Muddy York
@muddyyork.bsky.social
Toronto's #1 History Podcast.
Our latest episode is about the History of Black Slavery in Toronto.
Our latest episode is about the History of Black Slavery in Toronto.
Pinned
Muddy York
@muddyyork.bsky.social
· Nov 12
Muddy York: A Toronto History Podcast
open.spotify.com
Muddy York is Toronto's #1 history podcast. Tune in to learn more about the schemers and dreamers who created the city that we know today.
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/2OWExab...
iTunes - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/2OWExab...
iTunes - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...
On this date in 1927, a syndicate led by Conn Smythe purchased the Toronto St. Patrick’s hockey team. Shortly thereafter, the team would be renamed the Maple Leafs.
February 14, 2026 at 12:05 PM
On this date in 1927, a syndicate led by Conn Smythe purchased the Toronto St. Patrick’s hockey team. Shortly thereafter, the team would be renamed the Maple Leafs.
On this date in 1876, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at King and Simcoe was officially dedicated. The four corners of King and Simcoe were known as SALVATION (St. Andrew's), LEGISLATION (Government House), EDUCATION (Upper Canada College) and DAMNATION (British Tavern).
February 13, 2026 at 12:30 PM
On this date in 1876, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at King and Simcoe was officially dedicated. The four corners of King and Simcoe were known as SALVATION (St. Andrew's), LEGISLATION (Government House), EDUCATION (Upper Canada College) and DAMNATION (British Tavern).
On this date in 1969, TTC experimented with "bus bunnies" to make public transit more attractive. The experiment lasted one day.
February 12, 2026 at 12:17 PM
On this date in 1969, TTC experimented with "bus bunnies" to make public transit more attractive. The experiment lasted one day.
Reposted by Muddy York
Launching of the Asp Kristiansand at Polson Iron Works in Toronto, February 11, 1918.
#OnThisDay #OTD #1910s #nautical #ship #shiplaunch #history #torontohistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
#OnThisDay #OTD #1910s #nautical #ship #shiplaunch #history #torontohistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
February 11, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Launching of the Asp Kristiansand at Polson Iron Works in Toronto, February 11, 1918.
#OnThisDay #OTD #1910s #nautical #ship #shiplaunch #history #torontohistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
#OnThisDay #OTD #1910s #nautical #ship #shiplaunch #history #torontohistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
Reposted by Muddy York
My latest Substack offering - after a long hiatus - looks at the career of "Old Reliable" Billy Bass, the Toronto Argonauts' first black captain.
open.substack.com/pub/jamesefr...
open.substack.com/pub/jamesefr...
Billy Bass: "A fine player and a gentleman"
A look at the career of a barrier-breaking Argonaut
open.substack.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:27 AM
My latest Substack offering - after a long hiatus - looks at the career of "Old Reliable" Billy Bass, the Toronto Argonauts' first black captain.
open.substack.com/pub/jamesefr...
open.substack.com/pub/jamesefr...
Age verification?
Adam used ICON computers at school.
Grayson accidentally assassinated his family’s desktop with Napster and LimeWire.
Adam used ICON computers at school.
Grayson accidentally assassinated his family’s desktop with Napster and LimeWire.
February 10, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Age verification?
Adam used ICON computers at school.
Grayson accidentally assassinated his family’s desktop with Napster and LimeWire.
Adam used ICON computers at school.
Grayson accidentally assassinated his family’s desktop with Napster and LimeWire.
Reposted by Muddy York
TIL that the HR that Babe Ruth hit at Hanlan’s Point in 1914 - his first as a pro - did not land in Lake Ontario (which has taken on mythical proportions), but in the RF bleachers.
These are the kind of stones you can’t leave unturned when going through your book edits.
These are the kind of stones you can’t leave unturned when going through your book edits.
February 10, 2026 at 12:38 AM
TIL that the HR that Babe Ruth hit at Hanlan’s Point in 1914 - his first as a pro - did not land in Lake Ontario (which has taken on mythical proportions), but in the RF bleachers.
These are the kind of stones you can’t leave unturned when going through your book edits.
These are the kind of stones you can’t leave unturned when going through your book edits.
On this date in 1977, the Eaton Centre officially opened.
February 10, 2026 at 12:29 PM
On this date in 1977, the Eaton Centre officially opened.
Reposted by Muddy York
recently wrote a blog post about creating a website for viewing historical aerial imagery in Toronto
check it out here! :) mdl.library.utoronto.ca/mdl-blog/cre...
#toronto #history #maps #gis
check it out here! :) mdl.library.utoronto.ca/mdl-blog/cre...
#toronto #history #maps #gis
February 9, 2026 at 5:34 PM
recently wrote a blog post about creating a website for viewing historical aerial imagery in Toronto
check it out here! :) mdl.library.utoronto.ca/mdl-blog/cre...
