Geraldine and Madeline O’Connor of the famous singing family, The O’Connor Sisters, talk about their family history, the early families of Alderwood, education, farming, musical backgrounds and their start in show business. They also reminisce about coming home in the summer from touring, and life during the Depression.

As a teen, John’s family moved from downtown Toronto to Poplar St. in Islington in 1921. John talks about about the differences of moving from downtown to “the countryside of Etobicoke”. He worked for his father’s printing business in Toronto, and talks about many topics from transportation, playing music in local bands, and heating his home with coal. John has some amusing antidotes about driving his first Ford. There is tape noise for the first minute.

Richard Baxter was born in 1914 and at the age of 15 he left high school to work in the municipal office of New Toronto. He eventually became a tax assessor and later a Chief Assessment Officer for the Borough of Etobicoke. His story tells about growth of New Toronto in the 1930’s to 1950’s, including the development of new industries such as Campbell Soup Co.

Herbert Ewart grew up on a market garden farm. He describes the farm and activities when he was a boy, and his school years. He trained at a business college, got his first job at Ryerston Press and worked in the book industry for 50 years. He tells about meeting his wife, dating, team sports and social life.

This is Etobicoke Historical Society’s Monthly Oral History Podcast, one of a series of interviews of senior Etobicoke residents in the 1980’s.

The oral histories are a valuable and unique view into the history of Etobicoke in the early part of the 20th century, as seen through the personal experiences of local residents. We will be presenting a different interview each month.

This month features William Creech. William Creech grew up on a farm at 4245 Dundas St. W., between Prince Edward Dr. and Royal York Rd. He recalls his life as boy, going to Lambton Mills School when it was only a 2 room school house. He recalls sports activities in the area, social life, the family farm, Lambton Mills tavern and local businesses.

For more information on our Society got to etobicokehistorical.com