Etobicoke Historical Society Oral Histories

Harry lived in the New Toronto area and describes how he founded several service clubs, including the Lions (1931). It’s aim was to aid people during the depression. It helped them find jobs, and raised money in various ways for a number of community projects. He also volunteered for the Red Cross and helped set up blood donor clinics in local industries. In the 1950’s, he helped to establish a senior citizens council. They arranged for people to visit shut-ins and find out what their needs were. They also started the Meals on Wheels program for the area.

Pat lived in a brick cottage near the lakeshore. Her father worked for marine supply companies in the area. She attended John English school when he was the principal. She then attended the eight room Mimico High School. She recalls some of the teachers and principal there. She went on to become a teacher. She talks about what life was like growing up in the area in the 1920’s and 30’s.

Norman Irwin immigrated from Belfast in the 1920’s to be an architect for Robert Home-Smith, the creator of the Kingsway. He describes what it was like to work for Home-Smith, and the kind of person he was. He shares interesting stories about the design of the Kingsway area.

Jack Phillips gives us a very detailed description of the family general store on Dundas St. in the Lambton area. He also describes his experience as a fireman during Hurricane Hazel on a fire truck when other firemen lost their lives.

Larry continues to discuss life in the Humber Bay area. He worked as a welfare officer during the depression, and his stories of how people coped during this period are very interesting. He also talks about shopping in Roncesvalles, and winter and summer activities in High Park. Did you know there was a bobsled run in the park? Listen and find out more.

Larry Donovan was born in Humber Bay in 1906. He talks about what the area used to look like with motels, a gambling club, houses and other businesses. He attended Humber Bay School when it was four rooms. He describes life as a boy growing up in the community. He talks of activities on the Humber: canoeing, fishing, skating and playing hockey. His father owned a grocery store and he describes the patrons and products. He also talks about activities during the prohibition era.

This is the second part of the interview with Rennie Haslett who grew up in Mimico. Here she describes meeting her husband and the type of social activities they would engage in. She also talks about the stores and businesses in the area. Rennie discusses racism towards the Chinese who were living there. She also talks about local people such as Conn Smythe as well as celebrations for Christmas, New Years and Robbie Burns Day.

This is the first part of an interview with Rennie Haslett who was born in the village of Mimico and spent most of her life there. She talks about her father going to fight in WW I and arriving home when she was in grade one. Rennie went to John English School when it was just a few classes. She describes the school as well as Mimico High School. She became a teacher in 1931 at the John English School, and talks about life as a teacher during the depression. Rennie also relates what life was like growing up in a strict Scots Presbyterian family.

Gordon Silverthorn grew up on a farm near the village of Summerville, across the road from the Eaton farm. He was a Councillor in Etobicoke Township in the 1920’s. He talks about what life was like during the depression for people working on work crews and collecting welfare. Although he wasn’t on the Council during the famous hostage taking, he recalls the events. He also describes in detail what the village of Summerville looked like.

Florence’s family, the Hills, farmed 117 acres around Montgomery’s Inn and lived in the building itself. They sold their produce in Toronto. Mr. Loblaw used to buy apples from them. Florence tells many stories of what it was like to live in the Inn. She also talks about going to school and growing up in the area. There is a detailed retelling of celebrating Christmas in the Inn with extended family.