"Ned" Hanlan 1855-1908

Edward Hanlan 1855-1908

There are two plaques about this gentleman.
Both can be seen on this page.

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted May, 2004

So why is there a monument to "Ned" Hanlan on Hanlan's Point at the ferry dock on Toronto Island? What is he holding in his right hand? To find out, let's read the text of the Ontario Heritage Trust plaque erected beside the statue:

Plaque coordinates: 43.627595 -79.389449

One of Canada's greatest oarsmen, Edward Hanlan was born in Toronto. As a child he took up rowing when his family settled in this vicinity, now named Hanlan's Point. Although standing only 175 cm and rarely heavier than 68 kg, he became a leading international sculler. In 1873 Hanlan won the amateur rowing championship of Toronto Bay. Becoming a professional in 1876, he defeated all opponents in the Philadelphia Races of that year. He overcame all leading North American competitors and in 1880 won the world single sculls championship in England. Hanlan retained his title until 1884. A popular Toronto figure, he was elected Alderman for this area in 1898 and 1899.

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted September, 2006

Here's the text on the back of the monument:

Edward Hanlan's outstanding victories date from the Centennial Regatta Philadelphia Sept.6.1876 when he defeated all competitors including many of the greatest oarsmen of the world.
Victor in three hundred consecutive races his achievements are all the more worthy of commemoration by his display of that spirit of true sportsmanship which is held in honour in all fields of sport.
Championship of Ontario 1874.1875.1876
Championship of Maritime Provinces 1878
Championship of America 1878
Championship of England 1879
Championship of of the World 1880

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted September, 2007

Photo Source - Wikipedia

In front of the steam tug at the west end of Stanley Barracks at Exhibition Place, you can see an Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque which says this:

Plaque coordinates: 43.632651 -79.413611

Ned Hanlan was born in Toronto. In an era when rowing was a highly popular spectator sport in the English-speaking world, he was the sport's greatest exponent. He became Canadian champion in 1877 and shortly thereafter American and English champion. He won the world title in 1880, retaining it until 1884. When Hanlan retired from sculling in 1897, after approximately 350 matches, he had been defeated only some six times. Popularly known as "The Boy in Blue", he was one of Canada's first national sporting heroes and was the focus of public adulation in his home city until his death.

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Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

Posted November 10, 2008
I grew up on Alvin Ave at Yonge & St. Clair and went to Deer Park PS. Just near the school off Heath st east on the edge of the ravine there were two big houses and the story was that Ned Hanlan had lived there. I am sure that the two houses are gone now and replaced by something else but do you have any information on whether this was his or his decendants house and is there a plaque there?

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