#toronto #history #maps #gis
check it out here! :) mdl.library.utoronto.ca/mdl-blog/cre...
#toronto #history #maps #gis
Reposted by Muddy York
Cecil Smith at the Toronto Skating Club, 1931.
In 1924, at the age of 15, Cecil became the first Canadian female ever to participate at the Olympic Winter Games. In 1930, she became the first Canadian to win a World championship figure skating medal, bringing home silver.
https://ow.ly/yBJH50Y8Xae
In 1924, at the age of 15, Cecil became the first Canadian female ever to participate at the Olympic Winter Games. In 1930, she became the first Canadian to win a World championship figure skating medal, bringing home silver.
https://ow.ly/yBJH50Y8Xae
February 9, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Cecil Smith at the Toronto Skating Club, 1931.
In 1924, at the age of 15, Cecil became the first Canadian female ever to participate at the Olympic Winter Games. In 1930, she became the first Canadian to win a World championship figure skating medal, bringing home silver.
https://ow.ly/yBJH50Y8Xae
In 1924, at the age of 15, Cecil became the first Canadian female ever to participate at the Olympic Winter Games. In 1930, she became the first Canadian to win a World championship figure skating medal, bringing home silver.
https://ow.ly/yBJH50Y8Xae
On this date in 1899, the Queen Street Bridge over the Don River was closed for eight days as a result of flooding caused by ice flows.
February 9, 2026 at 12:09 PM
On this date in 1899, the Queen Street Bridge over the Don River was closed for eight days as a result of flooding caused by ice flows.
On this date in 1923, ten people were killed by a gas leak in the valve house of the Consumers Gas plant on Eastern Avenue.
February 8, 2026 at 1:05 PM
On this date in 1923, ten people were killed by a gas leak in the valve house of the Consumers Gas plant on Eastern Avenue.
Reposted by Muddy York
100 years ago today: Guests of a masquerade party held by the Bank of Montreal in Toronto - Feb 7, 1926. (Part 1)
#OTD #OnThisDay #1920s #masquerade #costumeparty #history #torontohistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
#OTD #OnThisDay #1920s #masquerade #costumeparty #history #torontohistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
February 7, 2026 at 10:19 PM
100 years ago today: Guests of a masquerade party held by the Bank of Montreal in Toronto - Feb 7, 1926. (Part 1)
#OTD #OnThisDay #1920s #masquerade #costumeparty #history #torontohistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
#OTD #OnThisDay #1920s #masquerade #costumeparty #history #torontohistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
On this date in 1976, Darryl Sittler set an NHL record by scoring 10 points in a game against the Boston Bruins.
February 7, 2026 at 1:46 PM
On this date in 1976, Darryl Sittler set an NHL record by scoring 10 points in a game against the Boston Bruins.
On this date in 1952, Toronto’s first 11 parking meters were installed on the west side of James Street. By the end of the week, 1,300 metres had been installed, not just on James Street.
February 6, 2026 at 2:26 PM
On this date in 1952, Toronto’s first 11 parking meters were installed on the west side of James Street. By the end of the week, 1,300 metres had been installed, not just on James Street.
Reposted by Muddy York
Part 1 in a 2-part series by Cheryl Thompson on reggae legend Jimmy Cliff's connection to Toronto. #TOpoli #BlackHistoryMonth
spacing.ca/toronto/2026...
spacing.ca/toronto/2026...
Jimmy Cliff and the roots of Toronto's reggae scene, Part 1 - Spacing Toronto
On November 24, 2025, Jamaican reggae legend Jimmy Cliff (né James Chambers) died at age 81. Twenty years prior, Cliff became only the fourth reggae artist to receive the Order of Merit (2003) – the h...
spacing.ca
February 4, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Part 1 in a 2-part series by Cheryl Thompson on reggae legend Jimmy Cliff's connection to Toronto. #TOpoli #BlackHistoryMonth
spacing.ca/toronto/2026...
spacing.ca/toronto/2026...
Reposted by Muddy York
From Bay Street brokerage firms to Communist spy.
Jennifer Miles is just one of the spies we'll be talking about in SECRET TORONTO: SPIES, TRAITORS & UNDERCOVER AGENTS.
The new online course starts Thursday night — pay what you like! tinyurl.com/secretTOreg
Jennifer Miles is just one of the spies we'll be talking about in SECRET TORONTO: SPIES, TRAITORS & UNDERCOVER AGENTS.
The new online course starts Thursday night — pay what you like! tinyurl.com/secretTOreg
February 3, 2026 at 1:10 AM
From Bay Street brokerage firms to Communist spy.
Jennifer Miles is just one of the spies we'll be talking about in SECRET TORONTO: SPIES, TRAITORS & UNDERCOVER AGENTS.
