Toronto of the 1930s

Toronto of the 1930s was as photographically rich as it was economically poor. We've already written about Depression era Toronto, so I'll spare going into too many details, but it's worth noting that the stock market crash of 1929 had profound effect on Torontonians. By 1933, the unemployment rate in the city was a whopping 30 per cent, and those that did have jobs saw their wages drop by as much as 60 per cent.

Despite the financial climate, however, the decade did witness the construction of a number of major architectural landmarks. The beautiful Canadian Bank of Commerce Building (now Commerce Court North) was the tallest in the British Empire upon its completion in 1930 (and remained so until 1962), while Maple Leaf Gardens (built in an astonishing six months) and the Canada Life Building opened in 1931. College Park was also completed at the beginning of the decade, though construction had begun in 1928.

In 1930s Toronto Eaton's was the place to shop, Peter Witt streetcars were common on city streets, and a ticket to watch the Leafs play was 75 cents. Here's what it all looked like.

Skyline views

1930

Looking north up Bay

Airship and Canadian Bank of Commerce Building

Carlton approaching College (before realignment)

1931

The Don River (Brick Works in the background)

Eaton's Round Room

1932

St. Andrew's Market on Adelaide

1933

Yonge Street Mission

1934

Birks Jewelers

Canada Life Building (and Osgoode Hall)

Maple Leaf Gardens

1935

Leslie Beach (replaced by the Spit)

1936

Yonge looking south at the Jolly Miller Tavern

1937

Toronto Stock Exchange

Window shopping at Eaton's

1938

Yonge looking north at Charles

Gerrard and Yonge

Yonge looking south from Bloor

1939

Malton Airport (now Pearson International)

Cottage-style housing on Vanauley Street

For more photos of historical Toronto, check out these posts:

• Toronto of the 1920s
• Toronto of the 1950s
• Toronto of the 1960s
• Toronto of the 1970s
• Toronto of the 1980s

All images sourced from the Wikimedia Commons.