Don Valley Brick Works

The Don Valley Brickwork's history dates as far back as 1882, when the Taylor brothers found that the clay soil located in this bush was ideal for making bricks.

It was the longest running business of its kind in Ontario, and offered more products than any of its competitors.

This picture is dated 1891.

Their bricks were used to build such edifices as Massey Hall, T.G.H., and the Ontario Legislature, to name a few.



Over time, four chimneys were built for the wood and coal down-draft kilns.

The words "Don", "Valley", "Brick" and "Works" were spelled out on these chimneys.

When the plant closed in 1984, it had produced over 43 million bricks.

To-day only the "Valley" stack remains.



The area is now being restored as a park and heritage site. You can visit the site of the Evergreen Brick Works here.

The quarry is one of the few places in Toronto where the geological history is visible.
A wetland has been created in this area, along with a boardwalk.




Besides cycling and walking paths in the valley, there is now a market place for folks to enjoy.

Baseball Place

Sometime in the mid 1980's a dead-end street on Broadview Ave. was paved over by the City.

Unfortunately, the street sign was also removed.

This tiny laneway was called "Baseball Place", and at one time housed at least six worker's cottages.

Baseball fans used this avenue to access the "Toronto Baseball Grounds".

Built in 1886, this park boasted a seating capacity of 2,250 paying fans.

The stands were four stories high, and the field was surrounded by a 4 metre wooden fence.

Admission was 25 cents.



The grounds became known as "Sunlight Park" after W.H. Lever opened the Sunlight Works soap factory just south of the park in 1893.



Toronto won its first professional baseball title here in 1897.

To-day Eastern Ave. cuts across the old infield of Sunlight Park, and the only reminder of its existence, is a plaque that's attached to the building at 655 Queen St. East.



Wouldn't it be nice if the City were to put back the street sign so that we can remember the laneway that did exist and how it provided an access route for Toronto baseball fans?