West Toronto Junction Historical Society

We are pleased to present the 2023 Annual Report for the West Toronto Junction Historical Society, prepared for our upcoming Annual General Meeting on May 2, 2024. This report provides an overview of our activities, achievements, and community engagements over the past year. It also highlights our ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting the unique heritage and stories of the West Toronto Junction community. We invite you to explore this report to learn more about our work and the exciting plans we have for the future. Thank you for your continued support and interest in our mission.

We are thrilled to extend an invitation to all members of the West Toronto Junction Historical Society (WTJHS) to our much-anticipated 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for May 2, 2024, at 7 pm. In light of current circumstances, we have opted for a virtual gathering via Zoom to ensure the safety and accessibility of all our esteemed members.

Date: May 2, 2024
Time: 7:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Location: Zoom (Link to be provided)

Advance registration is mandatory for attendance at the AGM. You will receive the Zoom invitation link via email, which will be posted to our website, wtjhs.ca, approximately one week before the AGM. Links to the Zoom registration will also be included in an email dispatched to all members in good standing.

For members who prefer to participate by phone, registration is necessary through a friend or family member using your name and their email address. Upon registration, you will be able to join the meeting by dialing: +1 647 374 4685.

The AGM serves as a pivotal juncture for our society, providing an opportunity to reflect on our endeavors in 2023 as delineated in the forthcoming 2023 Annual Report, accessible on wtjhs.ca. Additionally, we will deliberate on the proposed budget for 2024 and present a slate of candidates for elected officer positions.

This is also a Call for Nominations for any of the six elected officer positions; namely President, Vice President, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Recording Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary. Refer to descriptions of currently vacant officer positions on wtjhs.ca under Volunteer Opportunities – Executive Roles.

Your active participation in the AGM is invaluable as it allows you to engage with fellow members, meet the candidates, and play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of our society.

Please do not hesitate to direct any nominations or queries to our general email at junctionhistorical@gmail.com.

Important Note: While we welcome all to attend, it’s pertinent to note that only WTJHS members in good standing are eligible to cast votes at the AGM.

Furthermore, we would like to draw your attention to a special business meeting slated to occur after our event on April 4. This meeting will be dedicated to reviewing the proposed 2024 budget in preparation for approval at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 2nd.

For those attending the business meeting in person, hard copies of the material will be available. For those participating on Zoom, the relevant documents will be shared on the screen for your convenience.

Let us unite to safeguard and celebrate the rich tapestry of our neighborhood’s history through the West Toronto Junction Historical Society for years to come!

Step into the intriguing world of Toronto’s past with our upcoming event, “Questioning Toronto: Celebrating Toronto’s 190th Anniversary,” featuring esteemed historian Richard Fiennes-Clinton. In 2024, we mark the 190th anniversary of the original City of Toronto’s incorporation in 1834, inviting all Torontonians to join in commemorating nearly two centuries of municipal existence.

Uncover Toronto’s Origins: How did Toronto evolve into a city? Who were the key figures in its early governance? Explore these questions and more as Richard Fiennes-Clinton takes us on a journey back to 1834. Discover the untold stories behind Toronto’s formation and gain insight into its evolution over the years.

Meet Richard Fiennes-Clinton: With over 30 years of experience in local history, Richard Fiennes-Clinton is a seasoned expert in Toronto’s heritage. His affiliations with esteemed organizations like the Ontario Heritage Trust and Heritage Toronto, coupled with his work with various museums, make him the perfect guide for this exploration. Visit his company, Muddy York Walking Tours, at www.muddyyorktours.com.

Join Us for an Enlightening Experience: Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to Toronto, this event promises to be enlightening and engaging for all. Dive deep into the mysteries of Toronto’s past and gain a newfound appreciation for the city we call home.

Additionally, please note that there will be a special business meeting at the end of our event on April 4. This meeting will be dedicated to reviewing the proposed 2024 budget in preparation for approval at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 2nd. The proposed budget and explanatory notes are posted on wtjhs.ca for advance review.  For those attending the business meeting in person, hard copies of the material will be available. For those participating on Zoom, the relevant documents will be shared on the screen for your convenience.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for registration details. Let’s come together to celebrate Toronto’s rich history and the milestone of its 190th anniversary.

Date & Time: April 04, 2024 at 7 pm.
Location: St. John’s West Toronto, 288 Humberside Ave (corner of Quebec Ave.), Toronto, ON.
This event will be held both, in-person and on Zoom.

Embark on a journey through time as we unveil the captivating history of the Argonaut Rowing Club—a story intricately woven into the fabric of Toronto itself. In celebration of 150 years of inspiring passion in rowing, join us for an exclusive discussion with Rower/Author Anne Shelton and Author/Rower Dave Lovell.

