An interesting local website called Rudy.ca shows some unusual pictures including an aerial photo taken in 1942 of Thorncliffe Racetrack
Wild Wing vs Wild Wings
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It had to happen . The Canadian chicken wing saloon chain (Wild Wing) is threatening to sue the American chicken wing saloon chain (Buffalo Wild Wings) for “infringing its intellectual property rights.” Wild Wing (that’s the Canadian one) opened a restaurant on South Bayview last year. It’s located in the former Country Donut (and home to various other restaurants) building at Bayview and Millwood. Read more. Or not.
First day for new TD branch
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The new TD Canada Trust at Laird and Vanderhoof is doing its first day of business today. The remarkable structure, built in 1951, stood vacant for 18 years before TD and others took an interest in it. It’s first occupant was the Pease Foundry Company, which manufactured plumbing and heating equipment there. As industrial conditions changed, it went into a sad period of decline sitting vacant for 18 years. That’s the condition in which most residents under 30 remember it. The building is said to be in the Art Modern style and is associated with the work of Toronto architect Earle Morgan. Morgan was also associated with the design of the O’Keefe Centre. Six-storey crane startles Bayview
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City supervisor takes a picture for posterity as a six storey crane lifts two very heavy air conditioning units onto the roof of 1605 South Bayview. They will be part of Shoppers Drug Mart’s new outlet. In centre. lift off of the second of the two units. Right, the weighty load swings east over the target roof. Note Second Cup sign in foreground. The east sidewalk was closed between the coffee shop and Tzatz for about three hours. Things returned to normal about 11.30 am. Sharon’s Collection is relocating
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Sharon’s Collection, a long-time shop on South Bayview, is relocating. A sign was posted recently offering the premises at 1643 for rent. It says that the lease has come to an end and that the business is relocating. Starbucks loses name from new logo
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The evolution of the Starbucks logo left to right, the original 1971, 1992 re-make and January 2011 withiout the name. The new, all-green logo lands as Starbucks plans to expand the number of branded products it sells outside its own cafes. “Even though we have been and always will be a coffee company and retailer, it’s possible we’ll have other products with our name on it and no coffee in it,” Chief Executive Howard Schultz said on a webcast. Does that make it for you? Some will call it being too smart by half. Goodbye Cheaters, Hello Chablis
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Cheaters, the notorious hangout and strip joint is to be replaced by an LCBO outlet. Cheaters. at Yonge Street and Manor Road, was a source of grief for residents for decades. The place operated briefly under the name Mystique but finally closed in 2009. Since then it has sat vacant. But recently (right) a sign went up saying the liquor board will open there.What the…? Wild garage door decals
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Imagine glancing at your neighbors garage door and seeing something like this. It’s the idea of a German firm to add a bit extra to the finish of your home. They are a form of decal showing near-life-size unbelievable things in your garage. Just to be clear, we do not recommend this. More pictures at Trish Stuebing’s blog Colourful sign marks cash exchange
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The new money exchange, NIMA, at 1538 South Bayview has put up its sign. It’s a colourful canopy loaded with depictions of bank notes from around the world. Work appeared to be going ahead vigorously at the location Tuesday. Images of our January snow
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Tuesday’s snow didn’t bother these fir shrubs (left) dressed for winter. Right, plants at Rahier.
1620 under renovation
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The building at 1620 Bayview, which was recently Grunt, Cluck and Low, is being renovated for a re-opening in February, according to signs on the door. Many will remember this location as Trastevere, the popular Italian food restaurant.
Wonderful curiosity at The Elegant Garage
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The Elegant Garage Sale has for sale a Dictaphone machine dating from perhaps the 1920s. It’s fun to look at even if you’re not in the market (which is likely)