HARBORD VILLAGE RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Volume 13, Issue 1 Fall 2013 Newsletter

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF HVRA’S BOARD So Much is Going On! greenery on Harbord Street. By: Tim Grant Plans are now well-advanced for

the Harbord Village Pumpkin Festival on November 1st and the n HVRA board member next Litter and Glitter Clean-Up recently explained that on November 23rd. Literally hun- the “busyness” of the dreds of people volunteer their A proposed design of a time for these and other neigh- new Harbord Village t-shirt was bourhood projects. intentional: a reflection of what a busy place our neighbourhood is. This busy neighbour- As I looked around the table, all hood continues to face daunting heads were nodding. At that mo- challenges. Student residences ment, we were all sold on the of more than 20 stories in height design in front of us. have been proposed for the west side of Spadina on the former We do live in a very post office site and that of the busy neighbourhood. So many Waverley Hotel. A Vancouver neighbours are involved in com- developer just purchased the munity-building projects. Three of “Mirvish block” that includes Hon- serve alcohol, and landlords who those projects – our most suc- est Ed’s, and will develop that crowd too many students into area cessful-ever Fall Fair, our History site in a few years. Our challenge houses. Our efforts continue in Project and the Laneway Naming will be to ensure that whatever seeking the reform of the Alcohol Project – are described in this development occurs on these and Gaming Commission of Ontario newsletter. The redevelopment sites actually strengthens the so that unruly bars face greater of Margaret Fairley Parkette is at neighbourhood, rather than dis- penalties. We’re also pressing the the halfway mark, and led by a rupts it. city to establish an enforcement very active Friends group. A system in support of its own noise group of green thumbs keep I’ve written in the past bylaws. Both of these efforts are large flowerpots full of seasonal about the unruly bars that over- frustratingly slow.

Inside this issue: Chair’s Message 1 Boys of Major Lane 5 Fall Fair 2 Alan Powell Laneway 6 Historical Projects 4 Planning-Zoning 7 A Harbord Village Mystery 4 Upcoming Events 7 Tribute To Albert Jackson 5 Board & Membership Info 8 This newsletter is produced twice a year by the Harbord Village Resi- dents’ Association (HVRA) serving the part of Toronto bounded by Bathurst St, Bloor St W, Spadina Ave, and College St. See the last page for information about HVRA or visit www.harbordvillage.com. Page 2 HARBORD VILLAGE RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

FALL FAIR 2013

The BBQ’s were busy who put in such time and effort. right from 12 noon and we sold out They will hear you I am sure. of virtually everything.. We usually take our left over food to the Scott As you all probably know Mission and this year there was by now, this is my last go at chair- only one box of buns and some ing the Fall Fair Committee. 9 sausages and a few condiments, years as a member of the Com- The Bake Sale Table set a record mittee and then12 years as its and the Beer Sales set a record. chair – means it is time for new blood and new energy. When the The Silent Auction set a new people are identified, I have BIG record – nearly $1000 more said I will be willing to provide than last year which was a record advice and moral and practical up to that point. support if requested. The Raffle set a record but it was Thanks one and all for By Rory Gus Sinclair not enough that the sales were the enormous support you have record breaking, the expense side given me in producing this event! was way down from last year: The ell on Septem- Beer was mostly donated, and the ber 8th , the food was entirely donated So we day dawned made more money on goods that bright and sun- cost us less. The net result is a W profit of nearly $3500 which is $850 ny and warm. This of course turns out to be the more than last year – a record prof- crucial factor in the success it to that point. of an outdoor event like the But… But... BUT!!! As HVRA Fall Fair – all the good as the money was, the real organization and fabulous point of the Fall Fair is a bigger prep in the world can be fish.. the great community feeling trumped by the weather. of being in the park on a warm and And in the 21 years I have sunny day and seeing so many been involved in this prem- kids dashing around and at times ier event in HV, we have dancing and jumping to the music, only had to call it off once – hearing such fine musicians partici- in 2008 for Hurricane Hugo. pating in our fun by providing su- But there were other occa- perb music and all for a burger and sions where the weather a beer per player. When the Carib- was on the cool side and bean Band came on, I have never that made a difference both seen so many feetses and tushes to the bottom line financially moving as one. and to the general success as people do not linger There was a terrific when it is too cool - and amount of help in putting this event beer sales suffer as well. on. There was a committee of 15 people who were the core of the For the “perfect organization but they in turn called storm” where everything, in friends and neighbours to assist especially the weather, fell them. Extraordinary really! The into place and where all community is stronger in so many went if not according to ways from such an event. plan, then better than that, you need look no further So as you read this, just than the 2013 Edition of the for a moment, put your hands to- HVRA Fall Fair. gether and give a short round of applause for these fine neighbours VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 Page 3

