Centennial of the City of Toronto
Encyclopedia
The Centennial of the City of Toronto
was celebrated in 1934
. The celebrations included numerous events, exhibitions, and commemorations.
Of the most modern relevance is the "Toronto's Hundred Years" Publication Committee, which published Toronto's 100 Years
, from which much historical perspective may be found.
's annual opening.
.
, originally erected in the "virgin woods hereabouts in 1793
". "At the touch of a Royal hand", the fort's gates were to be opened,
The guide to the centennial entices American readers by repeatedly highlighting General Zebulon Pike
, encouraging them to "stand just as reverently here while the guide points out the exact spot on the battlements of Toronto's ancient citadel were Pike met death in his hour of victory."
It was noted in promotional materials that:
The show included an Exhibition Chorus of 2,000 "trained voices" conducted by Dr. H. A. Fricker. Fricker was at that point leading the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir
. Promotional materials billed Toronto as the "Choral Capital of America." Also performing was the Toronto Symphony Orchestra
, under Dr. Ernest MacMillan
. Both organizations still operate.
While original plans called for German and Austrian veterans to be included in the parade, but they were scratched at the day of. Corps reunion officials said, "They will not parade with the corps. Beyond that we do not wish to comment."
poisoning on 2 August 1934. Shortly after news of the 86-year-old's passing made Berlin, Chancellor Adolf Hitler
was named President by Constitutional amendment. By the start of Toronto event for Great War veterans, German Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels
was reported to be working on a "high-pressure drive to bring Germans in mass to the polls Aug. 19 to vote Adolf Hitler into office as... "Fuehrer and Reich Chancellor"."
The host city itself was busy dealing with the Ontario Hunger Marchers. Marchers were holding meeting in Toronto parks without permits. While the hunger marchers had walked the highways down to the event, they were sent home via capacity-loaded trucks, as ordered by Premier Mitchell Hepburn
, to remove them from the city. These Marchers were so prominent that some children mistook a veteran with a red beret for one.
At the time, the City's marketing slogan was "The Citizens are the City".
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
was celebrated in 1934
1934 in Canada
-Events:*March 9 - New Brunswick women win the right to hold office*June 19 - Ontario election: Mitchell Hepburn's Liberals win a majority, defeating George S. Henry's Conservatives...
. The celebrations included numerous events, exhibitions, and commemorations.
Of the most modern relevance is the "Toronto's Hundred Years" Publication Committee, which published Toronto's 100 Years
Toronto's 100 Years
Toronto's 100 Years is a book by Jesse Edgar Middleton, published by Toronto's Centennial Committee in 1934. Set in a modern typeface, it contains 82 inside illustrations and numerous advertisements for Toronto businesses....
, from which much historical perspective may be found.
Organization
Along with a General Centennial Committee, Toronto had at least sixteen Special Committees. They were the Music and Pagentry, Permanent Memorial, Flying, The "Toronto's Hundred Years" Publication, Travel Promotion, Veteran Reunion, Pictures, Religious Services, Stamp Exhibition, Sports, Street Decorations, Flower Show, Song Judging, Public Address, National Groups, and the Drills Corps Display Committee (which included a Mailing List Committee).General Centennial Committee
- Honorary Chairman: Brigadere-General C. H. Mitchell, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O.
- Chairman: J. A. Northey
- Director: Lieutenant-Colonel H. R. Alley, O.B.E.
- His Worship William J. StewartWilliam James StewartWilliam James Stewart was a Canadian politician. Stewart also owned and operated the Bates and Dodds Funeral Home on Queen Street West in Toronto.- Mayor of Toronto :...
, Mayor of the City of Toronto - J. E. Atkinson, The Toronto Daily Star
- H. C. Bourlier, Toronto Convention and Tourist Association
- George Brigden, Board of Education
- C. L. Burton, Toronto Industrial Commission
- Colonel H. S. Cameron, Toronto Transportation CommissionToronto Transportation CommissionBefore 1954, the Toronto Transit Commission was called the Toronto Transportation Commission.-History:Toronto's first public transportation company was the Williams Omnibus Bus Line and owned by undertaker Burt Williams. The franchise carried passengers in horse-drawn stagecoaches along Yonge...
