Tuesday 29 July 2014

Book ~ "Toronto Sketches: The Way We Were" (1992) Mike Filey

From Goodreads ~ Mike Filey's "The Way We Were" column in the "Toronto Sun" continues to be one of the paper's most popular features. In "Toronto Sketches", Filey brings together some of the best of his columns. 

Each column looks at Toronto as it was and contributes to our understanding of how Toronto became what it is. Illustrated with photographs of the city's people and places of the past, Toronto Sketches is a nostalgic journey for the long-time Torontonian, and a voyage of discovery for the newcomer.

Mike Filey had a column in the Toronto Sun for about 30 years and I read it for many years (I like learning about the history of Toronto) ... this book is a compilation of some of his columns.  We learn about "Little Norway", Tip Top Tailors, TTC stories, Mary Pickford, Red Skelton, Gooderham and Worts, theatres, etc.

Tip Top Tailors (built in 1929)
Now condos

Even though the book was published in 1992, it was still an interesting book because it dealt with many historical events in Toronto.  Plus since it was published in 1992, it was interesting to see what was going on back then and what has changed (or hasn't). For example, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport was still called the Port George VI Island Airport, BCE was just being built (it's now called Brookfield Place), the Rogers Centre was still the SkyDome, etc.

Port George VI Island Airport

If you live in Toronto or are from Toronto, you should check it out.

1 comment:

Masshole Mommy said...

That is cool for people who are native to the area.