HISTORY OF THE FALL FAIR IN 1974- 2013

which she wanted to call “Downtown Country”. Celia leapt to the challenge and organized the first of nine such events that set the tone and tenor for what eventually became known as the Fall Fair. She started from scratch, organized the committee structure that we still use today, and lent the enormous energy to make this the premier social event in HV. It is a truly remarka- ble gift that she presented to her community. So here is some kind of record that cannot be beaten: Celia organized these wonderful you hold in your hand right now, he Sussex-Ulster events in three different decades semi-annual neighbourhood clean- Residents’ Associ- – the 70s, 90s and 2000s! And in ups, and much, much more. Visit ation (SURA) was 2013 she was chair of the Food www.harbordvillage.com to see the one of the earliest Handler Committee – so make full list of activities. T that four decades! There is no of the community based But I feel the financial side one like her. RAs that were inspired by is not really the major benefit to the the election of Major David I was a member of Ce- community – as great as that is for Crombie – then dubbed the lia’s committee right from the start the health of HVRA. What really kept “Tiny Perfect Mayor”. The in 1993, so I had a firsthand look us [Celia and me] going and expend- atmosphere was dramati- at how it should be done and was ing this enormous effort is the beauty cally changed, the teach- well-prepared to take over from of the event itself. The members of ings of Jane Jacobs were her as chair in 2002, remaining in HV love and support the Fall Fair then very new, and the that role till 2013. because it is a “feel good” party, a watchword was: power has multi-generational event with kids to start locally. SURA was Over the years the take running circles around their parents then a force of nature, and from the Fall Fair descended from with wildly painted faces, and an aside from being very ac- approximately $2,000 per event opportunity to put aside arguments tive in the city in general, to a nadir of $1,100 in 2010. But about garbage or parking when folks also made sure that the with some ingenuity and sponsor are making grand dance moves to locals were consulted as generosity, we managed to get an Island beat playing full tilt all in an well as entertained. the food donated for the last three atmosphere of good will and good Fall Fairs. The profit reached a cheer. Celia Denov was new record in 2012 of $2,600, a one of the early members record smashed in 2013 with a of SURA, and it was she profit of approx $3,500! who organized the first out- door event in the park in These funds go directly 1974, with the parties end- to HVRA general revenue and are ing temporarily when she used for various initiatives such moved away in 1978. as prizes for public school essay contests, green initiatives like In 1993 then presi- subsidized energy audits for All Fall Fair Photos were clicked by: dent of SURA, Catherine HVRA members, 1,600 copies Cragg, suggested starting twice a year of the newsletter that Eleanor Levine up a new outdoor party Page 4 HARBORD VILLAGE RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

HISTORICAL PROJECTS

By: Nicole Shulman exhibition on Life in Harbord opportunity to digitally reproduce Village, which would include photographs of the neighbour- n 2012 the Harbord Village elements that could be used hood for possible use in the Residents' Association re- by local schools. show and on the website, and ceived a grant from the Trillium may continue to conduct inter- foundation to capture the We have completed I views for inclusion on the web- memories of current and former interviews with 100 people, site. You can contact us at residents of Harbord Village about sometimes with two people the neighbourhood and how it has interviewed at the same time [email protected]. changed from roughly the 1930s to (generally parent and child or the present. Our goal was to rec- couples). Almost everything ord, transcribe, and index inter- has been transcribed. views with 100 people who lived or worked in the area between 1930 We have three index- and 1980. Those interviews, along ers working their way through with the transcripts and index, the transcripts, and we are would be publicly available on our currently developing the website. They would serve as the StoryPosts (both editing the basis for a series of “StoryPosts” – audio files and designing the locally placed plaques with interac- actual plaques). In addition, tive QR codes, via either their our website will be finished in smartphone or the website, allow- November, and our show will ing people to hear about life in the take place at the Miles Nadal neighbourhood and how it has JCC through November 20th changed. The interviews would to December 16th, 2013. also serve as the basis for a local We still welcome the

A HARBORD VILLAGE MYSTERY who are our concrete planter GARDENERS?

