Jamie Bradburn
@jbcurio.bsky.social
Writer/researcher/public historian for hire, specializing in Toronto/Ontario history that ties into the current zeitgeist. Former Sunday Star quizmaster and Historicist. Crafts award-winning stories. Walks a lot. Has adventures with stuffed porcupines.
Reposted by Jamie Bradburn
Today's visit to the Curio Emporium allows you to test your knowledge of late 1950s American public service announcement campaigns. Guest starring Smokey the Bear!
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
january 3: the ad council for public service, 1957
Look, January 8, 1957 . Since 1942, the Ad Council has presented Americans with public service announcements ranging from Smokey the Bear...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com
January 3, 2026 at 7:12 PM
Today's visit to the Curio Emporium allows you to test your knowledge of late 1950s American public service announcement campaigns. Guest starring Smokey the Bear!
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
Today's visit to the Curio Emporium allows you to test your knowledge of late 1950s American public service announcement campaigns. Guest starring Smokey the Bear!
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
january 3: the ad council for public service, 1957
Look, January 8, 1957 . Since 1942, the Ad Council has presented Americans with public service announcements ranging from Smokey the Bear...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com
January 3, 2026 at 7:12 PM
Today's visit to the Curio Emporium allows you to test your knowledge of late 1950s American public service announcement campaigns. Guest starring Smokey the Bear!
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
Reposted by Jamie Bradburn
New year, new additions to my map of little free libraries in the east end of Toronto (for this project: roughly Broadview to Woodbine, O'Connor to the lake) -- now over 100 identified!
www.google.com/maps/d/edit?...
www.google.com/maps/d/edit?...
Riverdale/Leslieville/Pocket/Danforth LFLs - Google My Maps
Riverdale/Leslieville/Pocket/Danforth LFLs
www.google.com
January 3, 2026 at 12:07 AM
New year, new additions to my map of little free libraries in the east end of Toronto (for this project: roughly Broadview to Woodbine, O'Connor to the lake) -- now over 100 identified!
www.google.com/maps/d/edit?...
www.google.com/maps/d/edit?...
Reposted by Jamie Bradburn
Today's trip to the Curio Emporium has only happy thoughts about a late 19th century Brantford-based stove range. #ontariohistory
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
january 2: happy thought range is ok
Windsor Record, October 5, 1899. Yes, it is ok to have happy thoughts. Especially when you have a functioning late 19th century beast of a...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com
January 2, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Today's trip to the Curio Emporium has only happy thoughts about a late 19th century Brantford-based stove range. #ontariohistory
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
Some failed campaigns never fade away (Bayview Avenue)
January 2, 2026 at 8:29 PM
Some failed campaigns never fade away (Bayview Avenue)
Reposted by Jamie Bradburn
There was once no better way to spend an afternoon than lunch at the Mandarin followed by a matinee at the Famous Players (then Cineplex) Canada Square. RIP to the Yonge-Eglinton of my heart.
A Toronto staple: Mandarin buffet at Yonge-Eglinton closing after 35 years
A Toronto staple: Mandarin buffet at Yonge-Eglinton closing after 35 years
The buffet, known for its large gatherings and iconic neon signage, will shut later this month as the building undergoes redevelopment.
www.thestar.com
January 2, 2026 at 6:13 PM
There was once no better way to spend an afternoon than lunch at the Mandarin followed by a matinee at the Famous Players (then Cineplex) Canada Square. RIP to the Yonge-Eglinton of my heart.
Today's trip to the Curio Emporium has only happy thoughts about a late 19th century Brantford-based stove range. #ontariohistory
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
january 2: happy thought range is ok
Windsor Record, October 5, 1899. Yes, it is ok to have happy thoughts. Especially when you have a functioning late 19th century beast of a...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com
January 2, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Today's trip to the Curio Emporium has only happy thoughts about a late 19th century Brantford-based stove range. #ontariohistory
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
Just saw a posting where it suggested that instead of being paid per piece or a salary, one would be paid out of a "revenue-sharing opportunity."
Is it just me, or does that sound like it's covering up something sketchy, or an excuse to underpay the writer?
Is it just me, or does that sound like it's covering up something sketchy, or an excuse to underpay the writer?
January 2, 2026 at 5:22 PM
Just saw a posting where it suggested that instead of being paid per piece or a salary, one would be paid out of a "revenue-sharing opportunity."
Is it just me, or does that sound like it's covering up something sketchy, or an excuse to underpay the writer?
Is it just me, or does that sound like it's covering up something sketchy, or an excuse to underpay the writer?
