The Ward

The Ward: the life and loss of Toronto's first immigrant neighbourhood is a wonderful new book that is a must read for any student of history or of Toronto. Through a collection of over 60 bite-sized essays, the book tells the story of St. John's Ward, the densely populated downtown ward bordered by College and Queen, University and Yonge Streets, that was home to new immigrants and which eventually became a focus of civic concern. Contributors run the gamut from journalists, archivists and historians, to politicians, community workers, doctors and lawyers. The subjects covered are equally broad and some essay titles include "My Grandmother the Bootlegger", "Lawren Harris's Ward Period" and "Where the Rich Went for Vice". 

Last week Coach House Books held a launch party for The Ward. The event was held at Church of the Holy Trinity, the small gem of a church tucked in beside the Eaton Centre. The location was chosen because this institution played a significant role in the history of The Ward and is one of the few buildings from that period that remains.