Presented by Stephen Young
60-Minute Case Study (Intermediate)
During the pandemic Stephen commenced an in-depth study reconstructing the development of Elm Street in Toronto from the 1850s through 1900. His interest is based on research of his direct ancestor, John Young, who rented one of the first frame houses built on the south side of Elm Street in St. John’s Ward as the growing city pushed its borders northward. Using old city maps, census records, city directories, tax assessment records, and other local history published works, Stephen recreated a timeline of construction of homes and their inhabitants over several decades. Newspapers records also provide historical context to the growth and activities of this very interesting period on Elm Street and in Toronto’s immigrant history.
