#OTD 100 years ago, the professional minor league Toronto Maple Leafs baseball played their opening game at the new Maple Leaf Stadium. Once standing at the foot of Bathurst Street, this jewel box stadium replaced the Hanlan's Point ballpark, and saw the team play 42 seasons until 1968.

On this date in 1907, the House of Providence Farm on Queen Street East was sold for half a million dollars to a consortium that would use the property to build the Scarboro Beach Amusement Park.

100 years ago today, the opening of Maple Leaf Stadium was postponed by rain. Commissioner Landis examined the ballpark, from Leafs’ offices to the flag pole in centrefield, and pronounced it the best facility outside of the Major Leagues.

100 years ago today, there was considerable excitement in the air as Toronto readied to open Maple Leaf Stadium the following day. Commissioner Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis would be in attendance, along with a host of dignitaries.

On this date in 1904, the first public auto show in Toronto was held at the Dominion Automobile Showrooms. Sponsored by the Canadian Cycle and Motor Company, it displayed Fords, Packards and Stevens-Duryeas among others.

Just a reminder that Muddy York has an account with Buy Me a Coffee. You can support our work here: buymeacoffee.com/muddyyork Every donation brings us closer to staging our all-raccoon reenactment of the Battle of Montgomery's Tavern. We would like to thank twheler for their support.

Fountain at Allan Gardens, Toronto, circa 1914. 📸: Toronto Public Library #1910s #allangardens #torontohistory #toronto #jeremyhopkin

New on 'Toronto History Curiosities': I am leading a Jane's Walk on May 2 plus some Toronto World and a review of "Toronto: Biography of a City"! 🚶‍♂️ open.substack.com/pub/bobgeorg...

On this date in 1800, the following ad appeared in the Upper Canada Gazette: “ROCK, HAIR DRESSER, FROM LONDON BEGS LEAVE TO INFORM THE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF YORK ANS ITS VICINITY THAT HE WILL OPEN SHOP ON THE 25TH INSTANT IN MR. COOPER’S HOUSE.”

The Don Jail was Toronto's most notorious prison. In part one of this episode, we'll explain why the prison was built and the ideas behind its design. We'll also talk about some of the people who spent time there during the 19th century. spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ndv23fX3v2b

Toronto Concert History: 45 years ago this month - April 20 - May 2 - Tina Turner at The Imperial Room at Fairmont Royal York. Two shows nightly on weekends - I'm hoping she had Sundays off? If my math is correct that's 17 shows! "Private Dancer" is 3 years away.

On this date in 1876, naturalist ET Seton wrote about the huge flocks of passenger pigeons flying over Toronto: “The flocks extended east and west as far as could be seen ...

A dramatic new Toronto history walking tour! The city has been shaken by countless riots over the years — from rampaging firefighters to brawling circus clowns. So we'll be talking about some of the most fascinating Toronto riots in the places where they happened. Next Saturday! Pay what you like!

On this date in 1904, a fire broke out at 58 Wellington Street West. The Great Fire of 1904 would destroy around 100 buildings across 20 acres. The fire could be seen from Buffalo which sent two engines to help. Incredibly, there were no deaths.

On this date in 1884, the Toronto Baldheaded Men’s Association was formed. Adam and Grayson both regard this as a most noble organization.

Here is our latest Instagram post about Casa Loma and the man who built it: www.instagram.com/reel/DXNgoaV...

On this date in 1979, the Eaton Centre Cineplex opened with 21 screens. What movies did you see there?

📣Let's go "Finding Old Castle Frank" on a Jane's Walk! 👣 Join me on Saturday, May 2 at 10:00 AM at Castle Frank Station as we explore around the history and geography of the Castle Frank area! 🏰 Full details on the @janeswalk.bsky.social site! www.janeswalkfestivalto.com/saturday-may...

On this date in 1853, the first railway locomotive built in Ontario was completed at Good’s Foundry on Yonge Street, just north of Queen. It was named the Toronto and operated until 1881.

Just a reminder that Muddy York has an account with Buy Me a Coffee. You can support our work here: buymeacoffee.com/muddyyork One lucky supporter will learn the secret of Simcoe’s gold.

This Friday at noon! Bizarre and unlikely tales from the history of baseball in Toronto — from donkeys to black cats to mysterious disappearances A free lunchtime lecture over Zoom hosted by the Toronto Public Library. Learn more: tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/69...

Looking west on Queen Street West to Bay Street, 103 years ago today - April 13, 1923. 📸: Alfred Pearson Credit: City of Toronto Archives. #OnThisDay #1920s #queenwest #torontohistory #jeremyhopkin

On this date in 1858, Toronto Island was formed when a storm created a 500-foot gap in the isthmus connecting it to the mainland. This opening would grow over time to become the Eastern Gap.

