Articles by Ted DeWelles

Leaside’s association with military activities is well known. During World War I, the town was home to the Leaside Munitions Company and the Leaside Aerodrome, where combat pilots trained before heading overseas. World War II …more

Bowling (the kind done on alleys, not lawns) was once a popular Leaside pastime. Following World War II, Leasiders hit the pins in significant numbers. The community had at least three bowling leagues (men’s, ladies’ …more

There are two types of people – those who love pigeons, and those who harbour somewhat less positive views of these street doves. This truth was on full display in Leaside during the 1930s and …more

For over 50 years every film shown in Ontario movie theatres was first screened at a nondescript, one-storey brick building at 1075 Millwood Rd., adjacent to the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens. It housed the Ontario …more

With the recent coronation of King Charles III still fresh in people’s minds, many Leasiders might wonder how the community reacted when Charles’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was crowned 70 years ago. By all accounts, …more

Deposited at Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa are two unpublished diary volumes written by Canadian architect, academic and artist Wendell Lawson (1898-1952). The document is important to Leaside for several reasons: Wendell’s father was …more

Leaside prides itself on its peaceful reputation. But it’s experienced its share of violence – including a major industrial strike in the late 1940s, several notorious crimes, and at least one bona fide riot that …more

Elvis Presley delivered only five performances outside the U.S. during his career. All five took place in Canada in 1957. The King did two shows in Toronto on April 2, two more in Ottawa on …more

Leaside has had more than its share of interesting and unique homes. Maybe you know some of them: -The famous Octagon House of John Lea, after whom Leaside was named. -“Divadale,” the long-gone mansion of …more

In the 1950s and early 1960s, Leaside was home to two entertainers who claimed to have the only musical act of its kind in North America. Their names were Arthur and Mabel Guinness – aka …more