Building the Bloor St Viaduct – looking west in 1917
Toronto. …. with a nod to Christie’s tag line for the idea.
If you have ever crossed the Don Valley on Bloor or Danforth, you used the Bloor Viaduct shown here at left (July 18, 1917) while it was under construction. Forward thinking city officials added a passageway below the road level for future use as a subway (in use today). The photograph in 1917 was taken by city employee Arthur Goss on that sunny summer’s day.
Arthur Goss was the first city photographer, hired well over a century ago to record the works of various city departments. Surprisingly, Mr Goss was not just a recorder, but a true photographer. He was City Photographer from 1911 to 1940 (when he died). His works are held in the City Archives (once the Records & Archives Division of the City Clerk’s Department at City Hall).
In early 1980, the City of Toronto Archives exhibited an overview of his work in the Market Gallery. The event included an illustrated brochure with a foreword by his friend, artist A J Casson of the ‘Group of Seven’. The two met at the Arts and Letters club (downtown on Elm street these days).
Those readers who collect photo memorabilia should visit our 2025 events. While we can’t say you will find a Goss photo (many are available at the city archives …), you are sure to find items that complement your collection. Our coming event is the fabulous fall fair to be held October 19th this year. For full details, see PHSC News 25-7 or this web site (closer to the event).
