Historic Postal Station 'G' 1913-1975 / Heritage Town Hall
Historic Postal Station 'G'
This fine Neo-Classical building constructed of sandstone, a landmark in South Riverdale since its opening in 1913 as Postal Station 'G'. It was designed by E.J. Lennox.
The Clock
In 1995 the Ralph Thornton Centre Board of Management undertook a special fundraising campaign to restore the clock, giving back to the local community, and to Queen Street commuters, their historic time piece which had been still since 1979. This is a flat bed turret clock with pinwheel escapement, designed by Joyce and Co. of Whitchurch, U.K. and built by Smiths of Surrey, U.K. in 1913. Restored in 1995 by Lloyd Hovey of Toronto through the generosity of the Tennison family in the memory of Mr. Arthur Tennison who was the head Stone Mason in the construction of this building.
Town Hall and Cultural Centre
During its first 63 years the "Old Post Office" made the upper floors available for various community purposes from time to time. Woodgreen Community Centre got its start here with a boxing ring on the top floor. In 1979 Toronto City Council established the South Riverdale Neighbourhood Improvement Project, which recommended that the building be acquired as a multi-purpose community facility, to include the Queen-Salter Library and the South Riverdale Child Parent Centre. In 1980 Toronto City Council signed a 20 year lease with the Federal Government for the "Old Post Office" and adopted a By-law establishing a community centre to be operated by a Board of Management elected by the community at an annual general meeting.
The official opening was held on Valentine's Day in 1981. It is the indispensable meeting place for almost every organization in the South Riverdale area and the catalytic incubating ground for innumerable new efforts at community betterment.
Ralph Thornton
Ralph Thornton a beloved community leader who lived on Hamilton Street and was involved for over 50 years in many campaigns fighting for the rights of ordinary people against insensitive governments at all levels. He was deeply involved in the Greater Riverdale mass-based organizing effort in the 1970's, bringing "power to the people". Ralph died in September 1975.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.