Toronto 1867/1967: An evening of story, song and…shopping?

At the time of Confederation, St. Lawrence Hall was the social, political and cultural centre of Toronto. It was also one of the sites where Confederation was made. Sir John A. Macdonald would promote the idea at the Hall on many occasions, the last being in early 1867, just months before he became our first prime minister. Then, in 1967, after a long period of decline, the Hall was magnificently restored as a City of Toronto centennial project. Local historian and raconteur Bruce Bell—with piano accompaniment by Randy Vancourt—will tell stories of St. Lawrence Hall, and of Toronto, at these two great turning points in Canadian history.

Then, for dessert, veteran Canadian musician Ian Bell and Toronto songstress Michelle Rumball (supported by Tom Leighton and Conrad Kipping) will go toe to toe with tunes from two centuries. This rollicking four-piece group will entertain with a song swap that’s a knock-down contest between the music of 1867 and 1967. Cheer for your favourites as the Canadian folk, pop and rock hits of the 1960s square off against the quicksteps, parlour ballads and music-hall songs of the other 60s.

The evening also includes a silent auction, with wonderful surprises from community partners in the “old town” neighbourhood and across Toronto. Offerings include hotel packages, culinary experiences, theatre tickets, jewelry, cosmetics, art and so much more! There will also be a wonderful spread of food at intermission, and a cash bar serving beer and wine.

Since 2005, the Town of York Historical Society has been observing Toronto’s birthday on March 6th with a show that both celebrates the history of this great city and raises funds for Toronto’s First Post Office, a museum and National Historic Site. In 2014 we added a silent auction, and we continue that tradition in 2017.

Who: The Town of York Historical Society (contact: Janet Walters, tfpo@total.net) What: Toronto 1867/1967: An Evening of Story and Song

Where: St. Lawrence Hall, 157 King Street East, Toronto

When: March 6th, 2017, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7:00)

Why: To support Toronto’s First Post Office, a museum and National Historic Site

Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased online at  https://tos183rd.eventbrite.ca/

or in person at Toronto’s First Post Office, 260 Adelaide Street East, 416-865-1833 or tfpo@total.net. More on this event can be found on our Facebook page,  @TOs1stPO.

Toronto’s First Post Office (1833) is operated by the Town of York Historical Society, and is a full-service post office as well as a museum. It is located at 260 Adelaide Street East and is open Monday to Friday 9-5:30, Saturdays 10-4 and Sundays 12-4. For more information on the Town of York Historical Society, please visit  www.townofyork.com.