On 15 March 1827 everyone's favourite university was founded. Obviously a lot has changed over the last 188 years, but in some ways, U of T has stayed exactly the same over to this day. One of my favourite things about U of T is thinking about how many generations of students have walked the same halls that we walk today. My first post on this blog was my way of looking back at U of T using pictures from U of T's archives, and in honour of U of T's birthday I've created a few more pictures showing U of T in the past versus how it looks today!
First up: Innis College in 1980 featuring some very retro cars. If someone would like to gift me that fabulous orange bug I would not complain. (Source)Nursing students in 1920/1921 on the steps of UC. (source)Some hip students hanging in the UC Quad back in 1968. (source)oh no big deal, just a tank (!!) on the lawn of UC in 1950. (source) Here's another tank in 1948.This picture of an intramural men's soccer game in 1951 could have been taken last fall if it weren't for the old cars in the background (or the length of the shorts). (source)Seems that Lash Miller has gotten an addition since 1963. (source)This shows a faculty of medicine float passing in front of Knox college in 1941. (source)
(In putting together this post I really wanted to use this picture of students playing chess in Hart House but I could not find this spot. If anyone knows where these windows are let me know in the comments below!)
bonus fun (because what's a party without games?): In honour of the University's birthday, U of T Magazine put together a quiz to test your U of T knowledge! I thought I knew a lot about U of T but I failed miserably at it. See if you can beat my abysmal score of 44%!
These are amazing!! Doing this kind of before and after picture project is one of my big goals for this summer, because I’m obsessed with the buildings on campus. If only I had your digital overlay skills though…
I keep a lookout for that window at Hart House. Thanks!
I’m so happy I found this post! The pictures you created are amazing!
I am a member of the UTHS (University of Toronto History Society – a non-profit organization dedicated to researching and publishing the University’s history), and we’re planning an event to celebrate U of T’s 190th birthday this year. We are in desperate need of some promotional material, and your pictures would really help us out! Would you mind if we used them?
I really like the balloon above the head of John Ireton (right front). And Chancellor Meredith carrying the cake. I wonder if they would be amused?
Haha I hope they would be. they look like they saw a good party or two in their day! Also I’m impressed at your knowledge of who they are!
These are amazing!! Doing this kind of before and after picture project is one of my big goals for this summer, because I’m obsessed with the buildings on campus. If only I had your digital overlay skills though…
I keep a lookout for that window at Hart House. Thanks!
Thank you! good luck on your project, I’m sure it will be great! 🙂
Hi Amie!
I’m so happy I found this post! The pictures you created are amazing!
I am a member of the UTHS (University of Toronto History Society – a non-profit organization dedicated to researching and publishing the University’s history), and we’re planning an event to celebrate U of T’s 190th birthday this year. We are in desperate need of some promotional material, and your pictures would really help us out! Would you mind if we used them?
If you can, please get in touch with us! We would love to have you on our team! You can find us on Facebook or visit our website: https://uofthistorysociety.wordpress.com/home/contact/
Hi Bella,
I’m glad you like my pictures! I’m not a member of the Student Life team anymore but feel free to use them (so long as you give credit somewhere)!