The Argonaut Rowing Club’s remarkable journey, chronicled in a 150-page book, goes far beyond the confines of the rowing community. Join Anne Shelton and Dave Lovell as they pull back the curtain, revealing the fascinating process of assembling, researching, writing, and publishing this compelling piece of history in just seven months.

• How did this group of rowers manage to bring this significant project to life?
• What inspired them, and what challenges did they overcome?
• Is there a secret weapon that fueled their success?
• And, most importantly, are they still friends after this intense collaboration?

Anne Shelton: A devoted member of the Argonaut Rowing Club since 1999, Anne brings a wealth of experience, having served as a former Board member and Director of Introductory Rowing programs. Explore her journey from Computer Systems Analysis to zen-rowing on the Humber River.

Dave Lovell: With over two decades at the Argonaut Rowing Club, Dave’s post-retirement pursuits include not only rowing but also writing biographies and speculative fiction. Delve into his insights gained from a career in technology companies and his passion for weaving compelling narratives.

We invite you to explore with us the captivating process behind the creation of this historical gem. Join us for the event and engage in the conversation, ask questions, and connect with fellow history enthusiasts, rowers, and members of our vibrant community.

Stay tuned for further details on this exclusive event that promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with tales of perseverance, glory, and the enduring spirit of the Argonaut Rowing Club.

Date & Time: March 07, 2024 at 7 pm.
Location: St. John’s West Toronto, 288 Humberside Ave (corner of Quebec Ave.), Toronto, ON.
This event will be held both, in-person and on Zoom (after registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting).

In 1799, the little Town of York’s Black population numbered 25, of a total of fewer than 700 people. Some of these African-Canadians were the “property” of slaveholders like Peter Russell and William Jarvis; others were Loyalists, free people, or those who had fled slavery in the United States. By the time of the US Civil War, 2,000 or more Blacks were living in Toronto, and many more in the surrounding countryside of York County.

African-Canadian businesses included Toronto’s first cab company, the best blacksmith (so it was reported) in Canada West, barbershops, grocery and provision stores, and a hotel. In York County, the greatest number of Black residents could be found in York Township West, followed by Etobicoke, where they were landowners as well as laborers. This presentation will look at families of African descent who lived in Toronto and Etobicoke in the 19th century, the communities they lived in, and the issues and challenges they faced, and will examine resources that are particularly useful when researching 19th-century African-Canadian families, including petitions, contemporary accounts, and Black newspapers.

Embark on a captivating journey through Toronto’s rich history with acclaimed genealogist and historical researcher, Hilary Dawson. With profound expertise spanning over three decades, Dawson has meticulously uncovered the hidden stories of African Canadians in the 19th century, particularly in the vibrant landscapes of Toronto and Etobicoke. Her invaluable contributions have been recognized by the Etobicoke Historical Society, which honored her with the prestigious Jean Hibbert Award in 2002. Now, she invites you to join an enlightening talk where she will delve into the lives of African-Canadian families, exploring their communities, challenges, and the remarkable contributions they made to the cultural tapestry of Toronto.

Discover the fascinating narratives of individuals who shaped the 19th-century Black history landscape, as Dawson sheds light on the little-known Black presence in Etobicoke Township. Uncover tales of resilience, entrepreneurship, and community building as she discusses the varied experiences of African Canadians during this pivotal period. Delving into her extensive research, Dawson will provide insights into the resources essential for uncovering the stories of 19th-century African-Canadian families, including petitions, contemporary accounts, and Black newspapers. This talk promises a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of Toronto’s diverse history and the remarkable individuals who played a pivotal role in shaping its cultural mosaic.

Date & Time: February 1, 2024 at 7 pm.
Location: St. John’s West Toronto, 288 Humberside Ave (corner of Quebec Ave.), Toronto, ON.
This event will be held both, in-person and on Zoom.

Greetings WTJHS members and supporters of local history. Please join us on Saturday, December 16th for our Holiday Sale at the Annette Library from 11 am to 2 pm. We will have our books on special holiday pricing!

In addition, we will be selling our splendid T-shirts, including plenty of Youth sizes (ok grandparents, this is your big opportunity to get the kids something cool for the Holidays!). New this year is a range of greeting cards featuring the winning designs from the WTJHS-sponsored 2020 and 2021 Art Competitions for local high school students!

Of course, you are welcome to drop by and renew your membership for 2024 (yes, it is that time of the year again)!
We are also setting up our photographic displays so everyone can come and learn a bit more about the history of the Junction. The kids (and adults too) love the old photos: the clothes, the vehicles, the street scenes, and the horses!

Please join us on Saturday, December 16th at the Annette Library!

Unwrap the gift of the rich History of the Junction this holiday season with our exclusive Pre-Christmas Sale! Visit ‘Our Publications’ page for a sleigh full of details on our exclusive pre-Christmas sale – where stories of the Junction’s heritage come alive!