- Alderman Ralph C. Day, the Council of the City of Toronto
- J. E. Ganong, Board of Harbour Commissioners
- W. G. Jaffray, The GlobeThe Globe and MailThe Globe and Mail is a nationally distributed Canadian newspaper, based in Toronto and printed in six cities across the country. With a weekly readership of approximately 1 million, it is Canada's largest-circulation national newspaper and second-largest daily newspaper after the Toronto Star...
- Brigadere-General C. H. Mitchell, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., Toronto Board of TradeToronto Board of TradeThe Toronto Board of Trade is Toronto's chamber of commerce, the largest local chamber of commerce in Canada, representing more than 10,000 business and individual members with about 500,000 employees across Canada and annual revenues of more than $200 billion .It is a non-profit organization with...
- John Munro, Trades and Labor Council
- J. A. Northey, Royal Agricultural Winter FairRoyal Agricultural Winter FairThe Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, colloquially called The Royal, is an annual fall fair in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, which takes place over two weeks in November...
- Colonel The Honorable W. H. Price, The Government of the Province of Ontario
- Controller J. G. Ramsden, Board of Control of the City of Toronto
- T. A. Reed, University of TorontoUniversity of TorontoThe University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
- Douglas S. Robertson, The Evening Telegram
- F. D. L. Smith, The Mail and EmpireThe Mail and EmpireThe Mail and Empire was formed from the 1895 merger of The Toronto Mail and Toronto Empire newspapers, both conservative newspapers in Toronto, Canada. The paper merged with The Globe to form the The Globe and Mail in 1936....
- J. P. Travers, Separate School Board
- W. Wadsworth, Formerly of the Council of the City of Toronto
- F. E. Waterman, Canadian Manufacturers Association
- John Westren, Canadian National Exhibition Association
Special Committees
It is possible more Committees existed, as it was published "It is greatly regretted that the names of the members of other committees which are being formed are not available for this edition."| Music and Pagentry Committee | Ernest MacMillan Ernest MacMillan Sir Ernest Alexander Campbell MacMillan, CC was an internationally renowned Canadian orchestral conductor and composer, and Canada's only "Musical Knight". He is widely regarded as being Canada's pre-eminent musician, from the 1920s through the 1950s... , B.A., Mus. Doc., F.R.C.M., F.R.C.O., (Chairman), Captain J. S. Atkinson, Eugene Beaupré, Milton Blackstone, E. P. Burns, C. B. Cleveland, F.R.I.B.A., Fredric C. Foy, H. A. Fricker, M.A., Mus. Doc, F.R.C.O., (Chairman - Music Subcommittee), Major A. C. Galbraith, Miss Pearl McCarthy, M.A., B. Litt., (Oxon), J. Campbell McInnes, A. J. Mason, Lawrence Mason, M.A., Ph.D., J. E. Middleton, Herbert E. Moore, F.R.A.I.C., (Chairman - Pagentry Sub-Committee), W. M. Murdoch, George A. Patton, B.S.A., Thomas M. Sargant, Owen Staples, O.S.A., Edgar Stone, Miss E. Tedd, F. R. McVity |
| Permanent Memorial Committee | George H. Locke, M.A., LL.D., (Chairman), C. E. Chambers, Hector Charlesworth Hector Charlesworth Hector Willoughby Charlesworth was a Canadian writer, editor, and critic. From 1904 to 1910 he was an editor and critic at the Toronto Mail and Empire. In 1910 he went to Saturday Night and was its editor from 1926 to 1932... , Shirley Denison, K.C., Alderman H. W. Hunt, Tracy D. Le May, Colonel Mackenzie Waters, M.C. |
| Flying Committee | Wing-Commander D. G. Joy, A.F.C., R.C.A.F., Squadron Leader G. S. O'Brian, A.F.C., R.C.A.F., Major R. E. Nicholl, Fleet-Lieutenant W. A. Curtis, D.S.C, R.C.A.F., Fleet-Lieutenant A. H. Keith Russell, R.C.A.F., Lee Murray |
