The Cities Podcast: Ep 107 - Ghosts of The Ward with John Lorinc

TL;DR

The Ward is a book that explores the history of Toronto's first immigrant neighborhood that was demolished after World War II.

Transcript

This is The Cities Podcast, I’m Brianna Goldberg. I was talking with a friend yesterday about her family’s upcoming vacation to Europe. They’re originally from Iran. Hard-working small-business owners putting their kids through university here in Toronto. It took decades and more than a few heartbreaking episodes to finally secure their Canadian ci... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ The Ward was a vibrant and multicultural neighborhood in Toronto from the 1840s until its demolition.
• 🏙️ The demolition of The Ward reflects the city's disregard for its history and erasure of diverse communities.
• 👳 The stories and images from The Ward provide a valuable insight into Toronto's past and the impact of urban planning decisions.
• 🍝 The book "The Ward" brings together personal anecdotes and official histories to recreate the neighborhood's vibrant past.
• ❓ Toronto's history includes the contributions and struggles of various immigrant communities.
• 🛟 The demolition of The Ward highlights the importance of preserving historical sites and acknowledging their significance.
• 🙂 The Ward's history sheds light on Toronto's early multiculturalism and its role in civil rights discussions.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the demographic makeup of The Ward neighborhood in Toronto?

The Ward was a multicultural neighborhood with citizens from Irish, Jewish, Italian, African-American, and other backgrounds.

Q: What led to the demolition of The Ward after World War II?

The city of Toronto considered The Ward to be a slum and decided to demolish the neighborhood to make way for Nathan Philips Square.

Q: What were some notable establishments in The Ward?

The neighborhood had a popular shvitz bath, or sauna, that attracted not only Jews but also African-Americans, Italians, and Macedonians. There was also a church built by a community of African-American slaves and freemen.

Q: What is the significance of The Ward's history?

The history of The Ward showcases Toronto's multicultural aspects and its abolitionist sentiment, providing a glimpse into the city's early development and social issues.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Ward was a multicultural neighborhood in Toronto from the 1840s until it was demolished after World War II to make way for Nathan Philips Square.

• The neighborhood was home to bootleggers, Chinese bachelors, workers from Eaton's garment factories, and hard-working peddlers.

• The book, "The Ward: The Life and Loss of Toronto's First Immigrant Neighbourhood," is a collection of stories that bring the neighborhood to life through personal anecdotes and historical accounts.