveiling for the Carleton Race Course (fascinators and fancy hats optional).
Toronto's west end was once home to this popular race course in the 19th century. It was built on the farm of William Conroy Keele in 1857 and remained in operation for several decades. It was also the site of the very first Queen's Plate, Canada's oldest and longest-running thoroughbred horse race. With Keele's death, the race course also came to an end - and the land was divided and sold off. The area was subsequently developed into the Village of West Toronto Junction.
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Canada Illustrated News, 1870.
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Our thanks to Councillor Sarah Doucette,
Woodbine Entertainment, and the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
Location:
Corner of Humberside and Quebec Ave.
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Friday, August 10 | 5:00 PM
CAFE DIPLOMATICO
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Postcard celebrating the 50th Anniversary.
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Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Café Diplomatico has been a staple in the Little Italy community (and World Cup celebrations). Located at College and Clinton streets - the heart of the neighbourhood - it served as a cultural and social hub for the Italian newcomers to Canada. It's been half a century since its opening and Café Dip's familiar presence is as strong as ever.
The plaque presentation is one part of the festivities that include a two-day anniversary event on Clinton Street. So if you're team is out of the World Cup, you can still celebrate in August at Cafe Dip!
Location:
594 College Street
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TORONTO LEGACY PLAQUES - IN THE NEWS
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| The former home of Canadian writer Jane Jacobs located at 69 Albany Avenue in Toronto, Peter J Thompson / National Post |
We were excited by the recent coverage in the National Post of our Toronto Legacy Plaques. Working in partnership with the Toronto Legacy Project, these elegantly designed plaques recognize Toronto's greats by indicating where they lived or worked. Together they give passers-by a greater appreciation for the fact that Toronto has been home to some of our country's most accomplished artists, thinkers, scientists, athletes, and leaders of many kinds.
We also celebrate 100+ year old homes in the city with our
Century House Plaque
program. If your home is a grand old dame whose outdoor space is looking worse for wear with all this heat, this plaque will instantly brighten up your front yard. Call 416-392-3996 or email
[email protected]
for more information.
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Join us today by using our
online form
, or by calling 416-338-0684.
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Thursday, August 23 | 12:00 PM
ART & ARCHIVES AT THE TD TOWER
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Become a Heritage Toronto Member and get access to exclusive tours! Registration for our third Members-Only Tour of the year, at the Toronto Dominion Centre, opens on Monday, July 23 at 9:00 AM. Heritage Toronto donors are also welcome.
Beginning in the courtyard, the tour includes access to the archives, and the impressive art and artifacts stored in its stacks (34th Floor), as well as the newly renovated conference centre, formerly a cinema. Subject to availability, tour will include a visit to the 54th Floor.
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Tour includes access to acclaimed art work in TD's collection.
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*Guests can take a self-guided tour of the Inuit Art Gallery following the lunch hour tour.
NOTE:
- Pre-registration and active Heritage Toronto membership is required.
- Due to high anticipated turnout, registration for this event will be done by lottery, rather than on first-come, first served basis.
- Those with any level of family membership are eligible to register for two tickets, all individual memberships are eligible for one ticket only.
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
For more information on our 61 public tours taking place throughout the city, download the 2018
Tours Brochure (PDF).
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Presenting Sponsor
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Media Sponsors:
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Donation of $10 are encouraged to help cover costs.
Heritage Toronto is a charity that must raise
the majority of its operating funds.
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TONIGHT, July 5 | 6:30 PM
LIBERTY RECLAIMED: HISTORY OF THE VILLAGE
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Veronica Foster at the
John Inglis factory in Liberty Village, 1941
, Library and Archives Canada
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The evolution of Liberty Village is a story of growth, resilience, and community. The neighbourhood has worn many hats; it was initially very industrial, home to many manufacturing buildings. The land was also temporarily used for military purposes during wartimes, and eventually bloomed into a highly sought-after residential area and artists' haven.
NOTE:
Our tours go rain or shine, but not during thunderstorms. We will go ahead with the Liberty Village tour tonight unless there is lightning and thunder at 6:00 PM. Check the weather outside before you head out to meet us.
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Start Point:
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Massey Harris Park (945 King Street West)
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End Point:
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Lamport Stadium (1151 King Street West)
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Tour Sponsor
This tour was developed by an emerging historian, as part of our program to build the next wave of Toronto's city builders. The program is possible with the support of our
2018 Emerging Historians Sponsors.
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Saturday, July 7 | 1:30 PM
A SHORE THING: TORONTO'S CENTRAL WATERFRONT
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Take a refreshing stroll along Toronto's harbourfront while touring iconic landmarks along the way. With stops at the Toronto Harbour Commission Building, the Harbourfront Centre and Ireland Park, you'll learn about the area's key buildings, organizations, and outdoor spaces.
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Start Point:
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Toronto Harbour Commission Building (60 Harbour Street)
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End Point:
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Little Norway Park (659 Queens Quay West)
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Tour Sponsor
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Sunday, July 8 | 1:30 PM
GUILD PARK: WHERE ART MEETS NATURE
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Guild Park is a treasure in Scarborough. Within its grounds are plenty of gems for your eyes to feast on. Bring a camera! All around you are Instagrammable views - the Lion's Head, a pioneer log cabin, and a Greek theatre reminiscent of ancient times. Be sure to share your snaps with #HTtours.