The new online course starts Thursday night — pay what you like! tinyurl.com/secretTOreg
Jennifer Miles is just one of the spies we'll be talking about in SECRET TORONTO: SPIES, TRAITORS & UNDERCOVER AGENTS.
The new online course starts Thursday night — pay what you like! tinyurl.com/secretTOreg
Black slavery arrived in Canada with the loyalists. This is the story of the people who were enslaved, the woman whose defiance prompted the government to take action, and the threats of enslavement faced by Black Torontonians even after emancipation.
spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Q8rOOSuvs0b
spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Q8rOOSuvs0b
History of Black Slavery in Toronto by Muddy York: A Toronto History Podcast
Black slavery arrived in Canada with the loyalists. It would be limited in 1793, but not fully abolished until 1834. This is the story of the people who were enslaved, the woman whose defiance prompte...
spotifycreators-web.app.link
February 3, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Black slavery arrived in Canada with the loyalists. This is the story of the people who were enslaved, the woman whose defiance prompted the government to take action, and the threats of enslavement faced by Black Torontonians even after emancipation.
spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Q8rOOSuvs0b
spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Q8rOOSuvs0b
On this date in 1901, “At the request of City Council, memorial services are to be held throughout the city today in tribute to Queen Victoria who died January 22. Places of business and entertainment will remain closed until sundown.”
February 2, 2026 at 11:56 AM
On this date in 1901, “At the request of City Council, memorial services are to be held throughout the city today in tribute to Queen Victoria who died January 22. Places of business and entertainment will remain closed until sundown.”
Reposted by Muddy York
Toronto Concert History: 55 years ago tonight - February 1, 1971 - Chicago play Maple Leaf Gardens.
February 1, 2026 at 7:41 PM
Toronto Concert History: 55 years ago tonight - February 1, 1971 - Chicago play Maple Leaf Gardens.
On this date in 1996, Traders premiered on Global set at the Toronto brokerage firm of Gardner/Ross.
February 1, 2026 at 1:49 PM
On this date in 1996, Traders premiered on Global set at the Toronto brokerage firm of Gardner/Ross.
January 31 – On this date in 1907, Timothy Eaton died at his mansion at 182 Lowther Street.
January 31, 2026 at 12:23 PM
January 31 – On this date in 1907, Timothy Eaton died at his mansion at 182 Lowther Street.
Reposted by Muddy York
Jan 30, 1947: Lone workman has huge task in clearing snow from steps of York County registry office as Toronto struggled to dig out from under drifting snow which blanketed city.
📸: Unknown
Toronto Star Archive / Toronto Public Library
#OnThisDay #1940s #snow #torontohistory #jeremyhopkin
📸: Unknown
Toronto Star Archive / Toronto Public Library
#OnThisDay #1940s #snow #torontohistory #jeremyhopkin
January 30, 2026 at 10:56 PM
Jan 30, 1947: Lone workman has huge task in clearing snow from steps of York County registry office as Toronto struggled to dig out from under drifting snow which blanketed city.
📸: Unknown
Toronto Star Archive / Toronto Public Library
#OnThisDay #1940s #snow #torontohistory #jeremyhopkin
📸: Unknown
Toronto Star Archive / Toronto Public Library
#OnThisDay #1940s #snow #torontohistory #jeremyhopkin
On this date in 1815, John Strachan sent a letter to Thomas Jefferson arguing that the burning of Washington DC was a justifiable retaliation for American depredations during the War of 1812 including the occupation of York.
January 30, 2026 at 12:14 PM
On this date in 1815, John Strachan sent a letter to Thomas Jefferson arguing that the burning of Washington DC was a justifiable retaliation for American depredations during the War of 1812 including the occupation of York.
Reposted by Muddy York
Studying Etobicoke's past? Join the Archives and other community partners this evening at Councillor Crisanti's Etobicoke North Historical Night!
Thursday January 29, 5-7pm
Thistletown Community Centre, 925 Albion Road.
Thursday January 29, 5-7pm
Thistletown Community Centre, 925 Albion Road.
![Black and white photo of high school students working in pairs at lab tables in a science classroom. Clothing and hairstyles are typical of the late 1950s or early 1960s.
Thistletown Collegiate Institute science class, [196-?]
Fonds 213, Series 497, Subseries 1, File 84, Item 1](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cw7ljgrm5eiujymoiwpy4jua/bafkreigkf3q6e4fec3ocrnx7uhnmxqt5eu3gmdtdjz2rysduz4agqvu7fm@jpeg)
January 29, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Studying Etobicoke's past? Join the Archives and other community partners this evening at Councillor Crisanti's Etobicoke North Historical Night!
Thursday January 29, 5-7pm
Thistletown Community Centre, 925 Albion Road.
Thursday January 29, 5-7pm
Thistletown Community Centre, 925 Albion Road.