It's probably fair to say that the experience of dealing with snow is somehow crucial to understanding what life is like in Toronto, even if it's just in the form of complaining about it more than we probably should.  

From the massive storms of 1999 and 1944 to the dire warnings issued before every snowfall, snow is hardwired into the city's historical consciousness, even as we often stand in awe of it.

Here's a look back at the city blanketed in snow and encased in ice over the last century and a bit. It should help to provide some perspective the next time we all start fretting about five centimetres of light powder.

Behold, snowy Toronto over the years.

Storm damage on Brock Street, 1896.

Cherry Street, 1908.

Old City Hall encased in frost, 1910.

Broadview near Riverdale Park, 1917.

Manning and Ulster, 1920.

Snowy Queen Street, 1922.

Snowy Queen Street, 1924.

Snow plough operated by the TTC, 1924.

Gerrard Street, 1924.

Winter pastoral in High Park, 1932.

College and St. George snow removal, 1936.

Barton Avenue snow removal, 1936.

Snow blower, 1940s.

Snow blower, 1943.

The great snow storm of 1944.

The city shut down, 1944.

Yonge looking north at Richmond, 1944.

Yonge looking south at Adelaide, 1944.

Buried, 1944.

George Street north to Adelaide, 1944.

Good luck digging out, 1944.

The OPP helping out on the QEW, 1960.

Totally safe driving conditions, 1960.

Shovelling out, 1961.

More shovelling, 1961.

Waiting for the bus, 1961.

Near King and John streets, 1961.

Near King and John streets, 1961.

Snow removal, 1965.

Snow removal, 1965.

Snow at Old Mill Station, 1965.