Abstract

My research examines this history and occupation of One St. Thomas Street, Toronto, Ontario through the application of 'property archaeology'. In 1844 five wooded houses were built which were then demolished to make way for a multi-million dollar condominium. With the aid of the Toronto Archives, City Directory, City Assessment Rolls, the Archives at Victoria College, and records from Goad's Fire Insurance maps I detailed the historical ownership, land use and value, and even a failed business venture attempted with the property. Patterns visible in the city's record show this property sample acted as a microcosm for demographics changes and are still occurring in this downtown neighbourhood at the intersection of Bay and Bloor streets.