Historic photos from around Yorkville, Toronto

The Yorkville coat of arms (brewer, brick maker, anvil, wood-plane, and sheep in the center) reflects the early character of the area. Yorkville was created as a residential suburb of Toronto in 1830 by Joseph Bloor and William Botsford Jarvis. The area grew, and by 1853 the population exceeded 1,000 people, large enough that it could be incorporated as the Village of Yorkville. The Potters Field cemetery, north east of Yonge and Bloor, was closed in 1870, with the remains moved to the Toronto Necropolis and Mount Pleasant cemetery. On Februrary 1st, 1883 the City of Toronto annexed the area, renaming it St. Paul's Ward.

List of all areas in Toronto or take a look at the historic photos by date. A subset of the photos have also been arranged by subject.
1850 Historic photo from 1850 - Pencil sketch of the H.B. Williams 'Yorkville Buss Line' coach in front of the Red Lion Hotel - John Ross Robertson Collection in YorkvillePencil sketch of the H.B. Williams 'Yorkville Buss Line' coach in front of the Red Lion Hotel - John Ross Robertson Collection
173 years ago - 1850 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1860 Historic photo from 1860 - Opening of the first rail line north of Bloor - Yonge St. looking n. from n. of Asquith Ave. - Yorkville Town Hall in YorkvilleOpening of the first rail line north of Bloor - Yonge St. looking n. from n. of Asquith Ave. - Yorkville Town Hall
163 years ago - 1860 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1865 Historic photo from 1865 - Joseph Bloor brewery, n. of Bloor St. E., between Mount Pleasant Rd. & Sherbourne St. in YorkvilleJoseph Bloor brewery, n. of Bloor St. E., between Mount Pleasant Rd. & Sherbourne St.
158 years ago - 1865 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1875 Historic photo from 1875 - Old Jesse Ketchum School c.1875 - Alexander Muir was principal 1871-2 in YorkvilleOld Jesse Ketchum School c.1875 - Alexander Muir was principal 1871-2
148 years ago - 1875 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1885 Historic photo from 1885 - Red Lion Hotel showing sign out front and horse and sleigh in YorkvilleRed Lion Hotel showing sign out front and horse and sleigh
138 years ago - 1885 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1886 Historic photo from 1886 - The Red Lion Inn, opened ca 1810 - where the Albert Britnell's bookstore then stood in YorkvilleThe Red Lion Inn, opened ca 1810 - where the Albert Britnell's bookstore then stood
137 years ago - 1886 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1893 Historic photo from 1893 - View of Yonge Street, looking north from Scollard Street, Toronto in YorkvilleView of Yonge Street, looking north from Scollard Street, Toronto
130 years ago - 1893 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1905 Historic photo from 1905 - Margaret Eaton School of Literature and Expression in YorkvilleMargaret Eaton School of Literature and Expression
118 years ago - 1905 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1907 Historic photo from 1907 - Yorkville Town Hall, Yonge St., w. side, opposite Collier St. built 1860 by architect William Hay and apprentice Henry Langley in YorkvilleYorkville Town Hall, Yonge St., w. side, opposite Collier St. built 1860 by architect William Hay and apprentice Henry Langley
116 years ago - 1907 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1908 Historic photo from 1908 - Margaret Eaton School of Literature and Expression built 1905 by W.R. Mead at 38 1/2 North St in YorkvilleMargaret Eaton School of Literature and Expression built 1905 by W.R. Mead at 38 1/2 North St
115 years ago - 1908 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1910 Historic photo from 1910 - Lennox Hotel with illuminated sign - Yonge St. e. side, south of present Church St. in YorkvilleLennox Hotel with illuminated sign - Yonge St. e. side, south of present Church St.
