The railway bridge over the CN tracks, Birchmount Rd, north of Danforth Ave., C 1950. Photo credit: Scarborough Archives.
Realtor Ray Cochrane’s historical calendar is quickly becoming an annual favourite, and a must-have for history buffs living in the Scarborough Bluffs.
The 2019 edition of Cochrane’s popular calendar celebrates the rich histories of three Bluffs neighbourhoods: Birch Cliff, Cliffside and Hunt Club/Fallingbrook.
There are three versions of the calendar, customized for each community, featuring historical information and colourized archival photographs.
“The older people love the calendars because it brings back so many fond memories for them and the younger and new people in the area are fascinated by the history the calendar brings to their community,” said Astrid Bloemen, who works year-round with Andrew Croft to produce the calendar.
The Cochrane team has produced 6,500 calendars. The Birch Cliff edition was hand-delivered last week, while Cliffside and Hunt/Club Fallingbrook should arrive in the mailbox this week.
Birch Cliff News has received permission to publish portions of the calendar, below.
Birch Cliff
Contractors installing upgraded electrical service to homes in the Birch Cliff area, c 1950. In 1948, electrical service in Ontario was changed from 25 Hz to 60 Hz by the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario, now known as Ontario Hydro. The 25 Hz standard had been set in 1885 when Niagara Falls was first harnessed to generate electricity. But many different power frequencies were in use across the province and it was felt that standardization was necessary.
Canadian National Railway bridge over Warden Avenue, just south of Danforth, c. 1948. The original bridge was replaced by the current concrete bridge in 1951.
Toronto Transit Commission PCC streetcar No. 4002 entering the Birchmount Loop, southeast corner of Kingston Rd. and Birchmount Ave., c 1950. The Birchmount Loop was the easternmost stop for Toronto streetcars until 1954. It was demolished in the late 1970s. You can read more about the Birchmount Loop here.
Cliffside
Kingston and Midland Roads., c. 1908.
Cliffside Plaza on Kingston Rd. and Cliffside Public School on East Haven Drive as seen in aerial photo looking southeast, c. 1950. Photo credit: Scarborough Archives.
The Halfway House at Kingston Rd. and Midland, c. 1950, during a less than elegant period after it lost its two-storey porch. The Halfway House was built around 1848 as a resting spot for stagecoach customers. It was restored to its original glory and moved to Black Creek Pioneer Village in 1962.
Hunt Club / Fallingbrook
Scarborough Bluffs, c.1900, in Fallingbrook.
Sir Henry Pellatt’s gardens at the foot of Fallingbrook Rd., just east of Victoria Park, c. 1910. Pellatt was the industrialist who built Casa Loma. He built a summer home on part of the land where the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant is currently located. It burned down in 1920.
Southeast corner of Kingston Rd. and Victoria Park Ave. Nov. 16, 1922.
How can I get one of these calendars I’m going to be in the Community as of Friday I live on Vancouver Island I’m coming home for 2 weeks
Hi Steve. You should email Astrid Bloemen to try to get a copy. astridbloemen@rogers.com
I didn’t receive my Calendar…I live on Preston Street….please email on how to receive on…bakersbakery1@hotmail.com
Hi Karen. Cliffside and Fallingbrook / Hunt Club are being delivered this week.
I would like one too. I lived in Birchcliff Heights. Please let me know.
Hi Janice. Cliffside and Hunt Club / Fallingbrook are being delivered this week.
Hi Janice. You should get yours soon. Cliffside and Hunt Club / Fallingbrook are being delivered this week.
The streetcar loop was on the south east corner of Birchmount and Kingston Rd
Thanks, Janice. I fixed it.
I would love a calendar, how can I get or order one. I lived at Kingston Road & St. Clair, went to school at Birch Cliff…Great photos.
I too would like one of the calanders. I lived on South Woodrow from 1954 till the 70’s. Our family sold it just last year. Lots of changes in the neibourhood!
I lived on South Woodrow too, if memory serves me our house was number 27, Norm Sealy and his wife were our neighbours and Mrs Matts was our neighbour on the other side. I do not remember when my dad built our house, may have started it in 51, we lived at stop 19 until the basement was finished then we moved into the basement for two years. My name is Lorne Bent, what number were you on South Woodrow, I lived on South Woodrow until 67 when I got married.
Hi Dave. You should email Astrid Bloemen to try to get a copy. astridbloemen@rogers.com
i would love to have one of these calenders, lived at kingston rd @midland from early 1950’s until 1985, how can i get one, i live in alberta now
Ditto, how can one obtain either a complimentary or pay copy of the historical calendar? Thanks
I lived on South Woodrow too, if memory serves me our house was number 27, Norm Sealy and his wife were our neighbours and Mrs Matts was our neighbour on the other side. I do not remember when my dad built our house, may have started it in 51, we lived at stop 19 until the basement was finished then we moved into the basement for two years. My name is Lorne Bent, what number were you on South Woodrow, I lived on South Woodrow until 67 when I got married.