Two days into 2026 and not only am I writing the most that I have since being hit by the flu in December, but I'm having the most fun doing so in awhile.
Maybe enforced rest was good for a creative recharge?
Maybe enforced rest was good for a creative recharge?
January 2, 2026 at 6:38 AM
Two days into 2026 and not only am I writing the most that I have since being hit by the flu in December, but I'm having the most fun doing so in awhile.
Maybe enforced rest was good for a creative recharge?
Maybe enforced rest was good for a creative recharge?
Reposted by Jamie Bradburn
One of my first New Year's resolutions: resurrecting my two decade old blog after being dead for the past year-and-a-half as a daily outpost for odds and ends I've collected over the years that might gather dust on my computer.
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
january 1: happy new year!
Port Huron Times Herald. December 31, 1925. It's been a long time, hasn't it? In its last incarnation, this site was primarily used for bo...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com
January 1, 2026 at 8:19 PM
One of my first New Year's resolutions: resurrecting my two decade old blog after being dead for the past year-and-a-half as a daily outpost for odds and ends I've collected over the years that might gather dust on my computer.
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
I'm also resurrecting Tales of Toronto, starting the year off with a piece I wrote about pioneering supermarket chain Knob Hill Farms food terminals. #TOHistory
jamiebradburnwriting.wordpress.com/2026/01/01/p...
jamiebradburnwriting.wordpress.com/2026/01/01/p...
Past Pieces of Toronto: Knob Hill Farms
From November 2011 through July 2012 I wrote the “Past Pieces of Toronto” column for OpenFile, which explored elements of the city which no longer exist. While I usually leave later tho…
jamiebradburnwriting.wordpress.com
January 1, 2026 at 9:26 PM
I'm also resurrecting Tales of Toronto, starting the year off with a piece I wrote about pioneering supermarket chain Knob Hill Farms food terminals. #TOHistory
jamiebradburnwriting.wordpress.com/2026/01/01/p...
jamiebradburnwriting.wordpress.com/2026/01/01/p...
One of my first New Year's resolutions: resurrecting my two decade old blog after being dead for the past year-and-a-half as a daily outpost for odds and ends I've collected over the years that might gather dust on my computer.
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
january 1: happy new year!
Port Huron Times Herald. December 31, 1925. It's been a long time, hasn't it? In its last incarnation, this site was primarily used for bo...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com
January 1, 2026 at 8:19 PM
One of my first New Year's resolutions: resurrecting my two decade old blog after being dead for the past year-and-a-half as a daily outpost for odds and ends I've collected over the years that might gather dust on my computer.
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2026/01/janu...
The Globe's front page cartoon on New Year's Day 1926 was...kinda morbid as far as these sorts of things go? While it was normal to see the old year die in cartoons, it usually didn't look this painful.
I've also included the paper's front page general message.
#TOHistory #newyearsday
I've also included the paper's front page general message.
#TOHistory #newyearsday
January 1, 2026 at 6:51 PM
The Globe's front page cartoon on New Year's Day 1926 was...kinda morbid as far as these sorts of things go? While it was normal to see the old year die in cartoons, it usually didn't look this painful.
I've also included the paper's front page general message.
#TOHistory #newyearsday
I've also included the paper's front page general message.
#TOHistory #newyearsday
Reposted by Jamie Bradburn
My final newsletter of 2025 is out, looking back at the year gone by and feeling...hopeful about 2026?
Also, some tales of New Year's in Toronto a century ago. #TOHistory
open.substack.com/pub/jamiebra...
Also, some tales of New Year's in Toronto a century ago. #TOHistory
open.substack.com/pub/jamiebra...
46: The Out With 2025, In With 2026 Edition
Assessing the year gone by, looking forward to the year to come.
open.substack.com
December 31, 2025 at 10:06 PM
My final newsletter of 2025 is out, looking back at the year gone by and feeling...hopeful about 2026?
Also, some tales of New Year's in Toronto a century ago. #TOHistory
open.substack.com/pub/jamiebra...
Also, some tales of New Year's in Toronto a century ago. #TOHistory
open.substack.com/pub/jamiebra...
New Year's front page cartoon, Chicago Tribune, January 1, 1926.
January 1, 2026 at 4:22 PM
New Year's front page cartoon, Chicago Tribune, January 1, 1926.
A New Year's cartoon from the December 31, 1925 Buffalo Evening News that tries to sum up the first quarter of the 20th century.
How would Father Time react to the first quarter of the 21st century? #newyears
How would Father Time react to the first quarter of the 21st century? #newyears
December 31, 2025 at 11:39 PM
A New Year's cartoon from the December 31, 1925 Buffalo Evening News that tries to sum up the first quarter of the 20th century.
