The History of Long Branch, Ontario 1884 - 1984

Former West End Summer Resort on Lake Ontario is Now Part of Toronto

Aug 2, 2009 Heather Zorzini

Long Branch Park was once an exclusive summer vacation site catering to Toronto's elite. The reason for its success was also one of the main causes of its decline.

Entrepeneur Thomas J. Wilkie, known as the founder of Long Branch, created his resort as a practical solution to the problems of summer time travel in an era before cars and highways.

In those days,Torontonians ventured to the shores of Muskoka, the Kawarthas and Georgian Bay. But journeys by train, stagecoach and steamer were a traumatic ordeal. Weekend visits were impossible and many businessmen, unable to to spend lengthy periods away from their offices, could not vacation with their families.

Wilkie's Long Branch Park was only a 45 minute sail from the foot of Yonge Street.

The Naming of Long Branch, Ontario

According to the book Villages of Etobicoke, the original 1884 plan showed 219 cottage lots and Sea Breeze Park. It comprised 64 acres south of what is now Lakeshore Blvd. W. between 33rd and 35th Streets. The name was later changed to Long Branch Park.

There are at least six "authentic" versions as to how the area was named. Wilkie, an American, is reputed to have visited Long Branch, New Jersey, which was established as a summer resort before Long Branch, Ontario. This is the most probable story.

The Architecture of Long Branch

No expense was spared in the park's elaborate design. Fountains, lawns, gravel walks, swings, tennis and croquet lawns, boat houses, a pavillion and a Coney Island carousel were constructed for the amusement of the cottagers. As well, a toboggan water slide, the first in Canada, provided recreation and entertainment for both the bather and the onlooker.

In addition, Wilkie sold 250 choice wooded villa lots, most of them 50 feet wide and 150 feet deep. Fashionable Queen Anne-style cottages with turrets, peaked roofs and shady, wrap-around verandas soon appeared, designed by some of Toronto's most prominent architects.

Visitors could also stay at the Hotel Long Branch, an elegant building with Japanese balconies and pagoda towers. The 1889 Souvenir Guide boasts that the hotel was "lighted by electricity, has electric bells, and speaking tubes in every room, and a private telephone wire to Toronto." Rates were $2.50 a day and $10-15.00 per week.

Long Branch Park Cottage Life in the 1880s

Summers at Long Branch Park were considerably different from cottage living today.

The entire resort was surrounded by a high iron fence to to keep out rowdy intruders. Intoxicating beverages were not allowed on the grounds and the Sabbath was strictly observed with closed gates and quiet shores. Religious services and Sunday school instruction were held in the pavillion and were well attended.

Long Branch Park soon became a popular destination for Toronto's elite. In the summer of 1888, steamships including White Star and Greyhound brought more than 50,000 pleasure seekers. By 1894, vacationers could also travel by streetcar.

Long Branch Park Becomes Long Branch Village

Eventually, the main reason for Long Branch Park's success - it's closeness to Toronto - caused it's decline as a seasonal resort. Although the cottage era lasted until the 1930s, permanent residential development in surrounding areas began as early as 1910 and many summer homes were winterized for full time use.

Around 1915-1916 Long Branch's main road, the Lakeshore Highway, became the first concrete slab highway in Canada. At the same time, the first flying school in Canada, the Long Branch Curtis School began to train airmen for duty in World War I.

September 6, 1924 was opening day at the Long Branch Race Track. December 19, 1924 was opening night at the Long Branch Royal Theatre. The Long Branch Fire Department, a volunteer unit, was established that year. When the village incorporated in 1931, it gained a police force as well.

Unwelcome Changes in Long Branch

In 1954, Hurricane Hazel swept through the lakefront community, taking seven lives and more than forty homes. The Hotel Long Branch burned to the ground a year later. And the earlier opening of the Queen Elizabeth Way eventually reduced traffic along the Lakeshore Highway to a mere trickle.

In an attempt to attract more residents and presumably more business for local shopkeepers, Long Branch by-laws were amended to allow multi-family dwellings. Lots had to be a minimum of 50 feet wide and most of the larger properties were occupied by old cottages.

In the end, many gracious summer homes fell to make way for boxy duplexes. Along with them went giant oaks, pines and maples. An idyllic era of picnics and parasols all but vanished.

Long Branch Community Spirit

Today, Long Branch's boundaries are the CN Rail line on the north, Lake Ontario to the south, Etobicoke Creek to the west and 23rd Street on the east. Though it has been part of the city of Toronto since 1954, it's residents maintain a strong sense of community. Wilkie's original vision has evolved into a full-time neighbourhood with easy access to downtown Toronto and the benefits of a resort-like setting.

The copyright of the article The History of Long Branch, Ontario 1884 - 1984 in Canadian History is owned by Heather Zorzini. Permission to republish The History of Long Branch, Ontario 1884 - 1984 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Thomas J. Wilkie - Founder of Long Branch, Ontario	Hotel Long Branch, Ontario	Long Branch Pier, Ontario
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