Discover Lord Dorchesters unusual method of staying warm while his underwear froze during his first winter in Canada. Learn about Elizabeth Simcoes struggle with the intoxicating evils of gooseberry wine. During the War of 1812, why did Laura Secord deliver a cow to James Fitzgibbon in the dead of night? Why did the residents of York fear an American invasion in 1813, even though they needed their dollars to support the towns tourist industry? Why did the colonists, who never bathed at the best of times, become truly revolting in 1837?
In a more serious vein, this book chronicles the history and architecture of the Kings West District, the Kensington Market, and the proudly tacky Queen Street West. The narrative details the events in the life of the old St. Andrews Market, allowing those who visit the area today to appreciate its rich heritage.
Doug Taylor has researched and studied the history of Toronto for several decades, as well as taught local studies in both elementary and secondary schools. He was a member of the faculty of Lakeshore Teachers’ College (York University) and the Ontario Teacher Education College. He is retired and lives in Toronto.