The Temple Building

One of Toronto's first skyscrapers, the Temple Building was designed by George W. Gouinlock and completed in 1896 at 62 Richmond Street West - on the north west corner at Bay Street. It was the world headquarters of the Independent Order of Foresters until 1953, and was eventually torn down in 1970.

The building was 11 storeys tall, designed in a Romanesque Revival style with a steel-frame construction. It was designed to be 'fire proof' and many of the interior photos come from the 1900 Pressed Metal Company catalogue.

It was the first building in Canada to have electric, automatic elevators. It also had all the 'mod cons' like steam heating, hot and cold running water, electric lights, and a focus on ventilation.

The International Order of Foresters

The IOF occupied floors 4 through 8. With courtrooms, and the Assembly Hall which could hold up to 700 people.

The Masonic Temple

The Freemason's had a lodge and chapter rooms, a banquet hall, etc. on the 9th and 10th floors.

See also:

• Independent Order of Foresters Arch (1901)

 
 

List of all subjects. You can also see all the historic photos for a given neighbourhood. We also have a list of all the photos arranged by date.

And you can also go up a level to see the other photos we've put under the category of Other_Historic_Toronto_Buildings photos.

Historic photos of Temple Building

1900		Temple Building interior - Fire-proof doors looking out to 2nd floor arched window - Pressed Metal Co 1900 catalogue 125 years ago - Financial District - 1900 Link to archive record - Map location
1900		Temple Building interior office and view over Toronto - Pressed Metal Co 1900 catalogue 125 years ago - Financial District - 1900 Link to archive record - Map location
1900		Temple Building interior - Masonic monogram sliding fire doors to elevators - Pressed Metal Co 1900 catalogue 125 years ago - Financial District - 1900 Link to archive record - Map location
1900		Temple Building interior - 'stag panel communicating doors' duplex copper-plated steel - Pressed Metal Co 1900 catalogue 125 years ago - Financial District - 1900 Link to archive record - Map location
1900		Temple Building - 1896 - 1970 - architect George W. Gouinlock - Pressed Metal Co 1900 catalogue 125 years ago - Financial District - 1900 Link to archive record - Map location
1900		Temple Building interior stairs - Pressed Metal Co 1900 catalogue 125 years ago - Financial District - 1900 Link to archive record - Map location
1900		Temple Building interior doors, trim for glass partitions - Pressed Metal Co 1900 catalogue 125 years ago - Financial District - 1900 Link to archive record - Map location
1900		Temple Building interior - statue and glass door with transom - Pressed Metal Co 1900 catalogue 125 years ago - Financial District - 1900 Link to archive record - Map location
1901		View of the I.O.F Arch on Bay Street, Toronto, during the visit of the Duke of York 124 years ago - Downtown - Sunday, October 6, 1901 Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1901		Night time shot of an illuminated IOF Arch - Royal Visit (archive incorrectly states Queen Park) 124 years ago - Financial District - Thursday, October 10, 1901 Max temp: 16.7°C - Min temp: 13.3°C (weather details) Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1902		The Temple Building - world headquarters for the Independent Order of Foresters 123 years ago - Financial District - 1902 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Library and Archives Canada)
1904		Temple Building and Confederation Life Building (on the left), looking west along Richmond Street 121 years ago - Financial District - 1904 Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1910		Grenadiers Chapter Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire - I.O.D.E. ball, Temple Building interior ballroom 115 years ago - Financial District - 1910 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Library and Archives Canada)
1910		Aerial view up Bay Street from King Street past Doels Homestead and Brewery with signs 115 years ago - Downtown - 1910 Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1910		Masonic Hall interior set with tables and chairs in The Temple Building (1897-1917) 115 years ago - Financial District - 1910 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)