A legacy project for all of us with ties to the neighbourhood.
One hundred years ago, St. Clair Avenue was Toronto’s northern city limit. The streetcar heralded the beginning of development and the creation of a thriving community.
1069 St. Clair Avenue West - April 1959
"It was a real neighbourhood...[my kids] knew every child within a two mile radius."
— KATHLEEN DUNPHY
St. Clair Food Shop, 539 St. Clair Avenue West - 1926
The Interviews
The St. Clair West neighbourhood we know today was born as a streetcar suburb. The St. Clair line, which opened in 1914, was part of the City of Toronto’s efforts to move people north – a classic ‘if you build it, they will come’. And come they did. Farmers’ fields and orchards were replaced by homes and schools, shops and businesses—all because of the streetcar.
In these interviews you’ll hear how the community evolved through the voices of people who lived there between the 1920s and 1980s. It’s a window into everyday life in a very dynamic, and always changing, neighbourhood.
Thank you to everyone who agreed to be interviewed. Their memories and stories enrich us all, especially those from people who are no longer with us.
Featured Stories
Perhaps you are looking for stories on a specific topic – anything from childhood pastimes to living through the massive blizzard of 1944. Our collection of Stories is the place to go!
Featured Story St. Clair Clips above contains audio as well as archival video and photographs.
“I think we all appreciated the streetcars. No question about it.”
— lois adler
Get Involved
We know there are more stories to tell and with your help we can do that! Maybe you, or someone you know, have stories to share about life in the St. Clair West neighbourhood. Do you have a passion for local history? Are you interested in getting involved in your community? Please get in touch with us at info@stclairwest-oralhistory.com