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Start/End Point:
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Front gates of Guild Park (201 Guildwood Parkway)
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Tour Sponsor
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Thursday, July 12 | 6:30 PM
YORKVILLE: FROM COUNTER-CULTURE TO COUTURE
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Put on the ritz for this tour of Toronto's posh Yorkville neighbourhood. It's known for its high-end shops and fine dining - but it's not all glamour. Did you know the area's original purpose was slated to be a graveyard for the city's poor and indigent?
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Start/End Point:
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Village of Yorkville Park (115 Cumberland St)
*Note: The meeting point for the tour in Yorkville Park will be at the big rock, directly east of the Bay Station exit.
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Tour Sponsor
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Saturday, July 14 | 1:30 PM
CREATING TORONTO: THE STORY OF A CITY
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Walk through the history of Toronto as we explore the hidden gems of the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood, once the Olde Town of York, and connect today's bustling city with remnants from the past. Provides a great introduction to the city for newcomers, with interesting and little-known stories for those who already call Toronto home.
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Start Point:
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South-end of Market Lane Park (149 King Street East)
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End Point:
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St. Lawrence Market (93 Front Street East)
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Tour Sponsor
This tour was developed by an emerging historian, as part of our program to build the next wave of Toronto's city builders. The program is possible with the support of our
2018 Emerging Historians Sponsors.
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Sunday, July 15 | 1:30 PM
CAMPUS & COSMOS: TORONTO'S ASTRONOMICAL HERITAGE
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 ***LAST CHANCE***
Curious about the universe? Learn how Toronto's taking the lead on astronomical research on the international stage. The tour will make stops at the Meterological Office, the ROM, McLaughlin Planetarium and the Magnetic Observatory to name a few. Have any aspiring astronauts in tow? This is a great tour for expanding minds.
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Start Point:
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Munk School of Global Affairs (315 Bloor Street West)
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Astronomy & Astrophysics Building (50 St. George Street)
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Thursday, July 19 | 6:30 PM
DOWNTOWN GEORGE BROWN
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Like many who live and work in Toronto, you may be familiar with the name George Brown - but who is he and what does his story mean in the context of the city's history? Learn about this prominent businessman and politician, founder of
The Globe and Mail, who at the peak of his success was shot by a disgruntled employee.
NOTE: This tour includes an interior visit of
George Brown House, presented in partnership with the Ontario Heritage Trust.
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Start Point:
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St. Lawrence Hall (157 King Street East)
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George Brown House (186 Beverley Street)
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Saturday, July 21 | 10:30 AM
CHINATOWN WEST
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Jean Lumb campaigns to Save Chinatown. Courtesy of Arlene Chan.
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***LAST CHANCE***
Chinatown, in the heart of Toronto, is an important cultural piece of Toronto's history. If you've never been, there's a seemingly infinite amount to see and explore. If you have been, you'll know there's plenty more to uncover. Learn about the hardships and achievements of the Chinese community, and see how the area has developed into one of Toronto's liveliest neighbourhoods.
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Start Point:
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Chinatown Centre (222 Spadina Avenue)
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End Point:
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421 Dundas Street West
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Sunday, July 22 | 10:30 AM
ARCHITECTURE OF A NEIGHBOURHOOD: DOWNTOWN YONGE
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A popular tour, the Downtown Yonge walk will weave you through some of the city's most architecturally rich streets, both big and small. With Yonge Street as your guide, you'll discover the people, places and history at the core of Toronto.
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Start Point:
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Courtyard beside Pogue Mahone's (23 College Street)
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End Point:
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Old City Hall (60 Queen Street West)
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Tour Sponsors
This tour was developed by an emerging historian, as part of our program to build the next wave of Toronto's city builders. The program is possible with the support of our
2018 Emerging Historians Sponsors.
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Thursday, July 26 | 6:30 PM
YONGE STREET: THE HEART OF MUSIC CITY
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Join us as we explore the rise of a music city in Toronto. From Ronnie Hawkins to Ice-T, Yonge Street grooved to the best in the business for over 50 years. See the sights and enjoy the tunes as we explore the dynamic music scene that was Yonge Street, celebrating its legacy in Canadian music.
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Start Point:
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25 Carlton Street
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End Point:
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One Richmond Street West
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Tour Sponsor
This tour was developed by an emerging historian, as part of our program to build the next wave of Toronto's city builders. The program is possible with the support of our
2018 Emerging Historians Sponsors.
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THIS MONTH IN
TORONTO'S HISTORY
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Court Street Fire Hall, between Toronto and Church Streets, 1860, Toronto Public Library
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Heritage Toronto is proud to partner with Metroland Media to produce a monthly column highlighting the important milestones, people, and issues that have influenced and changed our city.
The article appears the first Thursday of every month in local community newspapers like the
North York Mirror or
Etobicoke Guardian.
Read this month's article online:
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If you thrive working on a dynamic and diverse portfolio, and want to be part of our small, high energy team, we're hiring a Program Assistant to provide support in the planning and execution of our largest event and Awards program.
Deadline is July 13
. (Job description - PDF)
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For more information on our Sponsorship and Donors Programs,
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Read up on what's going on in the heritage and historical sectors:
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Tour Program Presenting Sponsor
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Media Sponsor
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