Learn a little of Toronto's history as told through its plaques.

St. Lawrence Hall

Photos by Alan L Brown - September 2006

Jenny Lind, the Swedish Nightingale, sang to packed houses here in 1851. Ten years later, Tom Thumb attracted scores of fascinated spectators. It's quite a building at 155 King St East. Here's what the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque has to say:

Designed by William Thomas, in the Renaissance tradition, this hall, built by the city in 1850, was for many years Toronto's chief social and cultural centre. With its handsome Corinthian facade and graceful cupola, it ranks amongst the finest of 19th century Canadian public buildings. Its assembly room was used for lectures, concerts, balls and receptions; here such noted Canadians as Sir John A. Macdonald, George Brown, and Thomas D'Arcy McGee addressed Toronto audiences. After a long period of disuse and neglect, it was restored in 1967 as a centennial project.

Plaque Location Co-ordinates: 43.650252 -79.372283

More institutional buildings

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Posted January 3, 2009
I think it's also important to note that long before the abolitionist movement, slaves were bought at sold at St. Lawrence market. This ought to be added to your page as well.

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