| The "Toronto's Hundred Years" Publication Committee | F. D. L. Smith, (Chairman), Eric Arthur Eric Arthur Eric Ross Arthur, was a Canadian architect, writer and educator.Born in Dunedin, New Zealand and educated in England, he served in World War I with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade... , M.A., A.R.I.B.A., Hugh Eayrs, Main Johnson, A. H. Robson |
| Travel Promotion Committee | W. Fulton, (Chairman), A. H. Foster, John V. Foy, W. F. Prendergast, H. F. Tilley, Charles Watson |
| Veteran Reunion Committee | Major Alex Lewis, (Chairman), Colonel W. Rhodes, D.S.O., M.C., Captain W. W. Parry, K. C., Captain V. W. Fairweather, Sergeant Charles J. Brown |
| Pictures Committee | Martin Baldwin, M. O. Hammond, Arthur Lismer Arthur Lismer Arthur Lismer, CC was an English-born Canadian painter and member of the Group of Seven.-Early life:At age 13 he apprenticed at a photo-engraving company. He was awarded a scholarship, and used this time to take evening classes at the Sheffield School of Arts from 1898 until 1905... , T. A. Reed |
| Religious Services Committee | Rev. Canon C. V. Pilcher, M.A., D.D., Anglican Church, (Chairman), Rev. John Marshall, Baptist Church, Rev. G. M. Dunn, Presbyterian Church, Rev. G. Kelly, B.A., Roman Catholic Church Roman Catholic Church The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity... , Major Noah Pitcher, Salvation Army Salvation Army The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian church known for its thrift stores and charity work. It is an international movement that currently works in over a hundred countries.... , Rabbi S. Sachs, B. A., Jewish Synagogues Synagogue A synagogue is a Jewish house of prayer. This use of the Greek term synagogue originates in the Septuagint where it sometimes translates the Hebrew word for assembly, kahal... , Rev. W. Harold Young, M.A., D.D., United Church of Canada United Church of Canada The United Church of Canada is a Protestant Christian denomination in Canada. It is the largest Protestant church and, after the Roman Catholic Church, the second-largest Christian church in Canada... |
| Stamp Exhibition Committee | C. F. Foster, Fred Jarret, G. G. Macdonald, W. I. MacTavish, Donald Taylor |
| Sports Committee | Lieutenant-ColonelT. R. Loudon, (Chairman), George H. Beedham, Hamilton Cassels, John de Gruchy, Chief Inspector George Guthrie, Alderman Fred Hamilton, Charles E. Higginbottom, Elwood Hughes, James G. Merrick, P. J. Mulqueen, Fred Nobert, Harry Price, MPP, Charles E. Ring, Major Alexander Sinclair, John W. Turner, T. K. Wade |
| Street Decorations Committee | Lieutenant-Colonel F. H. Marani, F.R.A.I.C., (Chairman), Fred S. Haines, Maurice Grimbly, F. M. Kay, Ivor Lewis Ivor Lewis Ivor Rhys Lewis was a Canadian artist and business director.Lewis was born in Wales, but emigrated to Canada as a small boy. He trained as an artist at the Ontario School of Art, and was hired in the art department of the Eaton's department store chain in Toronto... , F. W. Peasnell, Percy Quinn Percy Quinn John Purcell Quinn was a Canadian athlete, businessman, sports promoter and politician in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was the owner and president of the Toronto Blueshirts, winners of the Stanley Cup in 1914. He was a member of the world champion Montreal Shamrocks lacrosse team in 1896... , W. H. Stainton |
| Flower Show Committee | Percy Bone, (Chairman), C. E. Chambers, G. I. Christie, B.S.A., Ds. C., John F. Clarke, Harry Endean, J. B. Fairbairn, Lionel Godson, John S. Hall, William McKay, F. C. Nunnick, B.S.A., John Oakes |
