[URBAN NOTE] "The heroes of Howland Avenue"
The Toronto Star's Paul Hunter describes how one street in the Annex was devastated by the loss of its young men in the First World War.
They grew up on the same West Annex street, a few doors from each other; boyhood pals, then teenaged running mates. Four of them attended Harbord Collegiate together.
They had names like Billy, Kenny and Cecil, a champion runner who may have been the best athlete of the gang. Though young Eustace, part of a provincial rugby championship, would have argued that.
Life was good on Howland Ave.
There were about 35 red-brick houses, many with impressive gables, on each side of the first block north from Bloor St. to Barton Ave. It was a place where neighbours looked out for neighbours. And a time when the future seemed boundless.
Soon, as what happens with childhood friends, the boys became young men and left their tree-lined street to find their own way.
Soon, most would be dead.
Swept up in patriotic fervour, they signed on to serve King and country in the First World War.
There is much more at the Star.
They grew up on the same West Annex street, a few doors from each other; boyhood pals, then teenaged running mates. Four of them attended Harbord Collegiate together.
They had names like Billy, Kenny and Cecil, a champion runner who may have been the best athlete of the gang. Though young Eustace, part of a provincial rugby championship, would have argued that.
Life was good on Howland Ave.
There were about 35 red-brick houses, many with impressive gables, on each side of the first block north from Bloor St. to Barton Ave. It was a place where neighbours looked out for neighbours. And a time when the future seemed boundless.
Soon, as what happens with childhood friends, the boys became young men and left their tree-lined street to find their own way.
Soon, most would be dead.
Swept up in patriotic fervour, they signed on to serve King and country in the First World War.
There is much more at the Star.