We thank you! We’d like to know who you are. And we’d like to know if you would like some help: maybe with the watering, maybe with addi- tional plants harvested from neighbours' gardens. If you have any here are 14 concrete plant- information about our mys- ers placed by the city at various intersections of our tery gardeners — or would T residential streets. Most like to offer help with water- are cared for by anonymous neigh- ing or planting — please bourhood gardeners who have qui- contact HVRA board mem- etly taken on the job of keeping ber Wendy Smith at wen- them planted, healthy and watered. [email protected] VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 Page 5

LANEWAY LORE 2013 unveiling of the for my father Lawrence Jackson, Albert’s only street sign and lane naming in surviving grandson, as well as two granddaugh- Toronto in honour of great- ters, Priscilla and Juney, since December 2000. grandfather Albert by the Harbord Never did I anticipate that one of our ancestors Village Residents’ Association would have such a colourful and fascinating was a proud day, but also one of story. The discovery and documentation of great reflection and great reverence. -grandfather’s story by others has unearthed many interesting and amazing facts. This previ- This day held much ous research has helped me in my search to find meaning for my family not only for and piece together even more of our family his- the historical value it holds in the tory. city but also because the lane is located in the vicinity of Bruns- Since I live in the United States, I now wick Ave. and Borden St. where feel compelled to find and visit some of the are- Jackson ancestors permanently as in Virginia, Ohio and Delaware where my settled, came to own many prop- ancestors lived as freemen as well as slaves. It erties, and still hold residence is wonderful that the story of Albert, his treacher- today. ous journey to Canada as a baby, and proud struggle to make a living like any other man, is After arriving via the Tribute to Great Grand- now written down for posterity. Our family is also Underground Railroad, a treach- very fortunate to have photographs of this proud father Albert Jackson erous journey from Delaware, and stately man who changed the face of the By: Rochelle (Jackson) USA, his mother Ann Maria, a Toronto Post Office forever. McDowell runaway slave, struggled to make a living and send her children to All the events and festivities have been get the education they most cer- a long time coming but have all culminated in tainly would have been denied in many honours and recognition for the man we y name is Ro- the United States. Their brave call great-grandfather. The many organizations chelle (Jackson) journey and struggles thereafter and people who have recognized, honoured and McDowell and I in Canada paved the way for us, written about the importance of Albert’s struggle am a great- M their ancestors, and left a legacy as a black man settling in Ontario, Canada is not granddaughter and just one and impression unparalleled in lost on the Jackson family. Words cannot ex- of the many, many ances- our family history. press the deep and heartfelt appreciation we tors of Albert Jackson, To- have for all of you. We humbly thank you for all ronto’s first black postman. I have been researching of the honours bestowed upon our beloved an- our Jackson family history The recent July cestor now and in the future. (Canadian and American roots)

Boys of Major Lane By Neal Wolk mony on July 7, 2013 to unveil apply them to these previously unmarked and the name of the laneway. The unnamed laneways is truly sensational.

ceremony itself was very moving All of your endeavours have made it t was quite the honour and was very well attended, just possible for these boys, who went overseas to for me and my family to adding to the importance of this fight for this great country in World War II, to be be part of your commu- area and its history. forever etched into Toronto’s history with a I nity's effort to name the It is quite refreshing for street sign in their honour in the very neighbour- laneway behind Major me to see a neighbourhood come hood that they too lived and played in. Without Street at Harbord "The together and recognize the histo- your efforts in putting forward the necessary Boys of Major Lane". For ry of the very area that the current applications to the City of Toronto, the naming me personally, it was an residents work, live, and play in. of this laneway would not have been possible. honour to speak to the Yes, adding names to these lane- relatives and friends of To the Harbord Village Residents As- ways for security purposes was sociation, on behalf of my family, including my these boys to notify them your primary aim and goal. But to of your efforts and of Great Uncle Pilot Soloman Kay, God bless and go back into the annals of time many thanks for The Boys of Major Lane. course endeavour to get and pick out significant names in them to come to the cere- your neighbourhood`s history and VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 Page 6