| Song Judging Committee | Ernest Seitz Ernest Seitz Ernest Joseph Seitz was a Canadian composer, songwriter, pianist, and music educator. He published some of his work under the pseudonym "Raymond Roberts" because he did not wish to be associated with popular music. His most famous work is The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise, which he co-wrote... , (Chairman), Jack Arthur, Rex Battle, Donald Heins Donald Heins Donald Heins was a Canadian violinist, violist, conductor, organist, composer, and music educator of English birth. He notably founded the first professional orchestra in Ottawa, the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra , in 1902, serving as its director until 1927... , Peter C. Kennedy, E. J. Pratt E. J. Pratt Edwin John Dove Pratt, FRSC , who published as E. J. Pratt, was "the leading Canadian poet of his time." He was a Canadian poet originally from Newfoundland who lived most of his life in Toronto, Ontario... , M.A., D.D. Th. D., F.R.S.C. |
| Public Address Committee | Major L. Anthes, W. J. Cairns, J. G. Clarke, S. B. Gundy, Colonel B. O. Hooper, J. McCoubrey, W. G. Mills, J. F. M. Stewart, John Tory, Captain R. J. Williams, E. W. Wright, K.C. |
| National Groups Committee | Kenneth L. Cameron, (Chairman), Mrs. Frank Adams, J. H. K. Booth, Mrs. P. Foster, N. Hornyansky, Rev. J. I. McKay |
| Drills Corps Display Committee | Inspector Robert Alexander, Mrs. J. B. Colgan, A. Coulter, Mrs. Mary Cusack, Mrs. J. Hall, Mrs. J. G. Howell, A. Johnson, Mrs. Thomas Kerr, Mrs. Charles C. Lewis, Mrs. Mary C. Mayhew, Morley E. McKenzie, R. E. Midgley, S. C. Parks, Display Marshall, Dr. H. Pocock, Mrs. Ruth M. Quinn, Mrs. Rockwood, John Roxborough |
| Mailing List Committee | George A. Mitchell, (Chairman), W. J. Foster, Mrs. A. May Ralston |
Events and ceremonies
While events occurred throughout the year, many were scheduled to happen in one of three three-day periods. The first began on Victoria Day, the second after Dominion Day (now Canada Day), and the third at the end of summer, but before the Canadian National ExhibitionCanadian National Exhibition
Canadian National Exhibition , also known as The Ex, is an annual event that takes place at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada during the 18 days leading up to and including Labour Day Monday. With an attendance of approximately 1.3 million visitors each season, it is Canada’s largest...
's annual opening.
Victoria Day Weekend, May 24, 25, 26
Of note, Toronto first proclaimed Victoria Day in 1848. Soon recognised by the federal government, Canada became the first country to declare it a national holiday. By the time of Toronto's centennial, the movement had spread to the entire British EmpireBritish Empire
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom. It originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height, it was the...
.
Re-opening of Fort York
Victoria Day (the 24th) was dedicated to the re-opening of Fort YorkFort York
Fort York is a historic site of military fortifications and related buildings on the west side of downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The fort was built by the British Army and Canadian militia troops in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, to defend the settlement and the new capital of the...
, originally erected in the "virgin woods hereabouts in 1793
1793 in Canada
-Events:* Alexander Mackenzie reaches Pacific Ocean at Bella Coola* David Thompson surveys Muskrat Country west of Hudson Bay.* HBC Brandon House established on the Assiniboine River, outpost for trade south and southwest to Missouri and Yellowstone....
". "At the touch of a Royal hand", the fort's gates were to be opened,
The guide to the centennial entices American readers by repeatedly highlighting General Zebulon Pike
Zebulon Pike
Zebulon Montgomery Pike Jr. was an American officer and explorer for whom Pikes Peak in Colorado is named. As a United States Army captain in 1806-1807, he led the Pike Expedition to explore and document the southern portion of the Louisiana Purchase and to find the headwaters of the Red River,...
, encouraging them to "stand just as reverently here while the guide points out the exact spot on the battlements of Toronto's ancient citadel were Pike met death in his hour of victory."