On this date in 1906, the Toronto Ferry Company’s new ship, the Bluebell, was launched from Polson’s Steel Works at Sherbourne and The Esplanade. It would remain in service until 1955.

The latest in "Toronto History Curiosities" takes us to either side of and on the Bloor Viaduct -- including a history of Greektown, a Castle Frank walk preview, and a database of Toronto bridges! bobgeorgiou.substack.com/p/8-bloor-an...

On this date in 1880, John Lefroy died. He was the founding superintendent of the Toronto Magnetic and Meteorological Observatory, responsible for determining why compass needles wandered from north. The sun was the culprit.

I often look for old history about the Port Union, West Rouge, area I grew up in. Tonight I found a drawing I haven't seen before. - Old Port Union Village, 1865 ccranews.com/port-union-w... I'll post it to my site. Sharing it here mostly for @torontoboris.bsky.social‬

Saturday! A new walking tour all the history of spies in Toronto. Pay what you like! No registration required!

On this date in 1821, architect Frederick William Cumberland was born. He would design buildings like University College and the Toronto Street Post Office.

On this date in 1932, the Maple Leafs defeated the Rangers 6-4 to win the Stanley Cup for the first time since acquiring their new name.

Here's the history of burlesque and strip clubs in Toronto with @jeremyhopkin.bsky.social and special guest Starlotte Satine. www.torontomike.com/2026/04/the-...

On this date in 1849, a fire broke out at Covey’s Tavern near King and Nelson. It would become the Great Fire of 1849 which left 10 to 15 acres of Toronto in ruins, including St. James Cathedral and St. Lawrence Market.

This Wednesday, join us LIVE online as special guest Starlotte Satine helps us record a brand-new episode of the Toronto Mike'd Podcast: “A History of Burlesque in Toronto.” ⏰ 11:00 a.m. — Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Livestream link: live.torontomike.com/tmds/d2689ca... #TorontoHistory #jeremyhopkin

On this date in 1927, construction began on the Diamond of Confederation Gates at the CNE, better known today as the Princes’ Gates.

On this date in 1993, Ready or Not premiered on Global TV.

Unfortunately, we had to republish our most recent episode. Here is the new link: spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/jBvD6BFa11b

What if we had constructed a giant glass pyramid with a 20-storey neighbourhood inside at Harbourfront, and a white tower to rival the TD Centre? American designer Buckminster Fuller proposed this plan in 1968, but it was never built. https://ow.ly/c7k150YzKNJ

On this date in 1914, Edwin Alonzo Boyd was born. He would become a famous Toronto bank robber and leader of the Boyd Gang.

Announcing SPIES OF TORONTO: A WALKING TOUR! Come explore dramatic true stories of espionage, traitors and secret agents in our city. No registration required — just show up at the right place & time: Sat April 11 at 4pm in St. James Park. Pay what you like!

Toronto Concert History: 50 years ago this week - March 31 & April 1, 1976 - Genesis play Maple Leaf Gardens Concert Bowl. First Toronto show with Phil Collins as the new lead singer. That was $5.00 and $6.00 a tix with and extra fee of 50 and 60 cents on each. Damn those extra charges really hurt

On this date in 1901 at precisely noon, Mayor Oliver Howland officially started the Old City Hall clock. However, for reasons unknown, all contemporary reports described it as New City Hall instead of Old City Hall.

75 years ago today, the TTC bid farewell to its last wooden streetcar, No. 1326, with a final celebratory run on March 30, 1951. #1950s #streetcar #trolley #transit #TorontoHistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin

On this date in 1861, the body of John Sheridan Hogan was found near the mouth of the Don River. He had been robbed, bound and thrown into the river. His murder was blamed on the Brook’s Bush Gang and prompted a crackdown.

Schedule Note: Our next episode will be released on Wednesday of this week. We will return to our regular schedule on April 21st.

My latest on 'Toronto History Curiosities' goes through Toronto's leisurely and sporting pastimes in the 19th century! ⛸️ 🚲 ⚾️ open.substack.com/pub/bobgeorg...

Just a reminder that Muddy York has an account with Buy Me a Coffee. You can support our work here: buymeacoffee.com/muddyyork Every supporter will receive one ounce of York mud.

First flowers in the Don Valley. The common snowdrop, originally from Europe and invasive. But the first signs of springs bloom. #lovetheravines #DonValley #RavineRamble #springblom

BONUS EPISODE Harvey Sahker, author of Before the Blue Jays, joins us to talk about the first two ML baseball games ever played in Toronto, decades before the Blue Jays were created. Learn more from Muddy York, Toronto's #1 history podcast. spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/uAScgGZAQ1b

On this date in 1930, the 1300-seat Eaton Auditorium opened on the seventh floor of the Eaton’s store at Yonge and College. Today, it’s known as the Carlu.

Girls playing skipping games in front of Annette Street Public School #OnThisDay in 1936. https://ow.ly/BgyV50Yvu17