LANEWAY LORE

the occasion, although, had he the Learned Societies meetings we were at- been there, there would have tending at Memorial University in Newfound- been lots of wonderful food land. During a drive around the outports after and drink – including cham- that meeting, we visited a kennel, and it was pagne and strawberries! love at first sight when Alan met an English spaniel whom he named Clementine. We When Gus asked me took her home with us by plane, and she be- to write something for the came one of his best friends. newsletter about the lane naming, I was hurriedly pre- Alan was a devoted son, nephew paring to leave for a trip to and brother, and took good care of his family Europe. Since he wanted the whether they were in England or on extended copy relatively quickly, I took visits in Canada. He was particularly wonder- the text of my talk along with ful with children, and with elderly family mem- the intention of using it as the bers – his own, mine and others. basis for this article. As I write now, I am in Wroclaw, Poland, Alan loved parties. We would joke that he would have a small party, just 45 of The Alan Powell Laneway which, before all the treaties and land shifts after WWII, his closest friends. Many times he heard peo- By Helen Breslauer was in Germany, and it was ple say, “You should open a restaurant.” So he did, and that's when Major Roberts came called Breslau – it was the city of my parents, grandparents, into being. was a close friend of Alan and their parents before them. When Alan got Hepatitis C, he did Powell's, as well as his While here, I saw an what he had done with the Spadina fight: he colleague, and spoke at the organized, started the Hepatitis C Society of naming of his lane. He was exhibit at the Stork Syna- I gogue, which has been rebuilt. Canada, and got it working to provide infor- a man of letters, in many ways. mation on the disease, to be a support group His whole name was Alan It highlighted the many Jewish luminaries and Nobel Prize for those suffering from it, and to become Thomas Rees Powell, and heavily involved in fighting against the bad many of his friends referred to winners who hail from Breslau. Among them was Norbert Eli- blood practices that had infected him in the him as “ATR.” The degrees he first place. attained represented other let- as, who attended the Universi- ters: B.A. (Leicester), M.A. ty of Breslau, became a fa- My last visit with Alan was both (Alberta), Ph.D. (Toronto). mous sociologist and taught at poignant and funny. He was bedridden. I Heidelberg and at the Univer- brought a bouquet of flowers – he loved flow- The lane naming was sity of Leicester. He was a ers. I found a vase and put them in. He gave a lovely event, and those who much loved mentor of Alan's! instructions from his bed about how they knew Alan in different ways And so I decided that I had to should be arranged, and then he pointed to spoke movingly about him. We begin this article by telling you some greens among the flowers and said – spoke about his contributions to about Alan's erudition and “get rid of those, they don't go with the flow- the neighbourhood and the city, about his admiration for Elias, ers; I don't like them.” to people – his students, col- who came from Breslau! leagues, friends, and others Until the end, his aesthetic sense who suffered from Hepatitis C, You all know that never left him, his enjoyment of beauty never which was the disease that he Alan was one of the key play- left him, and his intense loyalty and love of so unfairly acquired from taint- ers in stopping the Spadina friends never left him. Expressway. Because of the ed blood, and which eventually Alan was unforgettable, and this caused him to die far too festivities surrounding that victory, Alan arrived late for laneway ensures that he will never be forgot- young. He would have loved ten. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” -Aristotle

