This is what Yonge Street looked like in the 1970s

Yonge Street in the 1970s was at the height of its seedy glory. From Gerrard down to Queen, the central artery of the city was an eclectic mix of bars, live music venues, theatres, small retail shops, and fast food joints. It was loud, cluttered, and a bit dirty, but it was always alive.

Today you can see little pockets of buildings that recall this period — some of which still bear signs that date back decades — but the street is increasingly becoming a haven for a different kind of ostentatiousness: that of the tall condo.

Everything about these photos is evocative of a Toronto that is, for the most part, already lost. From the big cars to the neon signs to the record and book shops everywhere, it's amazing to imagine how quickly urban paradigms can shift.

Behold, this is what Yonge St. looked like in the 1970s.

The Hard Rock Cafe arrives on the scene (having replaced the Friar Tavern). Wow, that's a mop.

Dundas Square before the square.

Alternate view looking towards the freshly built Eaton Centre.

Coming down Yonge toward Dundas.

Tops Restaurant and Tavern and holiday shoppers, ca. 1972.

Looking north up Yonge at Dundas. The Brown Derby Tavern occupies the northeast corner of the intersection.

A closer look just north of Dundas with the Biltmore Theate in plain view.

Edison Hotel at Yonge and Gould.

Looking north up Yonge and Gould. The Ryerson Student centre now occupies the northeast corner.

The classic hodgepodge of the Lower Yonge strip.

The towering Odeon at Yonge and Carlton.

Bustling traffic beside Eatons at College Park.

Looking east along the north side of Gerrard from Yonge. The buildings here still remain, even as the signage has been wiped out.