Recent tariff actions by the U.S. government have triggered a wave of national pride among Canadians. Similar outpourings of patriotism occurred during World War II and following Canada’s victory in the Canada-Russia hockey series of 1972.
At no time, however, was Canadian pride more on display than during the period leading up to and including the nation’s Centennial in 1967. Across the land, communities, schools, businesses and individuals enthusiastically created and participated in hundreds of “Centennial projects” to honour our success as a nation. Leaside was no exception – demonstrating, as Canadians are again doing today, a deep and fervent love of country.
Here are just a few inspiring examples of what our community accomplished during the Centennial:
Trace Manes Community Recreation Centre: Planned three years in advance and built at a cost of $100,000, this was the first Centennial Project completed by any Toronto municipality. The facility included a drop-in centre for seniors, a tennis club lounge, meeting rooms and a skating rink change room. Its grand opening on Sept. 14, 1966, attracted such dignitaries as Ontario Tourism Minister James Auld, Metro Chairman William Allan and Leaside Mayor Beth Nealson. The event was enhanced by the talents of the Leaside High School girls’ choir singing God Save the Queen and O Canada. The Centre still operates today as a community focal point and landmark.
The “All-Canada Revue” at Leaside High School: This was the Centennial Project for all Leaside schools in which, according to the Leaside Advertiser, 538 children participated in an historical play. The revue took place in May 1967 at Leaside High’s auditorium before a large audience. Its plot involved Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister, returning to Canada after 100 years to see the changes that had occurred in the country. The revue featured seven acts, each one taking place in a different region of Canada – with music provided by the Leaside High girls’ choir. “To hear 200 clear young voices saluting our beloved country was worth travelling many miles,” exclaimed one enthusiastic spectator.
Leaside Memorial Community Gardens Mural: The arena’s Centennial Project was to commission a large mural depicting the key activities it offered to the community: curling, skating, hockey, dancing and swimming. The mural, painted by Toronto artist Harold Phillips, was officially unveiled on Nov. 16, 1966. While it’s no longer on public display, sections of the mural still exist and are stored at the arena.
Bessborough School Acquires Group of Seven Painting: This was the Centennial Project for the Home and School Association of Bessborough Public School – the purchase of an original oil painting (for $650) by Group of Seven artist A. J. Casson. The painting, entitled Pugh Lake, was formally presented to the school in April 1967, with Casson attending. The school orchestra and choir provided the music. The painting remained at the school for several years but was then removed to the McMichael Gallery. For a while its whereabouts were unknown, but it now resides at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Other Centennial Projects: In addition to these major projects, Leasiders organized numerous smaller activities to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday. Among them:
- -Leaside Brownie Packs planted beds of shrubs, evergreens and tulips at the entrance to Trace Manes Park in the fall of 1966.
- -A special Centennial Winter Carnival held at Talbot Park in February 1967 included skating, toboggan races, a log cutting contest, free pancakes and a bonfire.
- -Local merchants took out full-page Centennial ads in the Leaside Advertiser. One business, a Bayview Ave. hair salon, even offered a “Centennial wave” for its women customers.
- -People wrote poems expressing their love for Canada, which were then published in the Leaside Advertiser.
- -Students at Rolph Road Elementary School assembled a special “Canada Day” program on June 27 with exhibits and presentations celebrating Canada’s history.
- -The Leaside Lawn Bowling Club held a special mixed Centennial Tournament in July 1967, in which over 100 members participated.
- -The Corning Glass company erected a huge Centennial symbol along Vanderhoof Ave. which lit up in blue at night.
- -The Leaside Memorial Community Gardens imprinted a similar insignia at centre ice of its hockey rink.
Finally, hundreds if not thousands of Leasiders thronged to see the famous Confederation Train during its three-day stopover at the Leaside train station in August 1967. The train, on a Canada-wide tour, comprised six railcars, each containing exhibits highlighting a different period of Canadian history – from prehistoric times to the present. Leaside municipal councillor Vern Page visited the train and was so moved by the experience that he wrote: “it made one proud to be a Canadian [and to] live in a country of golden opportunity…whose potential has only been scratched…..yes, we should all be proud living in such a great country.”
