Leanin' on Peter

Time for my semi annual full lenghth novel. ;)

Was exiled from the studio today and wandered around aimlessly, deciding suddenly to check up on the progress of the condo machine at some of my older demolished locations. Lots is happening at Peter and Richmond. The Condo corps are digging, smashing and building in all directions....

Sitting amongst this havoc is this very off-kilter old "just sold" duplex.

Stared at it for a good half hour trying to figure out whether it was potential heritage or a fake later replica. Gable work was definitely real. Front windows appear so off square suggesting either a very poor build, or very old and just tired. Approaching the 2 separate front entrances, a couple of not-that-old metal turn bell ringers suggest a later era. Nice old busted rusty mail slot gives me a little peak inside. Excitement ;) A bit of decayed lath in a hole in the exterior sidewall got me back thinking it could be very old. Way up straight at the side is a wide open ornate window, impossible to photograph and do justice at the angle, but I'm seeing myself sitting up there. Vines are growing randomly just enough to give it a nice creepy flavor amongst the decaying walls

Behind, is prime income parking, showing 2 attendant parking huts long vadalized and replaced by an automated machine probably allowing enough income to hold the taxes at bay.

Suddenly, I'm inside and really pissed all I have is my trusty little belt camera as there is a bit of everything here.

The kitchen is still sporting vintage stove and couch, multiple crumbling fireplaces, nice old woodwork on staircases, clawfoot tub. There is evidence of artist inhabitation, both the print selling kind as well as the starving squatter type who in my humble opinion seems to have created quite an interesting piece, while smoking and drinking, although why his half drank beer remained made me wonder if he was on a smoke run or maybe still in the house. What squatter leaves a half full beer?

There are books and scraps throughout, Polaroids of the new age artistic type (?) Some macro fun with a bunch of doll parts and a discovery of a very old message book from the late 1800's made it interesting also. By the time you reach the top gable floor, you quickly realize that the "off-kilter" multiplies on this floor to the point of wondering whether you should continue.

Thinking I had covered it all, I made my exit and outside realizing I had not been anywhere near the interesting open window. I realized I had only been in 124 of this duplex and 122 is very separate and very barred up. Looking through windows, seems like that side would be just as interesting if not more....

A return trip would allow access to 122 a lot easier than initial thought and pretty much a mirror of 124, except intact fireplaces. More squatter signs, more art, and a room full of personal belongings including drawers with clothes still in them. Beautiful decay in the bathroom and hallway. I find the window I was seeking. :)

Punching in the address at home, opens up a very surprising can of historical worms......

Built in 1871, and definitely a heritage property and again we see the dirty tactics of the condo corporations as there is already a sales link for a condominium on the property, date of completion? 2040? LMAO.

Check out this slinky proposed designed to fit on an extremely small lot. http://www.homefinder.ca/listings/497523-124-peter-st-toronto-ontario-pt67731547

It was bought a few years ago from Donald Woods, who owned the house his entire life. Woods is the third generation in his family to take possession of the building, but his years of running the building as a rooming house became too much for his deteriorating health.

Obviously there is new owner hope that it crumbles to the ground on its own to somehow dodge the Heritage Act. You can almost smell the squatter fire that will happen.

Tainted History.

The first resident of 122 Peter Street was a Mrs. Gordon, widow of Alexander Gordon, and at 124 Peter Street, the first occupant was Dr. Robert Grimman and his family. He was a staff surgeon at a nearby hospital.

Shortly thereafter, Nicholas Flood Davin, a young war correspondent for the Irish Times immigrated to Canada and moved into 122 Peter Street and began writing for the Globe (later to become the Globe & Mail).

While in Toronto Davin was commissioned by then Prime Minister, John A. MacDonald to write the Davin Report - or as it was known at the time: the Report on Industrial Schools for Indians and Half-Breeds. This document outlined the need for residential schools in Canada, an act that hangs today as one of the darkest elements in Canadian history.

A huge can of worms if you care to research thoroughly.

From the 1890's to early 1970's, native children were forcibly removed from their families and made to live at "schools". where sexual and physically abuse was widely reported as well as poor sanitation and extremely high mortality rates. Children were forbidden from speaking indigenous languages or practicing indigenous faiths.

Davin did not invent residential schools, but his report did bring public funding and support from the government and his report remains a cornerstone of legitimizing them at the time.

Davin, would move west in 1882, start a newspaper - the Regina Leader - and entered politics holding a seat as a Conservative MP.

Woods' grandfather - William Mackenzie - bought the property at that time, beginning 120 years of their families possession up until this recent sale.

I will happily help members who wish to visit with entry suggestions but PLEASE DO NOT PUBLICLY BLOG ABOUT THIS LOCATION AT THIS TIME. I WOULD LIKE TO MONITOR THIS PROPERTY REGULARLY TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS. For our pleasure only. Thanks.