Beauty pageants may seem outdated now. But they were a big deal in the previous century, especially in the years immediately before and after World War II. In Ontario alone, dozens of contests took place …more
Computerized video games are common today. Just ask any parent. But they were unknown back in 1950. That was the year the world’s first publicly displayed electronic video game was created. And it happened right …more
In 1963, to help commemorate Leaside’s 50th anniversary, Arthur Donahue, founder and editor of The Leaside Advertiser, wrote an article for the newspaper’s September 12th issue describing what Leaside was like when he and his …more
Long-time Leaside residents may remember the Sangamo Company Ltd. at 215 Laird Drive near Eglinton – a site now occupied by Canadian Tire and other retail establishments. Sangamo specialized in the production of electric motors …more
Few people know that one of Canada’s most respected poets, Richard Outram (1930-2005), lived in Leaside as an adolescent and young man. Fewer still know about his father, Alfred. Alfred Outram, an engineer by profession, …more
Communal events were always popular in Leaside, but never more so than 60 to 80 years ago. Here’s how Leasiders back in the day liked to party on: Parades: From approximately 1940-1960, Leaside held a …more
Few people today know of Ontario’s frequency standardization project. But in the 1950s, it was one of the largest, most expensive and ambitious energy projects ever undertaken. The 10-year, $400 million project was launched in …more
Last month, many Leasiders were again crushed when the Maple Leafs failed to advance in the playoffs. Despite the disappointment, we can take comfort knowing that our community has been home to many great hockey …more
Many Canadians were sad to learn in April that Prince Philip had died at the age of 99. Leasiders in particular may have felt a special loss – especially those old enough to remember when …more
Leaside has a well-earned reputation as a tranquil community. But in 1948, it was the scene of a bitter labour conflict involving unions, police and Leasiders themselves. It started in late January, when management at …more
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