Two historic lots being excavated in Toronto, Spring 2017

arob

Jr. Member
Nov 27, 2007
30
18
Toronto, Ontario
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Two very old properties that date from the original settlement of York 1793 are being excavated this spring / summer in downtown Toronto. They were right on the lake shore of the old town. Both sites are 'chronicled' in a recent Toronto Guardian article about the past, present and future of Front and Sherbourne and the whole St Lawrence neighbourhood is getting a residential rebirth as per Waterfront Magazine.
1797-map-of-york.jpg


The addresses are 158 Front St E and 177 front St E - Time and Space condos
map-future-of-Fromt-amd-Sherbourne-Toronto2.jpg


From the 1880s to 1940s there was a famous Canadian chemical company was at 177 Front St e, or 'Palace St' as it was called in 1800s

Lyman Bros Chemical Works - this site is very much 'downtown Toronto' today.

The 'time travel story' on the Time and Space condos site shows many old pics and the 1880 Goad Fire Insurance Map of Toronto segment of the block.

1880-Esplande-SherbourneE.jpg


You can see Lyman Bros Chemical Works is central tenant.

As I look at the fire insurance map I'm struck by how flammable all the businesses here are... There's soap and tallow, oil, coal and who knows what Lyman's stored in their tanks.

The soil is definitely toxic and will need to be entirely removed which could give a collector standing at the gate (with a fist full of five dollar bills) hours of viewing pleasure.​

does anyone have any pictures of Lyman Bros products? or ads?
 

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