The Empire Pageant
Running all three nights of the period was an "inspiring historic" Empire Pageant. Held a night, the outdoor performances looked at the history of the city from the establishments of Natives and M. de la Galissoniere, to then present day educational, industrial, and social developments.It was noted in promotional materials that:
The show included an Exhibition Chorus of 2,000 "trained voices" conducted by Dr. H. A. Fricker. Fricker was at that point leading the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir
Toronto Mendelssohn Choir
The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir is a Canadian large vocal ensemble based in Toronto.The choir was co-founded in 1894 by Augustus S. Vogt and W. H. Hewlett. The ensemble was originally an extension of the choir of Jarvis St. Baptist Church in Toronto which Vogt directed and Hewlett accompanied. The...
. Promotional materials billed Toronto as the "Choral Capital of America." Also performing was the Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Toronto Symphony Orchestra
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra is a Canadian orchestra based in Toronto, Ontario.-History:The TSO was founded in 1922 as the New Symphony Orchestra, and gave its first concert at Massey Hall in April 1923. The orchestra changed its name to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 1927. The TSO...
, under Dr. Ernest MacMillan
Ernest MacMillan
Sir Ernest Alexander Campbell MacMillan, CC was an internationally renowned Canadian orchestral conductor and composer, and Canada's only "Musical Knight". He is widely regarded as being Canada's pre-eminent musician, from the 1920s through the 1950s...
. Both organizations still operate.
Canadian Corps Reunion, August 4, 5, 6
The first ever reunion of the Canadian Corps was held in Toronto, over a three-day period. While there was mischief reported, for the most part the soldier's celebration went off smoothly.While original plans called for German and Austrian veterans to be included in the parade, but they were scratched at the day of. Corps reunion officials said, "They will not parade with the corps. Beyond that we do not wish to comment."
During the reunion
After two days of hospitalisation in Neudeck, East Prussia, President Paul Von Hindenburg of Germany died of uremiaUremia
Uremia or uraemia is a term used to loosely describe the illness accompanying kidney failure , in particular the nitrogenous waste products associated with the failure of this organ....
poisoning on 2 August 1934. Shortly after news of the 86-year-old's passing made Berlin, Chancellor Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was an Austrian-born German politician and the leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party , commonly referred to as the Nazi Party). He was Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945, and head of state from 1934 to 1945...
was named President by Constitutional amendment. By the start of Toronto event for Great War veterans, German Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels
Joseph Goebbels
Paul Joseph Goebbels was a German politician and Reich Minister of Propaganda in Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945. As one of Adolf Hitler's closest associates and most devout followers, he was known for his zealous oratory and anti-Semitism...
was reported to be working on a "high-pressure drive to bring Germans in mass to the polls Aug. 19 to vote Adolf Hitler into office as... "Fuehrer and Reich Chancellor"."
The host city itself was busy dealing with the Ontario Hunger Marchers. Marchers were holding meeting in Toronto parks without permits. While the hunger marchers had walked the highways down to the event, they were sent home via capacity-loaded trucks, as ordered by Premier Mitchell Hepburn
Mitchell Hepburn
Mitchell Frederick Hepburn was the 11th Premier of Ontario, Canada, from 1934 to 1942. He was the youngest Premier in Ontario history, appointed at age 37....
, to remove them from the city. These Marchers were so prominent that some children mistook a veteran with a red beret for one.
Other notes
Some residents complained that "our largest hotels lack decorations of any description, and especially this week," when the veterans were in town.Marketing of the Centennial
Part of the promotions included a pamphlet "Toronto Centennial 1834 1934: Within a night's ride for fifty million people of the U.S. and Canada". While including the locations of Sault Ste Marie, Niagara Falls, Montreal, and Quebec, the map focuses on American cities. This focus on the United States in highlighted in the second page text "To the Question---"WHERE WILL WE GO THIS YEAR?"/All America in 1934 can cheerfully answer/"TORONTO"". At the time, fifty million people were "[w]ithin an overnight trip" from the city. The pamphlet was of a significant gloss and weight, with a full-colour cover.At the time, the City's marketing slogan was "The Citizens are the City".