An Uneven Playing Field:
Toronto as a City of Contrasts
 
Table of Contents |
|
Two conclusions can be drawn from photographs
and other records of life in early 20th century Toronto: all children were
resourceful in finding ways to have a good time; and the way in which children
played depended most on their age, gender, and social class.
Economic factors accounted for the greatest differences in play. More
privileged children had access to more resources, choices, and opportunities.
Less privileged children, who had less leisure time and fewer adult-provided
toys and excursions, were inventive by necessity.
Index
Strolling in a Rosedale ravine
Girls tending youngsters
Strolling along a Toronto beach
Boys in the Humber River at Lambton Bridge
A rowboat outing at Toronto Island
Boys on a raft at Sunnyside Beach
Toboggans and sleds on a Rosedale slope
Playing shinny in Willowvale Park
Playing tennis at Hanlan's Hotel, Toronto Island
Flying kites in Earlscourt
Swimmers opposite Hanlan's Hotel, Toronto Island
Dunnett's swimming hole on the West Don River
Front lawn, 40 Dawlish Avenue
Front yard, downtown house
Rear yard, Queen's Park Crescent West
Rear yard, 512 Front Street East
Canoeing in Wychwood Park
Children in Price's Lane
Children's quadracycle on Rowanwood Avenue
Children's cart on Major Street
Family picnic beside the Humber River
Hitching a wagon ride on a suburban street
Bicycling on Lake Shore Road at Mimico Creek
Rolling bicycle rims on Chestnut Street
Gathering lupines in High Park
Children on a downtown street |
