Spadina (1984)

This video is a documentary film by David Troster that documents the history of the Jewish community in Toronto, specifically the Spadina and Kensington Market neighbourhoods. The video incorporates interviews with members of the community, archival moving image and still footage, and Troster's narration.
Cette vidéo est un documentaire de David Troster qui relate l'histoire de la communauté juive de Toronto, plus particulièrement les quartiers de Spadina et du marché Kensington. Cette vidéo intègre des entrevues avec les membres de la communauté, des images animées et fixes d'archives et la narration de M. Troster.
C 56-1-0-5-8
ontario.ca/archives
This archival video does not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Ontario today.
Cette vidéo d'archives ne représente pas nécessairement l'opinion du gouvernement de l'Ontario d'aujourd'hui.

[@bodaciousbiker]

This is a real gem of a documentary chronicling the rich Jewish history of Toronto's old garment district around Spadina Ave. As fascinating as the history and archival images are, the greatest changes to Spadina and its sidestreets have occurred in the 39 years from 1984 to the present. It's amazing to see a somewhat gritty, lowrise Spadina without streetcars (they'd be reintroduced in 1990 in their own right of way)), and though there's still a bit of grit to be found, today highrises are popping up all over and it is now one of the city's must see streets. To say that there's a dearth of films documenting the history of Canada's largest city is an understatement, so finding a film like this is a real treat...the fact that only a little over 34,000 have viewed it on TH-cam is a real shame!

[@jeffmclean9411]

Wow , I was 16 in 1984. Loved the 80s. This is great

[@photographingtoronto2350]

Really great work, a tribute to Toronto and all those who made the City their home.

[@brynaweiss6261]

My dad and my grandfather are in this what the heck how am I just finding this out now??

[@tamara_diamonds422]

Where ? What number ?

[@saarmendel5645]

@@tamara_diamonds422 i think its my grandfather in 42:09 Sammy.

[@jeffmclean9411]

Lol , awesome

[@RuthlessTragedy]

Wonderful historical documentary on Toronto 👌👏

[@francesgruber5206]

My grandparents owned many houses and some stores on Leonard Avenue and in the Kensingron Market. I went sometimes to collect rent with my mother. We would also pick up chicken and eggs. The rents were as low as $25 a month. We were reform Jews and belonged to Holy Blossom Temple. When it moved to Bathurst Street ...It was called "Church on the Hill"..

[@rusroyce]

What a good time to look back at 😥

[@bearjanman]

I was a friend and also worked for David Troster in the late 80's.

[@resolution55555]

I wan't to go back to 1984.

[@CeliOsaka]

Just came back from the screening at Makom and St Georg Lutheran Church. I remember this Spadina from my childhood.

[@denisethepainterNarc-FreeZone]

The Bagel just west, a few yards from Spadins on the south Ssde, was a tremendous Jewish Deli. Switzes rDeli oo on Spadina ...west side of street.

[@temperhollow7716]

I miss United Bakery and Switzter's Deli among all of the other great businesses that are long gone.

[@steweslaxe-ts6fg]

agree, many great eateries gone

[@garybluestone2200]

Does anyone know the name of the Klezmer music composition used in the beginning and at the end of this documentary.

[@darrenmichaloski]

@garybluestone2200, the song is called 'A Glezele Vayn' (A Glass of Wine). There's a version recorded by The Klezmorim. Musician Ben Mink (who has Jewish roots) mentioned this song when he participated in the CBC My Playlist with JJ LaBorde - Feb 9, 2020.

[@PatFrenchLeafsFan1]

Any stuff that shows railway crossings on the spur lines in Toronto including GO Train, Via Rail & CP?

[@ArchivesOfOntario]

Hi Pat,
You can search for descriptions of other archival footage in our holdings using the “Advanced Search” option of our online Archives Descriptive Database, accessible at: ao.minisisinc.com/scripts/mwimain.dll?get&file=[ARCHON]search.htm.
Here you can search for Files and Items or Groups of Archival records using keywords and refine your search to footage by selecting Moving Images under Choose format.
When searching the database, you will want to think about who created or accumulated the footage and how the footage might be described. You will also want to consider when the footage might have been taken and for what purpose.
If you have any further questions you can contact a Reference Archivist by email at: [e-mail]

[@denisethepainterNarc-FreeZone]

Remember The Sticky Wicket pub by Top Cuts?

[@michaelchownyk5255]

Does anybody remember Joseph Gutman furs ? Or Kriss and agar furs?
Specializing in matched bundles of Persian lamb

[@D_isco_D_ancer]

*39:00** That is a huge stain in Canada's government. Its very contrasting to nowadays.*

[@tdunph4250]

There is A LOT of huge stains on Canada and it's government. You can't apologize to everyone. Nowadays, everyone is a victim. .

[@richmoney9348]

Now its chinatown

[@steweslaxe-ts6fg]

multicultural bets the melting pot. always nice to see others retain their heritage .

[@tyronestreete7676]

My father worked as a porter for Canadian National and entered his job site at the bottom of Spadina-the Spadina Yards

[@alongthebluff]

I have no idea how they thought back then, the cigarette smoke stinking up and ruined those cloths.

[@SeanStanley1986]

alongthebluff they had soap. Hahahaa

[@oldepersonne]

Everybody in the world smoked then so nobody noticed the smell

[@edwardbliss8931]

I wonder what they would think about all the Looney and souvenir stores

[@captk5535]

Mynameischef

[@khachaturian100]

Living as a Jew in Canada has become a nightmare. Thank you Socialism.

[@allasmolnikova5051]

Гкг

[@tamara_diamonds422]

Most came from somewhere else. You mean all but the Native American.

[@TMBpk]

The first Nations themselves came from Siberia during the ice land bridge.