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A Work in Progress |
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The Vernacular
The building permit plans on file in the Archives are an excellent resource for the study of the City's evolving vernacular, or common building types, as well as for the study of its grander architectural achievements. While vernacular buildings may be modest, they are often distinctive and associated with a particular place.
An example is the many Joy Oil Company gas stations that were built in Toronto in the 1930s. Joy Oil was based out of Detroit and Cleveland in the United States. Their fanciful stations were built in a miniature Chateau Style, complete with circular towers and conical roofs.
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Gas service station,
910 Lake Shore Road, elevations
November 17, 1936
Architect: Joy Oil Co Ltd
City of Toronto Archives,
Series 410, File 505, Item 8
Click image for larger version |
The stations established a unique corporate image for the firm in an era of rapidly increasing automobile usage, and were local landmarks in several Toronto neighbourhoods.
The last remaining station, located at 1978 Lake Shore Blvd. West, was designated in 1989 by the City as being of architectural significance. It was relocated recently pending restoration.
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