How would Father Time react to the first quarter of the 21st century? #newyears
How would Father Time react to the first quarter of the 21st century? #newyears
My final newsletter of 2025 is out, looking back at the year gone by and feeling...hopeful about 2026?
Also, some tales of New Year's in Toronto a century ago. #TOHistory
open.substack.com/pub/jamiebra...
Also, some tales of New Year's in Toronto a century ago. #TOHistory
open.substack.com/pub/jamiebra...
46: The Out With 2025, In With 2026 Edition
Assessing the year gone by, looking forward to the year to come.
open.substack.com
December 31, 2025 at 10:06 PM
My final newsletter of 2025 is out, looking back at the year gone by and feeling...hopeful about 2026?
Also, some tales of New Year's in Toronto a century ago. #TOHistory
open.substack.com/pub/jamiebra...
Also, some tales of New Year's in Toronto a century ago. #TOHistory
open.substack.com/pub/jamiebra...
From the January 1, 1926 Globe, one writer's view on how Torontonians celebrated #newyears, whether they were rich, working class, or lonely. #TOHistory
December 31, 2025 at 9:38 PM
From the January 1, 1926 Globe, one writer's view on how Torontonians celebrated #newyears, whether they were rich, working class, or lonely. #TOHistory
Reposted by Jamie Bradburn
New on our blog, a look at the newly digitized Peel County council minutes, by-laws, and reports, including mention of the Fenians: peelarchivesblog.com/2025/12/29/n... #cdnhist
Newly available online: County of Peel minutes, by-laws, and reports, 1853-1973
I am very pleased to announce that we have placed a nearly complete run of the published sets of County of Peel Council minutes, by-laws, and reports, from 1853 up to 1973, on our Internet Archive …
peelarchivesblog.com
December 31, 2025 at 4:37 PM
New on our blog, a look at the newly digitized Peel County council minutes, by-laws, and reports, including mention of the Fenians: peelarchivesblog.com/2025/12/29/n... #cdnhist
Alas, no Non-Fiction Blvd…
December 30, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Alas, no Non-Fiction Blvd…
If I’m going to have an unplanned week in the city, I’m going to treat myself to some Tropical Joe’s jerk chicken at Gerrard Square - it always makes me happy.
December 30, 2025 at 6:57 PM
If I’m going to have an unplanned week in the city, I’m going to treat myself to some Tropical Joe’s jerk chicken at Gerrard Square - it always makes me happy.
Reposted by Jamie Bradburn
For the first time in ages, a "thread o'stuff"...
1) Since I'm stuck at home thanks to this storm instead of hitting the road to visit family (soon!!!), I figure I'd do something I haven't done on here for eons - a thread o' stuff from my research/side find/lazy newspaper browsing inbox.
So join me while I write as I please...
So join me while I write as I please...
December 29, 2025 at 5:03 AM
For the first time in ages, a "thread o'stuff"...
For the first time in ages, a "thread o'stuff"...
1) Since I'm stuck at home thanks to this storm instead of hitting the road to visit family (soon!!!), I figure I'd do something I haven't done on here for eons - a thread o' stuff from my research/side find/lazy newspaper browsing inbox.
So join me while I write as I please...
So join me while I write as I please...
December 29, 2025 at 5:03 AM
For the first time in ages, a "thread o'stuff"...
1) Since I'm stuck at home thanks to this storm instead of hitting the road to visit family (soon!!!), I figure I'd do something I haven't done on here for eons - a thread o' stuff from my research/side find/lazy newspaper browsing inbox.
So join me while I write as I please...
So join me while I write as I please...
December 28, 2025 at 8:12 PM
1) Since I'm stuck at home thanks to this storm instead of hitting the road to visit family (soon!!!), I figure I'd do something I haven't done on here for eons - a thread o' stuff from my research/side find/lazy newspaper browsing inbox.
So join me while I write as I please...
So join me while I write as I please...
Reposted by Jamie Bradburn
Former Grande Ballroom in Detroit. Reopened as a rock venue in 1966, it birthed the MC5 and the Stooges & hosted the likes of The Who, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. It closed in 1972, unoccupied since. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places, no plaque. historicdetroit.org/buildings/gr...
December 27, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Former Grande Ballroom in Detroit. Reopened as a rock venue in 1966, it birthed the MC5 and the Stooges & hosted the likes of The Who, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. It closed in 1972, unoccupied since. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places, no plaque. historicdetroit.org/buildings/gr...