Four women running a race, Toronto Island, possibly 1907. Courtesy of the City of Toronto Archives.
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Resource ID
8405
Access
Open
Credit Line
City of Toronto Archives
Date of Creation
1907
Program Category
Rights
Public Domain
Caption
Four women running a race, Toronto Island, possibly 1907. Courtesy of the City of Toronto Archives.
Description
Torontonians built several options for fun and relaxation on the islands in the late 1800s. Many of Toronto’s wealthiest residents built cottages on the islands to escape the city. In the 1870s, famous professional rower Ned Hanlan opened a hotel on Toronto Island. In 1881, the Royal Canadian Yacht Club constructed a clubhouse and marina nearby on Centre Island. More hotels were built, as well as bowling lanes, zoos, and amusement rides. You could also cross the bay to catch a professional baseball game. In 1923, Babe Ruth hit his first home run as a professional athlete at Hanlan’s Point Stadium. This excitement did not last forever. As Toronto grew, many locals gave up their island cottages, preferring vacation homes further from the city. In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, many island cottages were turned into affordable year-round housing. Some remain on the islands today.