Many of us are drawn to the past, and in particular, local history, though few of us make it our life’s work. Those who do are keenly aware that the past informs the present, and that the stories revealed by our shared experience deepen our sense of place. Toronto Island resident Albert Fulton was one of those people.
Albert Fulton spent the better part of his life chronicling the oral, visual, and written history of two communities in Toronto: Wychwood Park and Toronto Island.
During the course of writing Along the Shore, I had the privilege of spending many hours pouring over Albert’s extensive Island collection, which is now housed, along with the Wychwood Park material, at the City of Toronto Archives.
The Island archival information is divided into a number of categories, among them the Presentation albums, which meticulously detail the property history of each of the homes on Algonquin and Ward’s Island. Also of interest are the Toronto Island Resident’s Association (TIRA) records, that outline the lengthy fight of residents to remain on the Island, and the deal that was ultimately struck that allowed them to stay. I found the series of over 700 subject files particularly useful, on topics as diverse as geology and the formation of the Island, to First Nations presence, and shipwrecks.
Both of these collections will undoubtedly deepen our understanding of Toronto and add to our sense of place. Well done Albert, and thank you.
I am told that the Island material is currently being catalogued, and will be available to researchers in late spring of this year, though some photographs from this holding are now on display at the New Acquisitions Corner at the Archives, http://www.toronto.ca/archives/
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I would like some history on the Collins family Mary,Harold,Betty,Bill,
Larry,Gerry &Susan.
All are deceased,Iwas married to Susan,and I think they lived in one
of the Gooderham estate houses on Lakeshore Ave.
Any help would be appreciated
Hi Robert,
Please see my comments to Bruce Baker, below. The City of Toronto Archives is one of your best bets for information on the family. Albert Fulton kept files on each municipal address. Perhaps you could find out some information on your extended family through this route.
looking 4 info on manitiou hotel that burnt to thr ground in the 50’s
we have 3 paintings that where bought there –the remains of the fire. I lived on Hanlans Point–thanks Bruce
Hi Bruce,
I’m replying to your inquiry awfully late — somehow I missed this question earlier. Two great sources of information are the City of Toronto Archives (that now houses the Island collection of the late Albert Fulton) and Sally Gibson’s classic, More Than an Island.