This is what Toronto looked like in the 1930s

Toronto of the 1930s was as photographically rich as it was economically poor.

The stock market crash of 1929 had profound effect on Torontonians and by 1933, the unemployment rate in the city was a whopping 30 per cent, and those that did have jobs saw their wages drop by as much as 60 per cent.

Despite the financial climate, however, the decade did witness the construction of a number of major architectural landmarks.

The beautiful Canadian Bank of Commerce Building (now Commerce Court North) was the tallest in the British Empire upon its completion in 1930 (and remained so until 1962), while Maple Leaf Gardens and the Canada Life Building opened in 1931.

College Park was also completed at the beginning of the decade, though construction had begun in 1928.

In 1930s Toronto Eaton's was the place to shop, Peter Witt streetcars were common on city streets, and a ticket to watch the Leafs play was 75 cents.

Here's what it all looked like.

The skyline in the 1930s is vastly different than today's view. 

An aerial shot of downtown, 1930s.

Looking north up Bay, 1930

Airship and Canadian Bank of Commerce Building, 1930

Carlton approaching College (before realignment), 1930

The Don River (Brick Works in the background), 1931

Eaton's Round Room, 1931

St. Andrew's Market on Adelaide, 1932

Yonge Street Mission, 1933

Birks Jewelers, 1934

Canada Life Building (and Osgoode Hall), 1934

Maple Leaf Gardens, 1934

Leslie Beach (replaced by the Spit), 1935

Yonge looking south at the Jolly Miller Tavern, 1936

Toronto Stock Exchange, 1937

Window shopping at Eaton's, 1937

Yonge looking north at Charles, 1938

Gerrard and Yonge, 1938

Yonge looking south from Bloor, 1938

Malton Airport (now Pearson International), 1939

Cottage-style housing on Vanauley Street, 1939

by Staff via blogTO