Planning Zoning Updates be seen as an opportunity to look designers, planners and the four com- By: Susan Dexter all four corners. This includes sig- munity associations in mid-September, nificant land holdings of the TTC and hopes to vault a 'Four Village' con- et another University of To- on Markham and on Bathurst. cept into the planning discussions of ronto high-rise is proposed There are also a number of public Bathurst after a public charette or plan- for adjacent neighbourhoods laneways which could come into a ning session Oct. 5 at Central -- this time, the corner of new design-- on Croft, mid-block Tech. Y on the north side of Lennox, and Under the leadership of Sussex and Spadina. The site in- cludes Donald Smith's found garden, leading off Bathurst south of the HVRA Treasurer (and tree lover) Car- the Tenth Edition Bookstore and station. With a bit of work, these men Gauthier, a number of privately- apartments, a second building to the could form a green network as the held ash trees have been given a life- north and the old post office building-- four corners are developed. saving injection to defend against the 698-706 Spadina. It also represents a Emerald Ash borer. In addition, the The University will be sub- chance for the four communities-- City has been injecting ash which are mitting its plan to the City to build a Harbord Village, Seaton Village, otherwise in good shape on public 22-25 storey student residence on the Palmerston and the Annex to work lands. Their trees are marked with a site, with retail at grade. With permit- toward a common vision and could green dot. ted heights along Spadina of 15 sto- change the HVRA geographic reys, this plan may meet with opposi- framework west. Thanks to those who have injected tion from the community. The Councillor led a walk their trees! The news that Honest Ed's -around with architects, urban site on Bloor at Bathurst is up for sale has our Councillor dreaming. Adam Vaughan is joining forces with fellow councillor Mike Lay- ton, to envision the types and massing of buildings on all four cor- ners of Bloor and Bathurst Streets, when they come up for redevelop- Join the magic on Harbord Street ment. from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. By itself, Honest Ed's is a huge parcel of land. But its sale can Photo credit: Eleanor Levine

UPCOMING EVENTS October 2013 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa HVRA AGM 1 2 3 4 5 October 15, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 45 Brunswick Ave. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Guest speakers: MPP Rosario Marchese and Councillor Adam Vaughan 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31 HARBORD STREET PUMPKIN FESTIVAL November 2013 November 1, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

1 2 FALL LITTER AND GLITTER CLEAN-UP 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 November 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (start & finish at Bloor Cinema) 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Rain Date: November 30th, 10:00—2:00 pm For more details, visit www.harbordvillage.com 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Harbord Village Newsletter 2013

Membership Information to improve. No time to spare? We understand. But by simply Already a member? Thanks. In particular, sincere thanks to all of  joining, you'll add your name to our ever-growing roster and you who have honoured us with your Supporting and Fanatic help make HVRA's voice even better heard at City Hall. memberships, which have supported many of the new initiatives we've undertaken.  Ideas for how to grow our membership, and strengthen connections? Please contact membership secretary Gail Haven’t had a chance to renew? Now's the time. Simply fill out  Misra at [email protected] the renewal slip below and mail it with your cheque.

Not yet a member? Now's the time! Meet your neighbours, have  Harbord Village Residents’ Association some fun and perhaps devote a few hours to something you want P.O. Box 68522 360A Bloor Street West Toronto, M5S 1X1 HVRA Board 2012-2013 Chair Tim Grant 416-960-1244 [email protected] Past chair Rory (Gus) Sinclair 416-543-2785 [email protected] Treasurer Carmen Gautier 416-323-3944 [email protected] Secretary Eva Janecek [email protected] Membership Gail Misra 416-927-8852 [email protected] UofT Sue Dexter 416-964-9527 [email protected] Communications Mark Treleaven 647-969-6418 [email protected] NW Christian Mueller 416-323-0720 [email protected] NW Steve Klein 416-934-0909 [email protected] NE Lindan Toole 647-881-4976 lindantoole@mediterraan- kitchens.com NE James Murdoch 416-929-0306 [email protected] SW Neil Stephenson 416-516-7344 [email protected] SW Jane Perdue 416-923-7065 [email protected] SC Eleanor Levine 416-536-2185 [email protected] SC Wendy Smith 416-471-9373 [email protected] This issue of the HVRA Newsletter SE Graham Rempe 416-324-8965 [email protected] has been edited by Jane Auster. SE Angie Andreoli 416-830-5340 [email protected] Layout by Mark Treleaven.

HVRA Membership & Renewal Form Not a member yet? Know someone who should be a member? Please join – to help us continue building a great neighbourhood!

2013 HVRA Membership Please mail Please check one: Voting Member (individual) ...... $10/one year; $20/two years Supporting Member (to support HVRA activities) ...... $20/one year; $40/two years JOIN HVRA: Fanatical Member (to really support HVRA activities!) ..... $50/one year; $100/two years SLEEP BET- Payment can be made via PayPal or credit card at our website: TER AND LIVE (www.harbordvillage.com) or mail a cheque payable to the Harbord Village Residents’ LONGER! Association, and include:

Name…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...New?……Renewal?...... Address………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………… Telephone ……………………………………………………Email…………………………..…………………..………………………..