Toronto Street Names: An Illustrated Guide to Their Origins

by Leonard Wise, Allan Gould

"Deserves a place on every Toronto history buff's bookshelf."-- Canadian Book Review Annual"Toronto Street Names" provides a highly visible record of the past of Canada's largest city. It commemorates the people and events that have shaped the place and tells the fascinating and curious stories of how more than 340 Toronto streets got their names. This edition has been thoroughly updated and revised, and it now includes four walking-tour maps and a historical index. A new essay by Charis Cotter (author of "Toronto Between the Life in the City 1919--1929," winner of the 2005 Heritage Toronto Award of Excellence) explores the history of the iconic Toronto streetcar and how the development of streetcar routes along certain streets helped mold the city we know today.The names of Toronto's streets map the trails and portages of the First Nations inhabitants, the arrival of the early explorers and the founding of York at the end of the 18th century. They trace the growth and political turmoil of the 19th century, the modernization of the 20th century and beyond, and the emergence of one of the world's most culturally diverse cities. The lives of brewers, politicians, architects, royalty, explorers and farmers can be traced in the city's street names. From the grand estates of Toronto's early upper class to the villages and homes that immigrants left behind, Toronto's street names tell many stories."Toronto Street Names" is easy to read, intriguing and ideal for the traveler who prefers exploring off the beaten track. It is also a fascinating source of information for readers interested in the history of North America's great cities. The book is illustrated with period photographs and is fully indexed and cross-referenced.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Reference

288 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2000

About the author

Leonard Wise has been a lawyer since his call to the bar in 1968, with a parallel career as television performer, food critic for the Toronto Star, screenwriter with Thomas Michael of You're Killing Me, and author of seven books, including the best-selling Toronto Street Names. He lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toponyms tell a history and this book helps unfold the remarkable story and history of Toronto. Supported by wonderful photographs, the reader of this book will get not only the history behind a street’s name, but also enjoy a visual history of the streets as well.

If you live in Toronto, or plan to visit the city in the future, this book will be a wonderful resource that will enhance your experience of the city.

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book was very detailed and I appreciate hearing about the major stories behind streets, Parks and landmarks in the city. The book could have been a little bit shorter. There’s some background history about the Windsor family of England and that really doesn’t need to be as much detail when you’re talking about the history of a Windsor Street in Toronto opinion.

[John Chidley-Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a local history nerd like me this is the perfect book. Although it's essentially an encyclopedia I read it cover to cover. It's really improved my appreciation for Toronto's history.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real fun if you're a Toronto nerd!

[Rob Duffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interesting!