(Categorized under: Hotels )
113 years ago - 1910 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1910 Historic photo from 1910 - Bismarck Avenue entrance of Parker's Dye Works - men and horse drawn cart in YorkvilleBismarck Avenue entrance of Parker's Dye Works - men and horse drawn cart
113 years ago - 1910 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1912 Historic photo from Monday, September 9, 1912 - Historic map of Bloor and Bay Street for Terauley Street Widening - Charles St. and St. Mary in YorkvilleHistoric map of Bloor and Bay Street for Terauley Street Widening - Charles St. and St. Mary
111 years ago - Monday, September 9, 1912 - Yorkville
Max temp: 26.1°C - Min temp: 16.7°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1920 Historic photo from 1920 - Old residence, south side of Bloor Street West between Bay and Yonge in YorkvilleOld residence, south side of Bloor Street West between Bay and Yonge
103 years ago - 1920 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1921 Historic photo from Friday, March 4, 1921 - Margaret Eaton School, North Street (now Bay Street) in YorkvilleMargaret Eaton School, North Street (now Bay Street)
102 years ago - Friday, March 4, 1921 - Yorkville
Max temp: -5.0°C - Min temp: -13.9°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1921 Historic photo from Friday, March 4, 1921 - 52 North Street - Terauley Street Extension in Yorkville52 North Street - Terauley Street Extension
102 years ago - Friday, March 4, 1921 - Yorkville
Max temp: -5.0°C - Min temp: -13.9°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1921 Historic photo from Friday, April 1, 1921 - 51 Yorkville Avenue near Bay - Terauley Street Extension in Yorkville51 Yorkville Avenue near Bay - Terauley Street Extension
102 years ago - Friday, April 1, 1921 - Yorkville
Max temp: 4.4°C - Min temp: -3.3°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1924 Historic photo from 1924 - Yorkville coat or arms - brewer, brick maker, anvil, wood-plane, and sheep in the center in YorkvilleYorkville coat or arms - brewer, brick maker, anvil, wood-plane, and sheep in the center
99 years ago - 1924 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1924 Historic photo from 1924 - Yorkville heraldry above the rose window on Yorkville Town Hall - burnt down in 1941 in YorkvilleYorkville heraldry above the rose window on Yorkville Town Hall - burnt down in 1941
99 years ago - 1924 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1924 Historic photo from Tuesday, March 4, 1924 - No. 83-85 Bloor Street West in YorkvilleNo. 83-85 Bloor Street West
99 years ago - Tuesday, March 4, 1924 - Yorkville
Max temp: 4.4°C - Min temp: 0.6°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1927 Historic photo from Friday, July 1, 1927 - No. 5 steamer in Centennial Parade, Bloor Street West at Bellair Street in YorkvilleNo. 5 steamer in Centennial Parade, Bloor Street West at Bellair Street
96 years ago - Friday, July 1, 1927 - Yorkville
Max temp: 30.6°C - Min temp: 20.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1927 Historic photo from Friday, July 1, 1927 - No. 3 hose and chemical wagon in Centennial Parade, Bloor Street West seen from Bellair Street in YorkvilleNo. 3 hose and chemical wagon in Centennial Parade, Bloor Street West seen from Bellair Street
96 years ago - Friday, July 1, 1927 - Yorkville
Max temp: 30.6°C - Min temp: 20.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1927 Historic photo from Friday, July 1, 1927 - No. 8 hose wagon in Centennial Parade, Bloor Street West seen from Bellair Street in YorkvilleNo. 8 hose wagon in Centennial Parade, Bloor Street West seen from Bellair Street
96 years ago - Friday, July 1, 1927 - Yorkville
Max temp: 30.6°C - Min temp: 20.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1929 Historic photo from 1929 - Bloor Street West, south side, looking east from Avenue Road in YorkvilleBloor Street West, south side, looking east from Avenue Road
94 years ago - 1929 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1930 Historic photo from 1930 - Mosher's on Bay Street south of Bloor in YorkvilleMosher's on Bay Street south of Bloor
93 years ago - 1930 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1930 Historic photo from Thursday, September 18, 1930 - Lennox Hotel - 831 Yonge Street at Church - Central Shoe repair and Gibbons & Co Grocers in YorkvilleLennox Hotel - 831 Yonge Street at Church - Central Shoe repair and Gibbons & Co Grocers
(Categorized under: Hotels )
93 years ago - Thursday, September 18, 1930 - Yorkville
Max temp: 21.7°C - Min temp: 12.2°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1932 Historic photo from 1932 - Sir William Mulock house at 71 Avenue Road Between Yorkville and Webster Ave. in YorkvilleSir William Mulock house at 71 Avenue Road Between Yorkville and Webster Ave.
