Edwards Gardens, Toronto

Edwards Gardens, Toronto, originally uploaded by mtlicq.

European settlement began in this area shortly after the War of 1812. Alexander Milne, a Scottish weaver, arrived here with his family in 1817. Milne's farm and mill operation prospered for over a century, expanding to 240 hectares in size. For many years, the watercourse passing through this park was known as Milne Creek.

In 1944, Rupert E Edwards, proprietor of Canada Varnish, Ltd, purchased the original 11 hectare Milne Homestead. Over the last 12 years Mr. Edwards Introduced many landscape features into the garden including a large rockery, ponds, rustic bridges, flower beds, and a 9-hole golf course.

Mr Edwards vision was to see the gardens become a public park. Accordingly, in 1955 Metropolitan Toronto purchased the property and since then, has maintained the beauty and original character of this unique landscape.

Portugal Village Street Sign for Dundas West

Toronto 11, originally uploaded by joanatorrado.

Holga's first roll: Tea Pot Chatt

Holga's first roll: Tea Pot Chatt, originally uploaded by stark_core.

What? They want to tear this down and make a parking lot? Idiots.

Club Matador dancing, originally uploaded by Sue, Toronto.

They want to tear down this landmark night club for a parking lot for twenty cars. Twenty lousy smog producing cars. Hey, this is right on the streetcar line and close to the Dufferin bus. It's Toronto, not LA.

More on this situation on Metroblogging Toronto: Club Matador Parking Lot

Super Modern Men's Hairstyling

Super Modern Men's Hairstyling, originally uploaded by Melsky.

Have a Nice Day

, originally uploaded by End User.

The Black Bull

The Black Bull, originally uploaded by Melsky.

This is a restaurant /bar/pub on Queen Street West that I'm kind of curious about. I remember seeing it on my first trip to Toronto about two and a half years ago, and being amazed that there was anyplace still in existence that was built in 1822.

Do Not Litter

Do not litter, originally uploaded by Melsky.

This was on one of those old metal mesh trash cans in High Park. What an odd looking squirrel.

Club Matador Dancing

Club Matador Dancing, originally uploaded by Melsky.

A cool old metal sign on Dovercourt, near College Street. I wonder how long it's been since anyone danced here. There's a hand written sign on the building that says it's open from 2-5 AM, but I think that's got to be a joke.

Spiritualism

Spiritualism, originally uploaded by Melsky.

This is on College Street in Toronto, and the church is still active!

Fran's Special

Fran's Special, originally uploaded by Melsky.

This is a window sign from a little convinience store/deli on Bloor West, not to be confused with the more famous and more expensive Fran's on College Street.

From the looks of this place, I would not want to eat there. It looks dingy. But it's such a cool sign!

Tap Phong

Tap Phong, originally uploaded by Melsky.

Tap Phong is an amazing housewares, restaurant supply and hardware store in Toronto's Chinatown. It's very entertaining just to look around.

I wrote a food blog entry about Tap Phong.

Specific Sports Prohibited

Specific Sports Prohibited, originally uploaded by Melsky.

No hockey, baseball, football, cricket or soccer. But feel free to have a nice game of rugby, polo, volleyball, lacrosse or any other sport not named on the sign.

Sonia's Advertising

Sonia's Advertising, originally uploaded by Melsky.

Should I hire Sonia to advertise my business?

This is on Bloor Street near Christie Pitts park.

New Moon Variety

New Moon Variety, originally uploaded by Melsky.

I love these kind of old metal signs.

This is a pretty typical Toronto Corner Store. They sell cigarettes, but no alcohol. You can only buy alcohol at the provence-run LCBO (Liquor control board of Ontario).

Municipal Code

Municipal Code, originally uploaded by Melsky.

In Kensington Market, Toronto.

They do actually have the English version of this sign on another pole. It says not to dump garbage in the park.

Fran's Restaurant

Fran's Restaurant, originally uploaded by Melsky.

This is a very well known 24 hour diner. The food is OK, pretty typical greasy spoon fare. It's an interesting place to people watch. Dave and I woke up hungry one day at 4 AM and went there and we had fun picking out which people had been up all night vs the ones that got up early. We think they were mostly all nighters.

Queen Laundry and Dry Cleaning

Queen Laundry and Dry Cleaning, originally uploaded by Melsky.

An old sign, but there is still a laundry there. I should go in and demand my 25 cent wash and 10 cent dry, as advertised on the sign.

Printing Printing Printing

Printing Printing Printing, originally uploaded by Melsky.

An old print shop on Queen street, Toronto

I love how the hole has been cut in the sign to fit in the air conditioner.

This place is not there anymore.

Harry's Shoe Repair

Harry's Shoe Repair, originally uploaded by Melsky.

This is on Bloor Street. It looks like it's been there for a long time.