Yonge and Carlton/Then

The S/E corner of Yonge and Carlton. The S.S. Kresge Building in the Streamline style.
Here as seen in 1950.
During subway construction in 1952.

And here a little earlier in a hand tinted postcard courtesy of Chuckman.
This appears to be from a trade magazine.
This photo from a Kresge's in Newark (1948) shows some kids
riding around the store in a monorail!
More proof that the past was better!
I haven't been on a monorail for at least five years!
Although this photo is from the Kresge's in Detroit, they all had a lunch counter somewhere in the store, usually at the back.

Silver Rail Revisited

The Silver Rail Tavern and Restaurant was located at the N/E corner of Yonge and Shuter and closed in 1997.

Another postcard from Chuckman's collection showing the restaurant that was located in the basement. There are several other postings on this site about the Silver Rail. Use the search box to find.

I was there the night it closed and was one of the last to leave. I also managed to buy two of the wall sconces the next week at the fixture sale.
1980's.

Yonge Street in the 70's

We can date these photos by the films that are playing at the theatres.
At the Downtown, Dr. Phibes Rises Again starring Vincent Price, 1972.
This theatre was built 1n 1948 and closed in 1972. The Dundas Square building now occupies the site.

The Godfather, 1972. This was the last film to be shown at the Imperial before it was converted to a Multiplex.

The Elgin's marquee says closed for renovations.....
There's an excellent article on the Yonge Street strip here at Silent Toronto.
A great postcard from Chuckman's showing the strip at night. Chuckman's Postcard Collection is a fantastic online resourse.
Another great postcard from Chuckman's, Yonge looking south from Gould, late 60's.
This block opposite Shuter will soon be demolished to make room for the new Eaton Center.
That's the Mason Riech Building in the center.
An ad from 1914.
An ad for the Imperial from 1945.
Lauren Bacall was only 17 when she made this film.