The Layers of Leaside Archival Exhibit opened Tuesday at the Leaside Library at 165 McRae Drive. The exhibit is a thoroughly entertaining display of old photographs and memorabilia. The pictures are organized in a way that helps a visitor make sense of the numerous stages in the history of the community. It’s well worth a visit. Pictures we liked showed the long-gone octagonal house (top) built by William Lea in 1850 near the present site of Leaside Arena. The octagonal home, known as Leaside, burned in 1913. Someone was present on that day and captured this image as the house billowed smoke. Also (below) in the Leaside Exhibit is a picture of the 1902 John Edmund Lea home at 33 Heather Road. At lower right is the renovated Edmund Lea home where it can be seen the home has been extended to the south. It also got a third dormer and that elegant decorative window beside the porch. Tara Hatherly — East York Mirror
