Discover Toronto's history as told through its plaques

2004 - Now in our 12th Year - 2016

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History of 840 St. Clair West

Photos and transcription by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted September, 2016

In an eastbound TTC shelter on St. Clair West, east of Winona Drive, can be found this plaque. Here's what it says:

Coordinates: 43.680313 -79.432146

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This building was initially constructed by Shaarei Shomayim, a congregation that broke away from Beth Israel Synagogue who had been holding services on MacKay Avenue and Christie Street.
By 1936, with a membership of 186 people, Shomayim purchased land at 840 St. Clair Avenue West and moved into their new location - "the cellar only". It was also the first schul in Toronto to construct a Talmud Torah building. Over the years, the congregation grew and the Jewish population moved north. Since 1975, the Hungarian Canadian Cultural Centre has called 840 St. Clair Avenue West home. Fleeing an oppressive Communist regime, about 38,000 Hungarian refugees came to Canada between 1956-9, with about half remaining in Toronto.
Just like the previous owner of this building, the centre has become a cultural and educational hub for Toronto Hungarians and the wider community. The Arany János Hungarian School helps to pass on the culture to our youth. There are also lively celebrations, grand balls, and humanitarian initiatives, all which have contributed a piece of the puzzle to the ethnic mosaic that Toronto can be proud of.

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> Posted September 21, 2016
The building at 840 St. Clair West has been demolished, and a condominium is planned for the site as of 2016. Photos on this panel include an exterior of the building, and a chandelier in the shape of the crown of St. Stephen, king and patron saint of Hungary. -Wayne

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