Photo courtesy of the US Library of Congress Archive. Downtown Toronto waterfront circa 1901

This photo is from the US Library of Congress Archive. The original Copyright was issued in 1901 to the Detroit Photographic Co. It is my understanding that there are no known publication restrictions. The original photo was a photomechanical print, as color photography had not yet been invented in 1901.

The view is from the lake towards Church St at Front St. The Docks in the photo occupied what is now known as The Esplenade (south on Front St. and east of Yonge St.). A few years back they were digging a foundation hole on the south side of The Esplenade, west fo Church St. The construction crew found remnants of Toronto’s original docks, including military muskets.

The boats in the photo were located where one now finds the Gardiner Expressway. Quite amazing how much land fill has occurred over 111 years.

Hope that you enjoyed this view from the past, of Historic Toronto…