Toronto's News: Vintage photographs of snow in Toronto

Friday, January 13, 2012

Vintage photographs of snow in Toronto

You could be forgiven if you had almost forgotten what Toronto looks like covered in snow until waking up this morning to see a fresh dusting laid across the city. Although not a major snowfall event, it seems like winter was due 'round these parts, so more than a few people will likely welcome the precipitation despite the inconveniences that come along with it. I'd count myself among this group, not the least of which because I can skip making a trip into the office if I'm not up for a messy commute.
Even if the last couple seasons haven't served up a whole lot of winter precipitation, it's probably fair to say that the experience of dealing with snow is still somehow crucial to understanding what life is like in Toronto. From the massive storms of 1999 and 1944 to navigating slippery streets to the simple act of shovelling, snow is hardwired into the city's historical consciousness.
For proof of this, I've put together a collection of vintage photographs of snow and snowstorms in Toronto. I intentionally kept the majority of these photos out of my look back at various winter activities in this city, believing that each deserved its own entry in our ongoing history of Toronto in photos. For those complaining about today's accumulation, some of the shots below might provide some comforting perspective on how much worse it can be.
PHOTOS