91 years ago - 1932 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1938 Historic photo from Thursday, January 13, 1938 - Snow and Duckworths Furs on Avenue Road looking north from Yorkville Avenue in YorkvilleSnow and Duckworths Furs on Avenue Road looking north from Yorkville Avenue
85 years ago - Thursday, January 13, 1938 - Yorkville
Max temp: 0.0°C - Min temp: -5.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1941 Historic photo from Wednesday, November 26, 1941 - St. Pauls Hall after November 1941 fire in YorkvilleSt. Pauls Hall after November 1941 fire
82 years ago - Wednesday, November 26, 1941 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1945 Historic photo from 1945 - Babloor Hotel - 1163-1167 Bay St., east side, between Charles St. W. and Bloor St. W. in YorkvilleBabloor Hotel - 1163-1167 Bay St., east side, between Charles St. W. and Bloor St. W.
(Categorized under: Hotels )
78 years ago - 1945 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1948 Historic photo from Friday, November 5, 1948 - University Theatre marquee and sign for Joan of Arc with Ingrid Bergman in YorkvilleUniversity Theatre marquee and sign for Joan of Arc with Ingrid Bergman
(Categorized under: Downtown theatres )
75 years ago - Friday, November 5, 1948 - Yorkville
Max temp: 18.3°C - Min temp: 10.6°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1948 Historic photo from Friday, November 5, 1948 - University Theatre on Bloor Street - sitting area and balcony in YorkvilleUniversity Theatre on Bloor Street - sitting area and balcony
(Categorized under: Downtown theatres )
75 years ago - Friday, November 5, 1948 - Yorkville
Max temp: 18.3°C - Min temp: 10.6°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1948 Historic photo from Friday, November 5, 1948 - University Theatre - seating area with window still open to street in YorkvilleUniversity Theatre - seating area with window still open to street
(Categorized under: Downtown theatres )
75 years ago - Friday, November 5, 1948 - Yorkville
Max temp: 18.3°C - Min temp: 10.6°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1948 Historic photo from Friday, November 5, 1948 - University Theatre - auditorium and balcony in YorkvilleUniversity Theatre - auditorium and balcony
(Categorized under: Downtown theatres )
75 years ago - Friday, November 5, 1948 - Yorkville
Max temp: 18.3°C - Min temp: 10.6°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1952 Historic photo from 1952 - Yorkville Baptist Church - became Salvation Army barracks (later receiving home) ca 1887-ca 1947; Rent-A-Car Building from ca 1947 in YorkvilleYorkville Baptist Church - became Salvation Army barracks (later receiving home) ca 1887-ca 1947; Rent-A-Car Building from ca 1947
71 years ago - 1952 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1953 Historic photo from Wednesday, July 1, 1953 - Wellesley Public School, Bay St., n.e. corner Wellesley St.; looking n.e. in YorkvilleWellesley Public School, Bay St., n.e. corner Wellesley St.; looking n.e.
70 years ago - Wednesday, July 1, 1953 - Yorkville
Max temp: 25.0°C - Min temp: 19.4°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1959 Historic photo from Friday, November 20, 1959 - Canadian Tire gas bar with butterfly canopy - Yonge Street and Church Street in YorkvilleCanadian Tire gas bar with butterfly canopy - Yonge Street and Church Street
64 years ago - Friday, November 20, 1959 - Yorkville
Max temp: 3.9°C - Min temp: -2.2°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1970 Historic photo from Wednesday, July 1, 1970 - Sutton Place hotel - driveway and entrance - Bay and Wellesley - opened 1967 in YorkvilleSutton Place hotel - driveway and entrance - Bay and Wellesley - opened 1967
(Categorized under: Hotels )
53 years ago - Wednesday, July 1, 1970 - Yorkville
Max temp: 26.1°C - Min temp: 17.2°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1971 Historic photo from Tuesday, July 27, 1971 - Tranquility Bay store window - 690 Yonge Street, south of St. Mary in YorkvilleTranquility Bay store window - 690 Yonge Street, south of St. Mary
52 years ago - Tuesday, July 27, 1971 - Yorkville
Max temp: 22.2°C - Min temp: 12.8°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1983 Historic photo from 1983 - University Theatre on Bloor St. showing Return of the Jedi (opened 1949, closed 1986) in YorkvilleUniversity Theatre on Bloor St. showing Return of the Jedi (opened 1949, closed 1986)
(Categorized under: Downtown theatres )
40 years ago - 1983 - Yorkville
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1988 Historic photo from Saturday, January 2, 1988 - George Bowling house - 113 Hazelton Ave - built in 1880 in YorkvilleGeorge Bowling house - 113 Hazelton Ave - built in 1880
35 years ago - Saturday, January 2, 1988 - Yorkville
Max temp: -3.9°C - Min temp: -8.5°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From Collations Flickr stream)